Monday, July 7

"We're not lazy, we're locked out"

"We're not lazy, we're locked out": A generation's cry for a chance in a world they didn't create

A wave of profound frustration is sweeping through the younger generation today, particularly in their pursuit of internships. They have been unfairly labeled as lazy, as not wanting 'regular jobs.' Yet, their message is starkly different: they are desperately seeking opportunities in a system that appears to be rigged against them. This is not laziness; it's a plea for assistance from a generation that feels profoundly misunderstood by those who hold the reins of its future.

The frustration begins with the advice they receive from older generations, including Millennials and Boomers. "They tell us what to do based on their experiences from 20-30 years ago," a young person said. This advice, though well-meaning, feels meaningless. It originates from a period of economic growth when education was affordable, housing was accessible, and a stable career was a genuine possibility.

Today's youth face a drastically different landscape. They are the first generation in recent memory to start their adult lives burdened with overwhelming student debt, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. They navigate a world characterized by war, ongoing economic uncertainty, soaring interest rates, and the lingering effects of a global pandemic. "They never had to start their lives like this," the testimony continues, pointing out that, while previous generations experienced economic crashes, they also enjoyed long periods of growth. For Gen Z, instability feels like the norm.

This generational gap isn't just about money; it also encompasses technological and cultural differences. A deep frustration stems from the perception that those in power are incompetent. "The same people who build a course to teach us Word struggle to use Zoom," one person noted, recalling an hour lost because a boss couldn't log into an account. The irony is apparent: the generations that witnessed the birth of the first computer, the iPhone, and social media now require assistance from the youth they label as "lazy." "You have had Twitter longer than we have. Why do we have to explain how that stuff works? You were too lazy to explore."

This sense of being more skilled and curious is a core part of who they are. "Exploring is what makes us Gen Z so good," they say. However, when they use this curiosity—or when voices like Greta Thunberg leverage it to challenge the status quo—they are silenced, criticized, or dismissed as "delusional children."

The new generation is told that they lack a work ethic, but their reality is a relentless cycle of applying and facing rejection. "We send dozens of applications, hoping to be considered," they say. "It is not possible to say we're lazy when those who hold the opportunity keep it to themselves."

Ignoring this cry is a grave business mistake. This generation isn't just whining; it's highlighting a systemic problem and, in doing so, demonstrating its great worth.



First-year students are not lacking in experience! 

While they may not have traditional work histories, the current generation of incoming university students has grown up in an incredibly dynamic environment, equipping them with a unique set of 'built-in' experiences and skills that are often overlooked.

Here are some key areas where their upbringing has provided them with invaluable, often overlooked, expertise:

Digital Fluency and Technological Adaptability: Unlike earlier generations who learned technology later, today's first-year students are digital natives. They've grown up with smartphones, the internet, and social media as essential parts of their lives. This results in an instinctive understanding of digital interfaces, online communication, and information retrieval.

Rapid Tech Adoption and Troubleshooting: They've seen and adapted to numerous technological changes – new apps, platforms, devices, and trends. This ongoing exposure has developed a strong ability to learn new software quickly, troubleshoot common technical problems, and adapt to changing digital environments.

Information Curation and Filtering (albeit with caveats): While they may need guidance on source credibility, they are skilled at sorting through large amounts of online information, identifying trends, and locating specific data points, even if it's for entertainment or social purposes.

Social connectivity and global awareness; hyper-connectedness and Network Building: Social media has trained them in creating and maintaining extensive, often geographically diverse, social networks. They understand the subtleties of online communities, digital etiquette, and how to use platforms for connection and collaboration.

Exposure to diverse perspectives through online interactions, news feeds, and global content has enabled them to become aware of a broader range of cultures, viewpoints, and social issues than previous generations at their age, fostering greater empathy and a more global perspective.

Advocacy and digital activism: Many have participated in or observed online social movements, petitions, and discussions about current events, often leading to a developing understanding of collective action, advocacy, and the influence of digital platforms on social change.

Navigating complexity and rapid change and adapting to information overload because they've grown up in an era of constant information bombardment. While it can be overwhelming, it has also pushed them to develop strategies for filtering, prioritizing, and managing information.

Multitasking (and "Context Switching" ): Managing multiple digital platforms, communication channels, and academic tasks simultaneously is often second nature to them. This "context switching" skill can be a valuable asset in a fast-paced academic or professional setting.

Resilience in the Face of Disruption (e.g., Pandemic): The recent Pandemic, in particular, forced this generation to adapt to sudden and dramatic changes in education, social interaction, and daily life. They navigated online learning, social isolation, and ongoing uncertainty, demonstrating a unique form of resilience that is truly admirable.

Entrepreneurial mindset and self-directed learning (emerging), DIY Culture and Resourcefulness: The abundance of online tutorials (YouTube, TikTok, etc.) has fostered a "do-it-yourself" mentality. Many are accustomed to seeking out information and learning new skills independently to solve problems or pursue interests.

Personal branding and content creation: Many young people have experience creating and curating digital content, such as videos, posts, and stories, for individual expression or engagement, showing an understanding of audience, storytelling, and digital communication strategies.

Side hustles and online commerce: Even if they aren't formal "jobs," many people participate in online buying and selling, content monetization (such as small-scale streaming), or creative projects that involve digital tools and audience engagement, showing an entrepreneurial spirit.

Familial and social dynamics: Many people have grown up in various family setups, which can promote adaptability and an understanding of different social dynamics.

Increased parental involvement (often): While sometimes viewed negatively, increased parental involvement can also mean that children have been exposed to more adult conversations about finances, careers, and decision-making at an earlier age.

In essence, while they may not have a traditional resume, the current generation of first-year students possesses a wealth of experiential knowledge gained from growing up in a digitally saturated, rapidly changing, and globally connected world.

Recognizing and utilizing these "built-in" experiences can change how educators and employers view and interact with them.


Why companies must listen and open doors

They are inherently adaptable and resilient, forged in uncertainty; they excel at pivoting. They understand a world in flux because it's the only one they've ever known, making them invaluable assets in a volatile global market.

They possess unmatched digital fluency: Their frustration with their superiors' tech skills isn't arrogance; it's a fact. They have an intuitive understanding of the digital world that companies spend millions trying to teach. They don't just use technology; they innovate with it.

They are motivated by purpose, not just a paycheck: Having seen their parents stuck in unfulfilling jobs, they reject the "rat race." They want to add genuine value and contribute to something meaningful. This purpose-driven mindset leads to greater engagement, creativity, and a desire to improve processes rather than merely following them." We're bringing so much creativity, but there is no door open for it."


The idea that young people are lazy, entitled, or disengaged is a harmful and false myth. Many are turning to social media or gaming, not out of laziness but to escape a bleak reality. They are shaped by a society that, in many ways, has let them down, through an education system that burdens them with debt and parents who soothe them with iPads instead of being present. The demand is there. The talent is there. The desire to work, to create, and to build is pulsating. "Give a kid a job opportunity, and they'll be happy," the testimony concludes.


The question, then, is not about the youth's willingness to work. It's about today's leaders' desire to look past their biases, recognize the enormous potential in front of them, and finally, open the door, just as some major corporations do (Stellantis), as well as medium-sized companies (AceFrance)
Written By InitialsAA July 7th, 2025



Saturday, August 17

Madeleine Atyame Akpwa: A Life of Faith, Courage, and Determination

Remembering Madeleine Atyame Akpwa (July 27, 1927 – July 29, 2024): A Life Woven with Resilience, Love, and Faith.

The life of Madeleine Atyame Akpwa was a powerful tapestry woven with threads of hard work, unwavering love, and deep-seated faith. Born on July 27, 1927, she passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, at the remarkable age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of strength and inspiration.

Madeleine was a woman of many talents and tireless dedication. As a retired tailor, a successful farmer cultivating cocoa and coffee, and an innovative fish and shrimp farmer, she poured her energy into providing for her family and community. Her commitment extended to public service, where she served as a respected Councilwoman in the rural municipality of Sangmelima and later in the town hall of Meyomessala, Cameroon.

Tragedy struck early when Madeleine was widowed at 40. Yet, with extraordinary resilience, she embraced the responsibility of raising over 15 children and grandchildren, both her own and others. Her unwavering priority was their education and well-being, ensuring they never lacked food or medical care through sheer determination and relentless effort.

Madeleine's achievements were significant. She proudly won a prize at the Cameroonian Agricultural Show for her pioneering work in fish farming. Perhaps most profoundly, she defied a bleak medical prognosis for her daughter, who was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease and given only 15 years to live. Through immense financial sacrifice and unwavering dedication, Madeleine nurtured her daughter, who now thrives at over 50 years old – a testament to a mother's love and unwavering hope.

A true forerunner for women's rights in South Cameroon, Madeleine bravely challenged the discriminatory inheritance laws of her time. Witnessing her brothers-in-law mismanaging her deceased husband's estate, she took the courageous step of writing directly to the President of the Republic, successfully reclaiming her rightful properties and paving the way for greater equality.

Despite facing the harsh realities of life, Madeleine's spirit remained unbroken. She never succumbed to bitterness, choosing instead to embody forgiveness and unwavering faith in God and Jesus Christ. Her independent mind was balanced by profound kindness and generosity, and her faith served as a guiding light for herself and those around her.

Madeleine held a deep aversion to child abuse, hatred, and ignorance. Her life was guided by a strong moral compass rooted in faith in God, the value of hard work, the importance of kindness and dignity, and the power of courage and determination.

Madeleine Atyame Akpwa's life serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, the enduring power of love and faith, and the importance of fighting for justice. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

#StrongWomen #Inspiration #FamilyLegacy #FaithAndDetermination #WomensRights





Saturday, November 4

Abiamo, Albertan and other Books by InitialsAA



"Abiamo", roman écrit par Annick Atyame et autopublié en 2021 est une œuvre captivante inspirée d’un événement réel, qui vous plonge au cœur d’une excursion de pêche à main apparemment idyllique, mais rapidement transformée en disparition inquiétante. Des enfants se retrouvent livrés à eux-mêmes au cœur d’une forêt dangereuse et une ombre pèse désormais sur une communauté autrefois tranquille.
Au fil des pages, vous serez entraînés dans un labyrinthe de secrets, de suspense et de peur, où la frontière entre hasard, accident et malveillance se fond dans une énigme effrayante. Bien que romancé, « Abiamo » s’inspire d’un véritable mystère non résolu, au cœur de la forêt équatoriale vierge en Afrique. Abiamo est aussi une exploration poignante de la résilience humaine et la recherche de la justice. Les adolescents et adultes amateurs de suspense captivant ancré dans la réalité, se régaleront avec Abiamo.

It is a fascinating short story about a nature photographer and a baby bald eagle struggling to overcome problems. A successful nature photographer, Thomas retreats from the town, eaten by anxiety. He wanted to spend time alone to think. He decides to watch an eagle family upon his daughter's demand. The fate of a fragile eaglet moves him deeply. What the nature photographer soon observed blew his mind, changed his life, and gave him hope. The humorous and exciting characters will make you want to read nonstop. Read, like, review, and share. Thank you for your support and your time!
Paperback and ebook available on Amazon


An innocent game turned into chaos, and Robert Whalehilled's friends accused him falsely. Every adult turned a blind eye while Robert suffered anger, pain, and abuse because of their terrible lie. Robert is back in his village years later. Sadly, the villager's indifference brings no solace to his hurting soul, turning him into a spiteful individual ready to wreak vengeance on Pohper. Read it free with a Kindle subscription. Paperback and ebook available on Amazon




Children are invited to a fishing party but get rapidly lost in a dangerous forest. Was it an accident or worse? Discover in this story one of the oldest means of telecommunication in the world, long before the radio: the talking lug drums, the Bulu Wireless! It is an exciting, original book to discover, read, and give as a present. Paperback and ebooks are available on Amazon



FRENCH VERSION
In a village, a candy hunt turns into a tragedy, plunging the inhabitants into a disastrous silence and denial against the young Grosbert. Will the village's doctor be able to sort things out and cure them all? 



FRENCH VERSION

The adventures of young teenagers in the Sahel atypical town of Reguid will suddenly plunge them into the adult world. An invitation to a thrilling discovery, a spiritual journey through the eyes of Julie, for a most extraordinary adventure.
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Monday, January 10

Tales Talks: The Spotless Dalmatian


The Spotless Dalmatian by InitialsAA.

This is the story of a dog that could have and should have lived a dream life in a castle. But it was kicked out because it was a spotless Dalmatian. Its bowl remained empty while other dogs slept every night with full bellies! The poor Dalmatian made do with crumbs every day, out of sight, without ever complaining, until one day, it was chased away once more because it dared to refuse rotten food. Since then, it has wandered from house to house, benefiting from the inhabitants' charity.

There came a time when it had not eaten for a long time and was torn by hunger. There were no more houses or benefactors to feed it.
A fat cat passing and fond of dogs was surprised to see an abandoned beautiful doggie. He took and cleaned it up a bit because he wanted to take it at a banquet he was invited to. He asked the dog to stay quietly in a corner, and he would give it something to eat, at worst, a few delicious crumbs at the end of the meal, at best, a well-filled bowl, back home.
Salivating and hungry, the dog saw the victuals pass by, with its saliva for only comfort, which he swallowed greedily. At the time of the dessert, it thought it should have gone running the well-stocked garbage cans of this house of abundance to sustenance. There was no bowl nor leftover crumbs; the one who had brought it there, with his belly skin tightly stretched, ignored the quiet moans of the starving stray dog. The spotless Dalmatian reassured itself with the thought of «no meal without crumbs" and waited until a housekeeper finally noticed its awkward presence and kicked it out.
The evil benefactor, embarrassed, did not dare to say that he had brought the dog; moreover, stray, no! Too bad for his reputation in a world where image, pretenses, self-righteousness, and appearance were worth their weight in gold! And he wasn't going to take another dog; he already had one at home. He turned a blind eye while the poor Dalmatian was led outside, under the rain showers, because it was raining now. 
How could the poor Dalmatian have known that this good dinner would be the only one without a crumb?

What do you think happened to the poor Dalmatian? Choose the ending you would like:

The dog disappeared into the night, never to be seen again. The evil one silenced his conscience and went on his way as if nothing had happened, only for a while, because when he arrived home, he found his dog dead. He felt deeply sorry for his dead dog and the spotless Dalmatian who needed him so much but whom he had cowardly abandoned. He had to live with this pain and shame, barely hidden inside him, all his life.
The spotless Dalmatian, driven by hunger, fell into a stream while trying to grab a piece of bread. At the end of his strength, he was stranded in the garden of an older man who took him in, cared for him, and adopted him. They lived happily together for many years.
The evil one, tortured by his conscience, went out in the rain to look for the dog, which he saw being washed away by the stream. Forgetting his valuable finery, he dived into the muddy water to save the dog. He took care of him and kept him under his protection. To his surprise, those whose eyes and judgment he feared found nothing wrong with it!

The Spotless Dalmatian by InitialsAA, Read Only, Copyrights. All rights reserved.


 Coming soon:  The story of Tommy and Jimmy 

Monday, May 3

Teens Talks

Pieces of funny conversations with teens and children. Enjoy!


Guessing Game: Looking for a celebrity:

Class students:
-Was she poor?
-Was she black?
-Was she from a poor African community?
-Since we are all saying racist stuff, can I ask if she had Michelin tire color?
Teacher: No, you cannot say that, that is racist!


A teen arriving late at school: 

Teacher: What were you doing? 
Teen: I was going to school!

Cookies:

Teen: Mother, a man is asking me if I accept cookies.
Mother: Who? Where?
Teen: In the computer!
Mother: Lord, Jesus! Let me have a look! OK, I see. Never accept cookies from strangers outside or inside a computer.

Literature class:

Teacher: What is the type of language used in Harper Lee?
Teen: Redneck language.
Teacher: No! it is called slang.

Les bons jours:

Elève: Bonjour!
Prof: Bonsoir
Elève 2 : Bonjour!.
Prof: Bonsoir!
Elève 2 : Je dis "Bonjour!" quand je vois le jour.