(Rev. Ernest Makoge Akisseh)
ALDECA CEO
Efforts are afoot to teach the Akoose language to Bakossi children who are not opportune to learn their indigenous language in the village.
One of such training program organized by Nninong Women and Daughters Development Association (NIWODDA) and the Buea Linguistics Centre in collaboration with ALDECA just ended in Buea. The one month training from July 1st to 31 saw some 30 children who are beginners in the language get first hand understanding of Akoose.
At the end of the training, ECO OUTLOOK Newspaper caught up with ALDECA CEO Rev. Ernest Makoge Akisseh for an interview.
EXCERPTS
Who is Rev Ernest Makoge Akiseh
I am a Cameroonian from, Bakossi tribe in Tombel, KupeMuanenguba. I am the executive director of Akoose Language Development and Culture Association (ALDECA).
What is the input of ALDECA in this one month training in the Akoose language that has ended here in BUEA today?
ALDECA partnered with the Nninong Women and Daughters Development Association (NIWODDA) and the Buea Linguistics Centre in the organization of the ongoing present Akoose language holiday classes in Buea. Our contribution in this activity is to give it the widest publicity possible. That is why we invited the media for coverage and ALDECA in in charge of that.
You mentioned some of the works already done to translate the Akoose language. Can we know some of them?
The achievements that I mentioned are not specifically from ALDECA. In the present context of Akoose language recognized as one of the leading National languages in Cameroon, it is important to highlight the role of the Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL) being the pioneer organization that had championed Literacy Programs in Akoose.
Through CABTAL we have Akoose alphabet and several written materials in Akoose such as the New Testament Bible, books for learning of Akoose, etc.
Having expressed the need for a grassroot based organization to ensure continuity of what CABTAL has done so far, Rev. Akisseh Makoge Ernest and his team were inspired to create the Akoose language Development and Culture Association (ALDECA) whose vision is to promote Akoose language and culture through Literacy, digitalization of Bakossi culture.
It is in this light that ALDECA came to partner with the Nninong Women and Daughters Development Association (NIWODDA) and the Buea Linguistics Centre in the organization of the just ended Akoose language holiday classes in Buea.
We encourage everyone to join ALDECA in the process to make Akoose a leading Language in Cameroon, why not in the world.
So what is the plan in the future to promote Akooseh Language
ALDECA gives its approval to the NIWODDA initiative and would like to continue with the group as ALDECA Cultural hub in Buea. As beginners in Akoose language, ALDECA will ensure that the children trained here this month are followed up closely until they are capable to speak Akoose fluently and become versed with Akoose culture as their indigenous identity.
Group photo of pupils and students ( brandishing certificates after training) and the organizers.