United in Humanity
Volunteers at the heart of communities in Cameroon, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe.
On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, the theme “United in Humanity” comes to life through the commitment of volunteers working at the heart of communities.
From Gabon to Sao Tome and Principe, and across Cameroon, they act every day to prevent, respond and support people, often in contexts where needs are immense and resources limited.
Cameroon
Ousmanou Leo, volunteer at the Cameroon Red Cross
“Even when resources are scarce and I am personally affected by food insecurity, I do not turn my back on my community. People need us. We continue to help, together.”
Responding to a crisis that also affects the volunteers themselves.
In Cameroon, volunteers are on the front line of a crisis that is directly affecting their own living conditions: food insecurity.
In affected regions, volunteers carry out awareness-raising activities, support households and accompany communities in several areas, including the adoption of appropriate nutritional practices.
Ousmanou Leo, a volunteer since 2016, is particularly involved in risk prevention, raising awareness among communities exposed to floods, while also supporting people facing rising prices and food shortages.
“Before, what I bought could last for two days. Today, it is no longer enough for a single day.”
Like many others, he combines income-generating activities with his voluntary engagement to support his family.
Raising awareness, supporting communities, taking action.
Françoise Tekalara, a Cameroon Red Cross volunteer since 2015, witnesses the consequences of food insecurity in her community every day.
“Some households eat once a day, others once every two days.”
In response, she conducts targeted awareness sessions, particularly with families with young children. She promotes local solutions, such as enriched porridge, to help improve nutrition despite difficult conditions.
Volunteers also support communities through:
• Prevention of waterborne diseases such as cholera;
• Hygiene promotion;
• Support to internally displaced people;
• Awareness-raising activities in communities and schools.
Their action is rooted in a unique proximity: they come from the very communities they support.
Gabon
Responding to shocks, together.
In Gabon, Kaël has been a volunteer for the Red Cross for ten years.
Recently, alongside other volunteers, he took part in the response to violent winds that affected several communities across the country. On the ground, he helped provide immediate support to affected families.
But beyond the response itself, it is the human impact that defines his commitment.
“My voluntary engagement has marked me through the human impact, the shared smiles and the life lessons learned in the field. Helping, listening to and relieving others makes me feel useful and special.”
For him, being united in humanity means acting collectively in the face of crises, whatever they may be.
Like Kaël, Omeylista, Nordin and Grace, also volunteers of the Gabonese Red Cross, embody the values of solidarity and humanity every day through their actions within communities.
Nordin
“I am proud to belong to a Movement that puts the most vulnerable first, the individual who needs help. According to our seven Fundamental Principles, reaching out to those in need brings me joy, because I help my neighbour regardless of their religion, ethnicity or gender.”
Grâce
“As a Red Cross volunteer, I am proud to be there when everything stops for others. When everyone steps back, the volunteer steps forward. In that moment when you offer a blanket, a glass of water or simply your hand, you feel that you truly matter. Through the principle of humanity, I am proud to care for others.”
Omelysta
“For me, being a Red Cross volunteer is a privilege, because it allows me to be at the heart of humanitarian action and to work, sometimes behind the scenes, to support the most vulnerable and stand alongside my community.”
Sao Tome and Principe
Caring for the most vulnerable.
In Sao Tome and Principe, Red Cross volunteers play an essential role in supporting elderly people, many of whom live in isolation. Their actions go far beyond material assistance. They are rooted in regular presence, attentive listening and human connection.
Maluce, a volunteer since 2019, embodies this commitment.
In her community, alongside contributing to tree-planting activities, she visits elderly people, brings them meals and takes time to speak with them.
“They have so many stories to tell and sometimes simply need someone who listens. When they tell me, ‘God bless you, my child,’ my day is already fulfilled.”
For her, these moments are essential: they restore dignity, comfort and social connection.
A solidarity lived every day
Whether responding to disasters, supporting elderly people or facing food insecurity, volunteers share the same reality: a commitment to serving others, often in difficult conditions.
For Françoise, “being united in humanity means sharing the same determination to face crises together.”
For Ousmanou, it means continuing to help, even when the difficulties are personal.
For Maluce, it means being present every day for those who need it most.
Red Cross volunteers are often the first to respond and the last to leave.
Their strength lies in their knowledge of communities, their proximity and their constant commitment.
On this World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, their action reminds us of one essential reality:
Humanity is built through collective action, at the heart of communities.
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