Holiday Jobs: Laborious, But Hopeful For Dividend

Many youths are currently engaged in different sectors not just to occupy themselves but also to financially prepare for back-to-back.  

It is that period of the year when a majority of young people are involved in different economic and social activities not only to keep themselves busy but also to earn money that could enable them start the next academic year hitch-free. It is within this light that most administrative buildings, shops and strategic streets in major towns in the country are jammed with young people going about different activities to make some financial profit.

Junior Mabu is one of those working at a bakery in Yaounde. By 6:30 am, Junior is already on his way to his job site. “It is usually a long day for me as I only return home after 5:00 p.m. very exhausted,” Mabu explained. According to him it was fun at the beginning to be up each day during the holidays knowing what to do throughout the course of the day, while hoping for some payment. However, Mabu cannot overlook the exhaustive nature of the job and the non-protective nature of the environment in which he is working. “My work space is very hot due to heat from the various ovens and I do not wear protective gloves while in the bakery chambers,” Mabu lamented. This is why of recent he sustained a wound on his hands.

Adele B. is another youth on a holiday job selling cosmetic products for one pharmaceutical company. As early as 8:00 a.m, she is already in front of the company to collect products. Throughout the day, she and others in the same company, move around various streets in Yaounde advertising and selling these pharmaceutical products to potential buyers. Although it is tiring to hawk throughout th...