By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The United States Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E Christopher J. Lamora, has stressed the transformative power of reading, describing it as a vital tool for education, emancipation, and innovation. His remarks came during the Yaoundé International Book Fair, which took place from March 12 to 15.
Speaking on March 14, Ambassador Lamora underscored the importance of reading in opening doors to new ideas, opportunities, and perspectives. “Reading is essential for critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning—skills that are crucial for Cameroon’s future leaders,” he stated.
The Ambassador highlighted the ability of books to inspire, educate, and transform lives, stressing the need to strengthen the culture of reading across Cameroon. “We must work together to foster a reading culture that empowers individuals and strengthens communities,” he said.
Sharing his personal commitment to reading, Lamora revealed that he reads at least 20 to 25 books a year. “Reading is a lifelong journey!… I’ll be 56 in a few months, but every time I open a book, I learn something new. In this sense, age is just a number—like the numbers on each page of a novel. It’s up to us to turn the pages and discover what happens in the next chapter,” he noted.
Reflecting on the profound impact of literature on his career and life, the Ambassador cited influential authors such as Mongo Beti, Chinua Achebe, and Richard Wright. He recalled how his diplomatic career began in Douala, Cameroon, in 1992, and how he turned to the country’s literature to better understand its colonial past and cultural identity.
Lamora also highlighted the role of the Peace Corps Program in supporting education in Cameroon since 1962, acknowledging the challenges many face in accessing books and digital learning tools due to cost, availability, or infrastructure limitations.
To address these gaps, the Ambassador encouraged Cameroonians to utilize American Spaces across the country. “These spaces offer free access to books, digital libraries, and online platforms such as eLibraryUSA and YouScribe. They provide a welcoming environment for reading, research, and collaboration, supporting students, teachers, and lifelong learners,” he said.
The Yaoundé International Book Fair, now in its third edition, aims to promote reading and literary culture in Cameroon. The event brings together authors, publishers, and readers from across the region.
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