Nicholas Achor Ajong puts forth a financial review of SBMC contributions — yearly dues, hosting fees and emergency funds — and the chapter's ongoing conversation about reallocating resources to higher-impact causes.
By Nicholas Achor Ajong — nicholasaajong@gmail.com
As the Soba Buea Mother Chapter (SBMC) marks a significant milestone — 50 years of existence — we pause to reflect on the journey that has brought us to where we are today. Five decades of growth in membership is proof of the enduring spirit of cohesion among members, and the dynamics of leadership transitions have shaped SBMC into what it is today. The journey has been tedious and enduring, with significant highlights.
Growth and Cohesion
Over 50 years, SBMC has likely seen ebbs and flows in membership, but the chapter's endurance speaks to the strength of its bonds and purpose. The unity and togetherness among members have been pivotal in navigating challenges and celebrating successes. Through various leadership transitions, SBMC has adapted, evolved, and continued to move forward — showcasing resilience and the ability to hand over the mantle to new leaders.
The Financial Journey
It has been 5 decades of sacrifice and selflessness, putting forth our financial power to see the boat sail to this point. Financial contributions in SBMC remain a significant topic of discussion. At times, these contributions can be strenuous for members, especially those who have been in the chapter for one or two decades upwards.
Breakdown of Financial Contributions
- Yearly Contribution: 27,000 FCFA per member for registration, socials, and a sinking fund.
- Hostings Contribution: Members contribute 50,000 FCFA for hostings.
- Other Contributions: Members also contribute for emergencies, and for solidarity support in cases like funerals or medical challenges faced by members.
Implications for SBMC
High contributions might strain members financially and end up draining them by the end of every year, making the cycle repetitive. Some envisage a perceived lack of impact, as contributions seem to have little visible impact on the chapter's broader goals or community engagement. Aside from SBMC financial engagements, members are also hooked up with many issues relating to money — from family to village commitments plus the demands of other social groups.
We therefore highlight that the extra yearly 50,000 by members for hostings, added to the 12,000 paid by each member yearly as socials plus what the chapter adds to the contributions made by the hosting train, is considered by many to be misdirected. Members question the impact of these contributions on the chapter or the Buea community.
Five decades of growth in membership is proof of the enduring spirit of cohesion among members, and the dynamics of leadership transitions have shaped SBMC into what it is today.
Path Forward
The cumulative financial burden is considered high by many members. There is a call to potentially reallocate funds to more impactful causes — supporting orphanages or disabled centres — rather than focusing primarily on feasting and celebrations. We advocate that the driving machinery reconsider the hosting amount as well as fund allocation.