Building Bridges Through Literature : Dr. Afuh Didachos Mbeng’s Vision On Unity And Understanding

In the shadow of global tensions and cultural misunderstandings, academia often seems trapped in its ivory tower, distant from real-world problems. But across Africa, a different story is unfolding. Here, scholars are reimagining how universities can tackle society's most pressing challenges, turning research into action and bridging divides that have long seemed insurmountable. At the forefront of this movement is Dr. Afuh Didachos Mbeng, an academic visionary whose work with the Cameroon English Language and Literature Association (CELLA) has elevated literature as a unifying force in an increasingly fragmented world.
CELLA, established to foster collaboration among scholars, has grown into one of Africa’s most esteemed academic organizations. It serves as a platform for addressing global challenges, such as climate change and gender inequality, through the lens of literature. Drawing participants from Africa, Europe, and the Americas, CELLA’s annual conferences are renowned for their interdisciplinary approach and practical applications of research.
Behind this vibrant meeting of minds is Dr. Afuh Didachos Mbeng, whose vision transformed CELLA from a local academic initiative into an international movement." In literature, we all speak one language," says Dr. Mbeng, his words carrying deep conviction. "By reading stories born in different corners of the Earth, we seem to peer into the soul of humanity. This helps us not just understand but also feel one another — something our fragmented world so desperately needs." 
CELLA’s conferences are distinguished by their ability to bring together scholars from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds. At the 2022 conference, Dr. Mbeng not only organized but also led several sessions that explored the intersection of literature and climate change. These discussions showcased how literary works provide unique insights into environmental changes and inspire innovative solutions. For instance, scholars collaborated on a project that combined ecological research with literary analysis, setting a precedent for such interdisciplinary approaches. “We discovered how literature offers new perspectives on the issue of climate change,” Dr. Mbeng recounts. “Scholars from Africa and America together found fresh approaches to this global problem.” 
The journey of CELLA reflects Dr. Mbeng's belief in literature's power to bridge cultural divides. What started as a series of local academic meetings has grown into a platform where researchers from three continents collaborate on groundbreaking projects. "Globalization is both an opportunity and a challenge," he acknowledges. "When we include works in African languages in the global dialogue, we not only expand the boundaries of science — we help preserve the unique voices of local cultures." 
The impact of this approach became particularly evident at the CELLA 2022 conference. "We discovered how literature offers new perspectives on the issue of climate change," Dr. Mbeng recounts. Adding that, "Scholars from Africa and Europe together found fresh approaches to this global problem." The conference resulted in several joint research projects, bringing together environmental scientists and literature experts in unexpected ways. 
Building on this success, the 2023 CELLA conference in Yaounde tackled another crucial challenge: multilingualism and multiculturalism. As the lead organizer, Dr. Mbeng ensured that the event highlighted practical applications of academic research. His presentation drew parallels between children’s literature in Ireland and Cameroon, demonstrating how books can foster inclusivity in multicultural societies. This groundbreaking perspective not only enriched academic dialogue but also influenced educational policies in Cameroon, highlighting CELLA’s real-world impact.  "Cameroon is a true mosaic of languages and cultures," he reflects. "And Ireland&...