Courage “Cridians!” Courage “Cridians!”
CRID comemorated the 136th edition of International Labour Day celebrated on Sunday May 1, 2022, under the theme “World of work: fight against Covid-19, job protection and productivity”.
Speech by the Executive Director of CRID
The Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID) did not exempt itself from the tradition. The circumstance served as a golden opportunity to remind “Cridians” of their values, missions and vision. Professor Charles Wondji, CRID’s Executive Director, did not fail to salute the combined efforts of all the staff, calling on each and everyone for more dedication, seriousness, ambitions, determination and audacity as well as total humility. This moment of celebration was held on the 4th floor of CRID’s newly constructed building located at Odza, Yaoundé. The event lasted about 120 minutes and had several phases including the official presentation of the staff representatives, presentation of the ten newly recruited employees as well as awards of prizes to staff who have distinguished themselves in their work. It should be noted that at CRID, employee’s protection and productivity remain at the heart of the concerns of “Top management”. Obviously, a lot has been done, but in view of the aspirations known to all, it appears that there is undoubtedly still a long way to go. The Executive Director of CRID, among other things, made the promise of progressively institute “health insurance” coverage for all staff.
During his speech, Professor Charles Wondji focused on the objectives achieved. “The major achievement at CRID this year is relocating into our new premises,” he said. He also highlighted the situation of the staff from CRID’s creation to present day and emphasised that the aim is to improve the working environment of the staff. The question of delays has been clarified, a called for more discipline has been launched and most often at 7:15 AM, I find some employees already at work. To this, I say bravo!” he declared. Issues concerning projects, administration, finances, laboratory management, the IT department, the situation of students, postdocs and principal investigators were also discussed as well as some challenges. This moment served as a moral encouragement to the staff.
Isabel KILA named best support staff of the year
During this ceremony, prizes were awarded to those who distinguished themselves over the past 365 days. Yangkoulo Caleb received the prize of “the best administrative and financial staff”. “The secret of this distinction is hardwork, passion and a lot of determination,” he noted; Francine Sado, PhD student at the University of Buea was recognised as the “best student of the year”. “This award makes me happy. I feel motivated to work harder”. Dr Magellan Tchouakui is awarded the prize of ‘best researcher of the year’. For him, this is due to the important number of publications, supervision of students as well as the number of field works and projects in which he intervenes in. This award will encourage me to publish even more and to raise funds to be able to continue in the same path. The prize for the best technician of the year was awarded to Terence Ebai. Isabel Kila received the “best support staff” award. “I would like to thank CRID for recognizing my efforts. I promise to do better,” she declared with great emotion. A big surprise! Awarding of a special prize to Professor Charles Wondji, an action thought out and successfully carried out by CRID’s PhD students. Moreover, this event made it possible to browse in images, all the activities carried out at CRID since May 1, 2021. In 120 minutes, the essentials were said. The most important has been done. It should be noted that at CRID, work and excellence are two concepts that are deeply linked and celebrated. The event ended at 5:00 PM. “Cridians” were overwhelm and had the conviction that it will take more work and determination… Yes! The best is yet to come. The slightest doubt on this subject would be a misplaced priority. Yes! At CRID, we still dream, hands busy seeking the path that leads to excellence. Yes; at the CRID, we are aware that, more than a treasure, work is the real lucky charm; we are certain that to tackle the task is by making the worthy choice of inventing the future…!
