The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has awarded Stéphane Toguem Fokoua a prize of 1000 euros for his special social commitment. After completing his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, the 26-year-old native of Cameroon is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Offenburg University of Applied Sciences. In his spare time, Stéphane Toguem Fokoua, who originally wanted to study medicine, still works as a nursing assistant - today at the "Pflege- und Betreuungsheim Ortenau Klinikum" in Fußbach, formerly at St. Josef's Hospital in Freiburg. In addition, the 26-year-old supports refugees in their integration in Germany and is a member of the African Students' Association in Offenburg. "Stéphane Toguem Fokoua was and is also active in his home country," explained Prof. Dr. Oliver Schäfer, Prorector for Studies and Teaching, in his laudatory speech. For example, he said, the 26-year-old used to work as a youth worker at the "Don Bosco" youth center in Ebolowa, a town similar in size to Offenburg with a population of around 60,000, preparing young people for technical training, among other things. Today, Prof. Schäfer said, he is involved in designing, planning and implementing development projects in Cameroon.
"I feel very honored," Stéphane Toguem Fokoua said at the award ceremony. He said he has benefited from the experience of many others along the way and has thus been able to avoid many mistakes. In addition, he said, he stands for many foreign students who are socially engaged.
Interview with Mr. Stéphane Toguem Fokoua, DAAD Award Winner 2021
Mr. Fokoua, how and where did you grow up?
I grew up, as one of 8 siblings, in the small town of Ebolowa (160 km from the capital Yaoundé) in the south of Cameroon. My school vacations, however, I always spent in Bandjoun (330 km west of Yaoundé) to help my grandmother with her work in the agriculture. My father died when I was 9 years old. Nevertheless, my mother always managed that I, unlike some other classmates, had all school books at my disposal. That's why I always worked through the tasks, e.g. in the textbook for mathematics, as quickly as possible so that I could then pass the book on to a classmate who didn't have his own book available.
Why did you decide to study mechanical engineering at Offenburg University?
On the advice of my brother, who was already living in Freiburg at that time, after my high school graduation, I studied German, in order to apply for medicine at the University of Freiburg. As an alternative to studying medicine in Freiburg, I applied to study mechanical engineering in Offenburg. I had received good feedbacks about studying at Offenburg from former Cameroonian students at this university. In addition, there are a large number of international companies in the Offenburg area which are active in the field of mechanical engineering. Another important point for my decision to study in Offenburg was that the train connection to Freiburg and Karlsruhe is very good.
After my bachelor's degree, I didn't really want to continue studying but wanted to search for a job and earn money. But Prof. Kohler said to me: "You know, in a few years everyone will have a Bachelor's degree. If you want to stand out, you have to have a Master's". That mad me think about it and motivated me to keep going. I am very grateful for this encouragement and also for other support I received during my studies, also from fellow students.
What motivated you to work at the "Pflege- und Betreuungsheim Ortenau Klinikum" in Fußbach alongside your studies and at the same time still get involved in helping refugees and be engaged in the African Students' Association?
After my arrival in Germany, I received a residence permit for one year from the Foreigners' Registration Office in Freiburg in order to prepare for the German Language Test for University Admission (DSH). Word spread quickly in the African community that I passed this exam after only two months, and I received numerous requests to help with the preparation for this exam. I therefore tried to show others what is important in order to prepare oneself successfully and especially to teach learning techniques.
Above all, I try to motivate others, especially refugees, to do a proper edkucational training or seek a university degree, instead of just relying on the quickly earned money as an unskilled temporary worker. Language skills are the key to success. To show them that I am really serious, I have also helped out many times with small loans. Not all of these loans have been repaid to me. But I think life or God will repay me in some way. The gratitude and appreciation from these people make me happy.
Before the corona pandemic, we also organized soccer games with refugees every weekend with the African Students' Association. This fits better with the life situation of the refugees than the offers of the German clubs, where they first have to register and where regular participation is expected.
In order to bridge the time between passing my German exams and starting my studies in Germany, I completed a nursing internship in Freiburg. Following this internship, I was immediately hired as a nursing assistant and have been working parallel to my studies ever since. Although, as a bachelor's graduate in mechanical engineering, I could perhaps earn more in other areas in the meantime, I still work as a nursing assistant. This work helps me appreciate the everyday things in life, like not needing help to eat or walk. This kind of work grounds you. It makes you realize that it's not the end of the world when things don't always work out in your own life.
How do you feel as the winner of the DAAD Prize 2021?
I feel very honored and very happy. This award also honors the challenges that we students from Africa, in particular, overcome. I once sat opposite a local politician on a train who said that students who come to Germany from abroad come from such wealthy families anyway that they could easily pay the tuition fees of 1500 EUR pers semester introduced in Baden-Württemberg for international students. This statement made me so perplexed that I couldn't even respond to it. Some other international students worked a lot more along with their studies and had an even harder time than I did. Of course, their grades suffered as a result. But they still made it!
But I also know many who dropped out of their studies because they could no longer cope with earning their own living, having to prepare for exams at the same time, and then, on top, being treated pejoratively very often. Particularly Germans who have a migration background themselves sometimes behave in a very discriminatory manner towards us. But that's not everyone, of course.
I am pleased that the DAAD award recognizes my achievements and those of other students who are in a similar situation. This also gives me strength and courage to continue. Furthermore, I am very happy that Africa in general, and Cameroon in particular, is well represented by my person and that I can thus contribute to a more positive image in Germany.
What plans do you have for the time after your studies?
Three weeks ago I became a father and therefore I am currently mainly busy supporting my girlfriend and taking care of my son Matteo. At the same time, I'm writing my seminar paper with Prof. Fleig in the Schluckspecht project team, and next semester I'll be writing my master's thesis. Since my girlfriend is from here, I would like to look for a job in the region afterwards. At the same time, I would like to continue my social commitment, especially in the planning and implementation of development projects in my home country of Cameroon. The project for the construction of two classrooms in a village where the children have so far been taught sitting under a tree is already in planning. With this, I would also like to give back a little of what I have received myself in life.