Njumbe Gregory, Driver
"I wish we could be able to buy new vehicles.."
© WWF-Canon / WWF-CARPO / Peter Ngea
I am proud to be part of this noble work - it is a network and my role as a driver is as important as that of the sociologist or biologist.
Gregory is from Nyassoso and knows the area like the back of his hands. His 8 year-old land-rover has been nick-named "grandma" and according to the driver, she never fails despite the rugged nature of roads especially in the Kupe area.
Gregory started off like a support staff in one of the many plantations in the area where he worked for 5 years. Unhappy with the pay conditions and absence of a career profile, he went back to his village where enough land was waiting for agriculture. Then one day in 2000 he saw a notice at the WWF local office for the recruitment of a driver mechanic. He has stayed on since then as a faithful and humble driver.
"Although I was not trained to do conservation, with time I have learnt and as I am always on the move, I am usually called upoto explain to the people what our mission is", says Gregory.
Gregory was the first to arrive Eboti village in the Yabassi area with a vehicle. Most people had the opportunity to see a vehicle for the first time in their lives and that was a good score for WWF as the people immediately bought in to WWF motives.
The driver/mechanic has complaints about his work! "Most of the times I don't have a particula work programme for the day and suddenly I am informed I have to move - even late at night. That's not a big problem as I am always ready and I know we don't have vehicles. My consolation is that my people will benefit from my work".
Another problem the driver faces is his vehicle which he notes, is so old that it needs constant attention. "And that's where my experiences as a mechanic count". As an indigene of the area, Gregory admits that it is not easy working among the people. "Everyone expects a lift from you and when you cannot offer this to them, they say WWF is wicked and others even go as far as threatening you. But generally I offer lifts if the vehicle is empty".
Gregory's wish: "I wish we could be able to buy new vehicles and recruit more drivers to reduce the work pressure. But for now I understand the situation and that calls for sacrifices om everyone in the programme."
