By Elise Kenimbeni
With the 2026/2027 academic year just around the corner, international humanitarian association SEKTEURA has once again extended a critical lifeline to vulnerable families in Yaoundé. On Sunday, August 30, 2026, the playground of the “Essos Marché” nursery school in the Yaoundé 5 district hosted the 10th annual edition of the “Realengo Prize.” Following long-standing tradition, the event focused on distributing essential didactic materials and direct financial grants to more than one hundred underprivileged but highly meritorious primary pupils, secondary school students, and university scholars.
A Strategic Shield Against Rising Back-to-School Costs
For many households in Yaoundé, preparing for the school resumption amid current economic pressures has become an uphill battle. SEKTEURA’s annual intervention directly addresses this challenge by tackling the high cost of education at the grassroots level. During the ceremony, selected beneficiaries were equipped with comprehensive educational packages. These kits included high-quality notebooks, textbooks, writing materials, and school bags, alongside direct financial grants for pupils and students entering examination classes. By providing these essential tools, the association ensures that less privileged children can start their classes on day one with the same dignity and readiness as their peers.
Direct Cash Grants to Secure Academic Tuition
Over the past ten years, SEKTEURA has supported needy families through the "Realengo Prize" awards, an initiative widely praised for its dual approach to community support. Beyond physical school supplies, SEKTEURA hands over direct financial envelopes to the laureates and their guardians. These cash grants are aimed at subsidizing tuition fees, registration costs, and university expenses. For many parents gathered at this annual event, the financial relief instantly lifted a massive burden from their shoulders as the end-of-August deadlines loomed.
Mrs. Lisson (born Ngo Bikoi Debora) is the mother of two former beneficiaries who have achieved excellent grades over the past few years and received awards. She praised the initiative, noting that it has brought immense relief to her and her husband. Mrs. Lisson attended the ceremony and was awarded a special prize for her active engagement in all activities undertaken by SEKTEURA.
"This initiative put in place by SEKTEURA has been an absolute lifeline for my family, especially with the current cost of living," she stated. "I didn't know how my children would step into the classroom tomorrow. SEKTEURA has restored our peace of mind," shared another mother of three beneficiaries during an emotional testimonial.
Rewarding Excellence and Building Cameroon’s Future
Speaking to community members at the venue, SEKTEURA’s leadership emphasized that the initiative is not just an act of charity, but a deliberate investment in Cameroon’s youth. The selection process rigorously evaluates both socioeconomic vulnerability and academic excellence from the previous school term, fostering a culture of hard work among local youth.
Pascal Modo, the program coordinator, noted that SEKTEURA currently has 300 children registered in its programs, with the most meritorious receiving awards each year based on their grades. According to Mr. Modo, the 2026 Realengo Prize witnessed a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries. Pupils in Class One of the Anglophone subsystem and "SIL" of the Francophone subsystem of education were added to the beneficiary list for the first time this year.
He added that despite ongoing financial challenges, the association continues to undertake numerous activities across the health, education, and empowerment sectors. During the three-month holiday period, SEKTEURA children were trained in income-generating activities and schooled on key protective health topics, including HIV/AIDS prevention, the prevention of early pregnancies and child marriages, and drug abuse avoidance.
Speaking on behalf of Mr. Fanguem Leopold, the founder and president of SEKTEURA, the program coordinator added that they are actively seeking new partnerships and incentives to help extend this annual initiative to other neighborhoods within the Yaoundé 5 district.
Realengo Prize: A Dream Turning into Reality
The Realengo Prize award, launched in August 2016, clocked its 10th anniversary this year. What began as a simple dream keeps making strides thanks to the devotion and engagement of Mr. Fanguem, supported by partners and well-wishers. Through this initiative, SEKTEURA not only brings joy to the faces of registered children but also compensates the trainers and teachers who volunteer their time and energy to support the children daily.
Diane Liliane Leumeni Napi is one of the teachers who volunteers her time to train children in the Realengo program. She, alongside her peers, remains fully committed to helping this humanitarian initiative thrive despite numerous operational challenges.
By successfully concluding this 2026 edition, SEKTEURA cements its position as a pillar of social development in Yaoundé, demonstrating that community-led solidarity remains one of the most effective tools for educational empowerment.
