Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

C’était le samedi 13 juillet 2024 au palais polyvalent des sports de Yaoundé. Devant plus de 5000 mutualistes. Samedi 13 juillet 2024 est une date historique pour maman Thérèse, sexagénaire handicapée qui a pour profession le commerce. Celle-ci figure désormais parmi les heureux bénéficiaires de l’acte 4 de la Mutuelle d’Assistance et de la Solidarité (MASO). Elle bénéficie d’un financement de 250.000 Francs CFA au moment où elle fait face à de nombreuses difficultés. Dame Thérèse jubile car elle peut financer sa petite activité avec un argent qu’elle remboursera à taux zéro et sans être harcelée par la microfinance RENAPROV. Tout comme maman Thérèse, ils étaient des centaines a arbore un sourire et vibrer de joie à l’entente de leurs noms lorsque leurs tickets ont été tirés des urnes des différentes offres de la MASO. Il y’a eu de centaines de financements des projets qui allaient de 250.000 FCFA a 2.000.000 FCFA, des bourses scolaires, les équipements de maisons et une villa moderne construite par la MASO et dont les clés ont été remis à une mutualiste qui a été choisi par la « main de Dieu ». Cette année comme l’a indiqué le Révérend Pasteur, Emmanuel Noël Bissai, Président du conseil d’administration du consortium RENAPROV FINANCE S.A, la MASO a enregistré plus de 10.300 mutualistes à jour de leurs cotisations annuelles fixées à 26.000FCFA soit une contribution de 100 francs par jour. Ce sont ces milliers de mutualistes à jour qui se sont rendus massivement au palais polyvalent des sports de Yaoundé, le samedi 13 juillet 2024, pour cet évènement qui est devenu annuellement une fête  de la solidarité. La cérémonie  a été présidée par le Secrétaire General de la région du Centre, Simon Ghislain Etsil, qui représentait le Gouverneur Naseri Paul Bea, dans son propos liminaire il a salué l’initiative du groupe RENAPROV FINANCE S.A, qui mobilise et accompagne le gouvernement camerounais dans la lutte contre la pauvreté. Le Président du conseil d’administration du groupe, RENAPROV FINANCE S.A a comme à l’accoutumée a remercié les milliers de mutualistes qui malgré leurs multiples occupations ont fait le déplacement.et ont tenu à assister à ce rendez-vous de solidarité et de communion. Dans son discours de circonstance, le Révérend Pasteur, Emmanuel Noël Bissai a souligné le fait qu’il est possible de sortir de la pauvreté ou encore du cercle infernal de la précarité en devenant mutualiste, et en cotisant au quotidien 100 FCFA. Selon le PCA du groupe RENAPROV FINANCE S.A, notre pays est doté d’énormes potentiels et de richesses avec des personnes aptes mais surtout une jeunesse dynamique qui peut jouer un rôle prépondérant dans le développement. « Nous avons le devoir de solidarité quel qu’en soit la situation. Il est de notre devoir de nous unir chacun a son petit niveau afin d’apporter une réflexion pour préserver la postérité… »  a dit le Révérend Pasteur Emmanuel Noël Bissai. Au cours de l’interview accordée aux médias présents à la cérémonie, le PCA du consortium RENAPROV a exprimé une fois de plus sa satisfaction à l’issue de cet évènement qui a connu une grande  réussite grâce à ses nombreux mutualistes. Il dit : « Je voudrais bénir le seigneur pour le fait d’avoir touché les cœurs de ses fils et filles pour ce que nous puissions nous retrouver en ces lieux afin de célébrer ce qui nous est cher, la solidarité. Pour moi, ceci est un encouragement qui me permet de rester dans cette lignée, ça m’accorde beaucoup plus d’énergie, ça me donne beaucoup plus de force afin d’accomplir ce qui est bien, non seulement pour mes frères et sœurs qui sont présents ici. » En ce qui concerne les perspectives de la MASO, notamment l’acte 5 qui est déjà en cours depuis le 30 juin 2024, le promoteur  a tenu a indiqué, que la Mutuelle d’Assistance et de Solidarité demeure une vision de tous, et ne pourra que réussir grâce aux efforts conjoints des mutualistes qui portent ce projet novateur. « Il faudrait tout simplement que nous devenons d’abord témoins et ensuite si vous permettez l’expression, que nous soyons évangélistes, afin d’annoncer la bonne nouvelle à ceux-là qui ne nous font pas encore confiance, que nous pouvons oser au travers de cet écosystème de solidarité, et de sortir la majorité d’entre nous du cercle vicieux de la pauvreté. Personne ne peut nous sortir de la situation dans laquelle nous vivons si ce n’est nous-mêmes. C’est à nous de prendre en mains nos responsabilités avec des produits qui riment avec nos réalités. Et je crois que c’est la voie en toute modestie que j’essaie de montrer pour qu’on se rassemble. Il faut savoir que soudé on sera fort, soudé beaucoup sortiront de la misère et on n’aura plus beaucoup de nos frères qui vont prendre l’embarquement pour l’Europe parce que Dieu a béni le continent Africain… Si on se réuni, par exemple, cette jeunesse qui croit que le paradis c’est ailleurs, peut avancer grâce à nos efforts… » Le rendez-vous est donc pris pour l’année prochaine avec plusieurs innovations et des surprises. Elise Kenimbeni

The Cameroonian-based platform of organizations known as UNITY has launched another series of campaigns to promote Human Rights and fight against inequalities. As part of various activities aimed at sensitizing and informing the public on the respect of Human Rights and equal opportunities for ALL, the Cameroonian network of community-based organizations known as “UNITY PLATFORM” has launched the second phase of its campaigns. Through this key message, the Unity Platform outlines that: “legally and morally no person by nature is entitled to anything more or less than another person. So any reason one person is treated differently must be artificial and human-made.” The message is in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which calls for equality amongst human beings as stated for instance in Articles 1 and 2. Article 1 All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Article 2 Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing, or under any other limitation of sovereignty. This message is one amongst many others that are amplified in the campaigns of CAMFAIDS, AVAC, and HFC+. These sensitization campaigns have entered phase two (2) this year and feature within the framework of the project dubbed “TOGETHER”, sponsored by the European Union and other international partners striving for the respect of Human Rights. Below is the audio spot of the campaign:

As part of activities to mark the International Day for the Elimination of sexual violence in conflict, the Israeli Embassy in Cameroon convened women from different associations and organizations, for a film projection. On Friday 28th of June 2024, the residence of the Israeli Ambassador to Cameroon played host to a commemorative ceremony aimed at marking the international day for the elimination of sexual violence in conflict about the October 7 attacks. The day commemorated every June 19, is out to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world, and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes. In Yaounde, Cameroon’s nation capital, the event that gathered several women from associations, community-based organizations, and media houses was placed under the auspices of Mrs. Smadar Kalmar, spouse of the Ambassador of Israel. The key point on the agenda was that of a film projection retracing the October 7th attack on Israel and how several women and girls were sexually abused and tortured. The film titled: “Screams before Silence” created by Sheryl Sandberg, about the sexual violence during the October 7th attack on Israel, was an occasion to share amongst these women activists, peacebuilders, and advocates, the pains and sufferings inflicted on the female victims during the war. Several women shed tears and thought of the current conflicts plaguing some parts of Cameroon like in the Far-North region with Boko Haram, the North-West and South-west with the said Anglophone crisis, and the East region that witnessed the influx of refugees from the neighbouring Central African Republic. Taking the floor to share her sentiments about this conflict that rocked Israel and deprived several families of their members. She said:“Unfortunately, sexual violence against women during regional conflicts has existed since ancient times in history and still exists today in several places where wars are taking place. For us at the Embassy and Israel, this is a special day because Israeli women are still being held as hostages in Gaza by terrorist organizations. We don’t know where they are, we don’t what women’s health situation is. We don’t know if there is sexual abuse towards them. We don’t know anything about them. We want them back. The international day is a day to announce the return of all hostages. Bring them home now…” Amongst the several guests invited to the residence of the Israeli Ambassador, there was also, Cameroonian female artist, Sanzy Viany. The renowned musician praised the initiative and said sexual violence in conflict should be a concern for all and calls for more attention. Sanzy Viany said the fact she watched the film has made her depict the miserable situation in which several young girls and women are entrapped during crises and conflicts. Through this movie, she felt the sorrow and pains her sisters of the North-West region are currently living. The Cameroonian artist musician, who also acts as a champion against Gender-Based Violence insisted on the need to amplify calls to end violence notably sexual and physical violence which are rampant in our societies. She believes through her songs she will greatly impact mentalities. Let us recall that, on 19 June 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/69/293) proclaimed 19 June of each year the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, in order to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes. The date was chosen to commemorate the adoption on 19 June 2008 of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008), in which the Council condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peacebuilding. Elise Kenimbeni

Ils sont au total dix (10) enseignants de l’Université de Ngaoundéré dans la région de l’Adamaoua, au Cameroun qui ont pris part à un programme de certification HCIA-Datacom. Le géant chinois des télécommunications, Huawei a initié par le biais de sa branche camerounaise une autre formation des enseignants, ceci dans le cadre de son programme « Huawei ICT Academy ». Cette autre formation qui a visé dix enseignants de l’Université de Ngaoundéré s’est tenue du 10 au 21 juin 2024. En effet, la mère des universités de la région de l’Adamaoua fait partie désormais de ces écoles enrôlées dans le programme académique de Huawei pour former des génies des Technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC). Enjeux de la Formation Durant une dizaine de jours exactement ces 10 enseignants ont été moulés dans un programme de certification HCIA-Datacom, qui est en réalité un programme de formation et de transfert de compétences « Huawei ICT Academy ». La formation en question qui s’est tenue au sein du Centre de Développement du Numérique Universitaire (CDNU) de l’université de Ngaoundéré faisait également suite au partenariat qui unit l’entreprise chinoise spécialisée dans les Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication (TIC) Huawei et l’Université d’accueil. Tel qu’indiqué, c’est depuis septembre 2023 qu’un MoU, « Memorandum of Understanding » avait été paraphé entre l’Université de Ngaoundéré et la firme chinoise, Huawei, ceci à travers sa branche du Cameroun. Capitalisant ce nouveau partenariat, l’Université de Ngaoundéré entre désormais dans la cour des « grands » et rejoint les autres grandes écoles qui offrent des programmes du « Huawei ICT Academy », qui ne cesse de produire des fruits avec des étudiants formes au TIC de pointe et qui d’ailleurs rivalisent d’adresse avec d’autres génies du monde. Selon les responsables de l’Université de Ngaoundéré, cette formation des enseignants est salutaire au vu des nouveaux défis et enjeux qu’offrent l’outil informatique dans le monde. Et Huawei, entreprise des télécoms qui est toujours en pole position ne saurait lésiner sur les moindres détails dans le cadre de ses multiples partenariats. Dans une interview, le Directeur et Point Focal du Centre de Développement du Numérique Universitaire, Prof. Danyang Paul a souligné l’importance de cette formation au sein de leur institution professionnalisant. Il dit : « Cette formation est cruciale pour l’acquisition de compétences de pointe dans le domaine des télécommunications. Avec les technologies en évolution rapide de Huawei, il est impératif que nos enseignants et techniciens informatiques soient parfaitement équipés pour gérer efficacement les infrastructures numériques de l’université. » L’un des enseignant formé, Dr. Saoungoumi Sourpelle Rodrigue a, à son tour indiqué l’importance de ce partenariat. Dans ses propos il dit : « La Huawei ICT Academy renforce notre engagement à intégrer les technologies de pointe dans nos campus, conformément aux objectifs du projet présidentiel pour le développement numérique. » Cette collaboration entre l’Université de Ngaoundéré et Huawei marque un pas décisif vers la modernisation et l’adaptation aux technologies de pointe, plaçant le Cameroun au cœur du développement numérique en Afrique. Le Programme Huawei ICT Academy Depuis l’an 2013, l’entreprise spécialisée dans les Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication (TIC) a lancé pour la toute première fois son programme de formation « Huawei ICT Academy ». Ce programme permet de créer le pont entre les établissements d’enseignement supérieur et les industries afin de promouvoir le développement de l’économie numérique. Au Cameroun, ledit programme a été lancé en 2018. Ceci en collaboration avec le Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur (MINESUP), qui avait renouvelé ledit partenariat en mars 2021 par l’institutionnalisation des programmes de la Huawei ICT Academy dans les programmes académiques de l’enseignement supérieur. Le principe de la « Huawei ICT Academy » étant que les enseignants Camerounais soient formés en premier, pour qu’ils soient bien équipés et qualifiés pour le savoir-faire avant de dispenser la formation aux étudiants dans leurs propres écoles.  Il faut souligner que par le passé, le Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et l’entreprise chinoise, Huawei ont signé plusieurs Accords qui permettent aux universités et grandes écoles de formations du Cameroun de bénéficier de l’appui du géant mondial des télécommunications dans la formation des étudiants et enseignants aux TIC notamment à travers les programmes « Seeds for future » ; « Huawei ICT Academy » et « Huawei ICT Competition ». En ce qui concerne le programme « Huawei ICT Academy », il a déjà formé près d’une centaine d’enseignants et plus de 1000 étudiants au Cameroun. Elise Kenimbeni

As part of activities to mark World Refugee Day on June 20, Plan International alongside some five international organizations with impactful programs in Cameroon have jointly organized a media corner on Friday, June 21, 2024. Saya, 16 is a refugee from the Central African Republic(CAR). She lives in the Elig-Edzoa neighborhood of Yaounde, in a popular area known as “oyack rails”- a slumpy area that shelters in majority people from the CAR and Chad. The young girl who has been in Cameroon for the past 8 years with her family (mother and brothers), said they fled their home country due to conflicts and settled in Garoua-Boulai, East region before moving to Yaounde, the nation’s capital city. Just like many refugees who face numerous livelihood challenges, she and her family have been welcomed by their community and accommodated in “oyack rails” where they equally do some petty jobs to survive.   Thanks to endurance, courage, and resilience, Saya and her family have coped to survive in precarious conditions. She expressed the will to return to school with the savings made so far through the sale of groundnuts in the streets of Yaounde. The story of Saya is that of thousands of refugees who seek better livelihoods (food, shelter, protection, water, education, health care, and jobs) in the countries where they have settled. Binding forces to uplift challenges To address this growing concern, Plan International Cameroon, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), CARE Cameroon, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Action Against Hunger/ “Action Contre la Faim”, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) have jointly organized a media corner coupled to a photo exhibition as part of series of activities to mark World Refugee Day 2024. The event that took place on Friday, 21st of June 2024, in Bastos, Yaounde at the head office of Plan International Cameroon, focused on the importance of protecting and assisting refugees and Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs). During discussions that were coordinated by all six (06) international organizations, it was disclosed that the situation of refugees has not been rosy. Many live in a context of vulnerability that has been accelerated by the current crises that cripple some regions of Cameroon. As raised by the experts on the panel, one challenging issue that needs to be curbed concerning the status of refugees in Cameroon is that of civil documentation. Many refugees do not have official identification documents notably birth certificates which is a real thorn in government’s actions and the development of the country. Reflections were equally on how to improve the living conditions of refugees with no status. How to register them and facilitate their social reinsertion. The state of thousands of refugees are still questionable. Meeting the unmet needs of refugees requires a lot of funding that is at least $103.5 million, as stated in the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan. Promoting Equal Rights for All Observed every June 20, the 2024 edition of World Refugee Day was placed under the theme: “Solidarity with Refugees”. The theme chosen this year focused on the importance of building inclusive health systems and ensuring equitable care for refugees worldwide. Speaking on behalf of the Country Director of Plan International Cameroon, Mrs. Yenji Mairou, Director of Programs spelt out the commitment of their organization which advances the rights of children and girls who are part of these refugees’ communities. “The vision of Plan International is to advance the rights of children and equality for girls. And when we talk of children and girls we talk of all children, irrespective of their age, their color, their sex, and their race where they are coming from. Looking again at our priority, which is scaling up our humanitarian impact, it implies we need to support these refugees wherever they are found. So, we are basically working with the refugees because when we look at the rights of the child it applies to everyone with no exclusion…” Mrs. Yenji Mairou indicated. The Director of Programs said just like other humanitarian organizations, Plan International stands in solidarity with the refugees. The situation in which many refugees find themselves is not voluntary and therefore calls for concern. She said: “It is everyone’s business. We, the international organizations, and equally you, the media persons, need to amplify the message. We need to send the messages to the communities where we cannot reach so that the refugees know there are people ready to always give them the support needed.” Doris Akungha Yong, Gender specialist working with Plan International Cameroon laid emphasis on basic amenities and opportunities that are offered to refugees with the support of the government as well as financial and technical partners. “When we say solidarity with refugees, it means that we have to create a welcoming environment and we have to be humane with refugees. As of now in Cameroon, we are more concerned because approximately 52% of refugees are women and girls. They are the most vulnerable and they are exposed to sexual and physical abuse because they are women and are the weaker sex. When refugees come into a country like Cameroon, we must ensure that they are safe and can access services that will make them strive equally in the communities. That is the reason why together with the government and under the Universal Health Coverage(UHC), there is a support system to assist most of these vulnerable women and girls as well as men.  For instance, many women and girls who run away from conflicts while being pregnant are assisted with antenatal care and free delivery to ensure that they are also dignified in communities…” She added: “Equally when it comes to education, we encourage more girls to go to school. There are scholarship programs put in place to enroll children and young people in public schools. This is the case with programs jointly set up with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).”  In an exchange with media practitioners, Mrs. Akungha Yong Doris underscored the need to have a refugee card as most

In a one-day educative session organized by Plan International Cameroon, Junior members of parliament were sensitized and schooled on some ills plaguing the society. “For the Respect for the Right to Education of Children, including those Needing Special Protection Measures, in Cameroon: Children are Mobilizing” is the theme of the 25th session of the Children’s Parliament in Cameroon. This year’s session scheduled for June 26, 2024, at the National Assembly in Yaounde will as of tradition gather young boys and girls from the 10 regions of the country who will quiz government officials on burning issues and problems affecting people in the society. These young boys and girls who are called junior members of parliament (MPs) are selected based on some relevant criteria in all the 10 regions and are in a total number of 180, just like the acting MPs of Cameroon. Knowing the strategic role Plan International Cameroon plays alongside the government, the humanitarian organization that strives for children’s rights and their well-being took an active part in the educative session held on Thursday, 20th of June 2024 at the Nkolbisson Technical High School in the Yaounde 7 sub-division. For more than two hours, the team of Plan International Cameroon exchanged with the junior MPs on the theme of the 25th session of the children’s parliament especially on inclusive education which is a key component of this year’s theme. Safeguarding and Child Protection Country program lead at Plan International Cameroon, Madam Honorine Foumba said this educative talk was aimed at empowering children on their fundamental rights and equally upskilling them on how to advocate for their peers’ plight and rights. According to Mrs. Foumba, these newly empowered junior MPs have gained additional lessons and skills that will greatly help them in defending their rights. She said as new ambassadors of children’s rights, this cohort of 180 junior MPs have been granted the opportunity to express themselves on all the issues affecting their regions and to also talk of social ills that are rampant in their school environment. Honorine Foumba was assisted in the discussions by Sidoine Kamgueng, Coordinator of the DAFI program at Plan International Cameroon. The junior MPs of the 25th session of the children’s parliament were mostly empowered on the topic of inclusivity in all sectors of life. They were taught how to behave with their peers who live in vulnerable communities and those born with disabilities. Moreover, during this educative talk session, they were upskilled on how to address some social scourges such as violence, sexual harassment, and drug consumption that can hamper their education. Speaking to media practitioners, Mrs. Foumba Honorine pointed out the fact that these young MPs can henceforth exchange with decision-makers to upgrade their rights and adopt new laws that will protect children and enhance their livelihoods. She described this educative session as an added value to the education of the 180 young girls and boys currently camping at the Nkolbisson Technical High School. In an interview granted to 17 years-old, Jordan Ekotto Medja, junior MP from the South region, striking issues affecting children were brought out. The junior MP said there is need to tackle issues such as illiteracy and consumption of drugs.   Jordan Ekotto Medja believes it is time to act and halt this growing phenomenon, by putting all hands on deck. The young champion calls on all governing bodies, elites, traditional and regional leaders as well as his peers to examine the current situation in which several children are entrapped in the South region of the country. He also called on parents and guardians to play their role in educating their children as many parents of his native region have abandoned their duties at home. Also actively taking part in the 25th session of the children’s parliament is a young girl in the name of Samjeh Lourdes Zinkah. She is a junior MP from the Mezam division in the North-West region- one of the afflicted crisis zones of Cameroon. Amongst the other junior MPs who showed interest in the discussions, Lourdes Samjeh Zinkah caught attention for her eloquence and mastery of the subject matter. As the prefect of a school library, she promised to intensify her advocacy for inclusive education and equal rights for all. “Apart from the poor roads which affect the development of my community in Bamenda II, there is the problem of stigmatization of people living with disabilities. I am very privileged to school in an inclusive school where I meet disabled persons and help them. Taking part in the 25th session of the children’s parliament permits me to call on all fellow Cameroonians to help disabled persons and encourage them to be part of social activities. They can do what normal persons do and have the right to education, we should not leave them aside…” Lourdes said. Just like in previous educative sessions with junior MPs, the children were also sensitized on aspects of the non-discrimination of girls in school and equality. As indicated by the Ministry of Social Affairs, the children’s parliament is intended to be a platform for exchanges between decision-makers and children, at the same time, it constitutes an opportunity offered to the latter to actively participate in the life of the city through expression. of their opinions on the issues that concern them. Through questions and proposed answers and resolutions, the 180 Junior Deputies selected each year in the ten Regions of the country have the opportunity to address decision-makers and consider their obligations. The general objective sought during this 25th session of the Children’s Parliament is to mobilize, promote, and raise awareness among children on respect for the right to education for all children, including those in need of special protection measures.   Elise Kenimbeni

The calls were made on Wednesday, 19th of June 2024 in Yaounde, during an official ceremony to commemorate the 34th edition of the Day of the African Child. Tackling inequalities & promoting education A 13-years-old female student in the class of “5eme” in the francophone sub-system of education was given the lead as spokerspon of children during the celebration that took place on June 19, 2024, at the esplanade of the Yaounde 7 council. Bwame Elisabeth Charlotte just like many children who were convened to the official ceremony of the 34th edition of the Day of the African Child, raised her voice to amplify calls for free and inclusive education for all children as well as the need to preserve peace and stability which are key to development. As a junior parliamentarian for the 2023 session, Elisabeth Charlotte, actively participated in field activities of the Yaounde 7 sub-division, reason why she took advantage of the ceremony to unveil a chaplet of grievances that are impeding the education of young boys and girls. In her speech, the young Member of parliament applauded the tremendous actions carried so far by the government to improve the education of children. She cited the construction of new school edifices, the elaboration of curricula, the recruitment of teachers, the fight against inequalities in several spheres of society, and the protection of children against violence and harassment on school campuses just to name a few. Yet, Elisabeth Charlotte said this year’s celebration grants an opportunity to focus on some issues still hindering the education of children in Cameroon such as the low percentage of children having access to education in crises and enclaved zones of the country like in the Far-North, East, North-West and South-West regions; the need to increase the number of specialized teaching schools with adequate didactic materials for children living with disabilities and vulnerable groups. The junior member of parliament called on all government officials, development partners, parliamentarians, mayors, civil society actors, and the entire population to act now for an inclusive society where children living with disabilities and vulnerable communities could fully participate in the achievement of sustainable development goals. She reiterated that the children of today are adults of tomorrow. In the same vein, the Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Cameroon saluted the multiple efforts undertaken by the government to pursue education in crisis zones though she made mention of numerous challenges that are still to be braced up. Juliette Haenne, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative outlined that, over the past 10 years, several strides have been recorded in the pre-education sector with the enrollment of children aged between 6 to 11 years. “We all know that access to education is a fundamental right and plays a key role in development. We also know that school and education protect children notably the girlchild from unwanted pregnancies, early and forceful marriages as well as child labour.” She said. She emphasized the need to invest in the future of children and this through their education. The occasion was therefore well seized by UNICEF’s spokesperson to plead for an increase in the budget allocated to education in Cameroon. “The budget allocated to education must be increased to reach the international standard of 20% and in this budget, primary education must be reinforced. It is not just about building schools but also to equip schools with toilets to maintain more girls in school…” Juliette Haenne added. Plan International an advocate of children’s rights As a humanitarian and non-profit organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls, Plan International is under the spotlight of the Cameroonian month of the Child with a series of activities. During the official ceremony of the DAC that was postponed to June 19, Plan International’s office in Cameroon was highly represented by the Director of programs, Yenji Mairou, who took the floor on behalf of Mr. Mohamed Bah, Country Director. In her introductory note, she first thanked the Ministry of Social Affairs for associating Plan International Cameroon with the various activities that have been organized nationwide. The Director of programs at PIC said the celebration of the Day of the African Child every June 16, is to remind us of a common cause, that of children/students who were killed on June 16, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa while fighting for their rights to education. Mrs. Yenji Mairou said: “The commemoration of the Day of the African Child is aimed at recalling the commitment of our nations to protect the rights, well-being, and future of our children, who are undoubtedly our continent’s most precious resource.” She recalled the commitment of this leading humanitarian organization that was put in place by a journalist in 1937. “Plan International Cameroon remains committed to equal opportunities, access to education, and the well-being of children and young people. Our proximity to communities allows us to better understand their needs and work together to ensure that every Cameroonian child has access to quality education; that the chances of going to school be given to both girls and boys.” Mrs. Yenji narrated. Government’s Engagement As underscored, this year’s theme offers the opportunity to galvanize efforts at all levels for the right to education of children in Africa, including those in Cameroon, and to take significant measures likely to have a positive impact on the realities experienced by children and their access to education. Social Affairs Minister, Pauline Irene Nguene who chaired the official celebration underscored the need to protect all children whatever the state and category to which they belong. She castigated the poor treatment inflicted on vulnerable children and those with disabilities that is often observed in our society. She said tackling inequalities begins with the notion of: “Leaving No One Behind.” Social Affairs Patroness pointed out the numerous inclusive policies put in place by the government of Cameroon and the fact that several specialized educative centers are been set up to curb the needs of children living with disabilities. The Minister outlined the fact that beyond the commemoration