Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

La camerounaise a été élue en Suisse au terme d’un processus électoral âprement disputé.  « Je suis ravie d’annoncer ma victoire en tant que Vice-Présidente de la JCI. Je suis touchée et honorée par le soutien indéfectible que j’ai reçu tout au long de cette campagne. Votre confiance en moi est un honneur immense et je suis impatiente de relever ce défi avec dévouement. Je tiens à exprimer ma gratitude à tous ceux qui m’ont soutenu, encouragé et cru en moi. Votre soutien m’a donné la force et la détermination pour mener à bien cette campagne. Merci du fond du cœur pour cette opportunité de servir. J’ai hâte de travailler main dans la main avec vous tous », Christel -Diane Youbi exprime son sentiment au sortir d’un scrutin qu’elle a remporté haut la main. La Jeune lionne indomptable qui a eu le soutien de plusieurs de ses camarades s’est distinguée parmi les nombreuses candidats à ce prestigieux poste. Christel-Diane remporte la couronne comme une véritable camerounaise en plein champs de bataille. Déterminée à relever le défi, elle ajoute : « Je vous remercie du plus profond de mon cœur pour cette opportunité de servir, et je suis impatiente de travailler main dans la main avec vous. » Présidente nationale de la Jeune Chambre Internationale (JCI) en 2020 au Cameroun, elle a été élue Présidente du Sénat JCI Cameroun en 2021. Depuis 2022, Christel-Diane Youbi est responsable des partenariats JCI et cette année 2023, elle a occupé le poste de Conseillère de la Croissance et du développement au sein de ce grand mouvement de jeunes. Son engagement dans ce réseau mondial lui permet de former et d’inspirer les jeunes leaders de demain. Aujourd’hui, elle est couronnée par cette élection au poste de Vice-Présidente de la Jeune Chambre International sur le plan mondial. Son nouveau positionnement stratégique lui permet de dérouler sa palette en termes d’expériences et de connaissances acquises durant sa riche trajectoire. Son expertise en communication, en marketing et en leadership est un atout supplémentaire dans l’accomplissement de son nouveau challenge de Vice-Présidente de la Jeune Chambre Internationale (JCI). Son esprit entrepreneurial est un atout qui lui permet de créer son propre groupe, qui est connu sous le nom de A&M GROUP AFRICA, une agence de communication et de marketing digital. Sa créativité et sa réactivité aux besoins des clients ont permis à son entreprise de se démarquer parmi les entreprises de ce domaine. En sa qualité de fondatrice et PDG d’A&M GROUP AFRICA, elle met en place des stratégies de marketing et de communication pour renforcer la visibilité et la marque de sa clientèle. Sa trajectoire illustre, par ailleurs, son impact qui ne se limite pas au monde professionnel. Christel-Diane est Ambassadrice de Youth Conneckt Cameroun, consultante pour le plan présidentiel camerounais pour la jeunesse, Ambassadrice de la paix auprès de l’UNESCO et blogueuse reconnue. À travers des séminaires, des conférences et d’autres plateformes, elle utilise son expertise pour impacter positivement la vie des jeunes. Elle va irradier la JCI de sa superbe et faire office de rampe de lancement d’une vision encore plus maturée et affinée de cette organisation qui se réinvente à chaque mutation et offre aux jeunes plus d’opportunités. C’est une leader dynamique et pleine de ressources qui prend les reines de la Vice-Présidence de la Jeune Chambre International.  Jean-Patient Tsala

The calls were made on November 20, 2023, in Yaounde during the official celebration of World Children’s Day. Esther Anaïs Bengono is a 7-year-old girl who dreams of a society without violence, child exploitation, and abuse. She depicts the world in colors and as a secure place for the well-being of children. Through a beautiful poem, Esther Anaïs raised all the harmful practices that hamper children’s growth worldwide. She said children are born to grow in a safe environment, they have the right to have a family, to be educated, to be cared for in case of sickness, and to have the right to life. Yet, as outlined in her poem, Esther Anaïs decries the current ills plaguing society in general and children in particular. She denounced the numerous harmful practices to which children are exposed, even though, many children are entangled in wars, and crises and are unable to pursue their dreams. The poem delivered by the 7-year-old champion was not only a call to action but also an advocacy towards the government in a bid to accentuate actions aimed at protecting children and promoting their rights in all spheres of life. The celebration of World Children’s Day at the National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities in Etoug-Ebe, Yaounde 6 was also an occasion to commune with children from orphanages and social centers. Godwin Dinaye, a junior parliamentarian in the Yaounde II constituency outlined the fact that World Children’s Day celebrated every November 20 is an important date simply because it reminds us of how children are treated in society and it is a day aimed at reinforcing actions that will greatly impact on their education. Several calls to action were highlighted by children who on behalf of their peers also decried the fact that many are still suffering from rejection, stigmatization, and discrimination. Country Director of Plan International Cameroon, Mohamed Bah in his speech underscored the supportive contribution of Plan International all over the world since its creation. “Today in more than 85 countries around the world and Cameroon for more than 26 years, Plan International continues to support all the players in the childhood protection chain and the government of Cameroon in its respective strategies to protect the rights of children…” Talking to the media after the official celebration he added: “Plan International Cameroon is here to accompany the government, families and communities. We help them to identify the weak areas and the rights that are not respected. And once we identify those areas, we tailor our programs to ensure that these rights are made concrete because all the children whenever they are, have rights. So, we accompany everyone, we provide technical assistance to the government, and local communities and we also provide financial assistance whenever it is possible, we raise awareness of the need for each of us to be very active in making these rights complete for children in crises, children living with disabilities and those from very poor families…” UNICEF’s Resident Representative, Mrs Perrault Nadine said the celebration of World Children’s Day is also geared towards reminding all stakeholders to leave no one behind. “Through this celebration, we want to raise awareness about the fact that, in many things sometimes we forget children living with disabilities. We should not leave any child behind. Every child whatever their condition has the right to all the rights that were enshrined in the convention…” She said. In her keynote address, Cameroon’s Minister of Social Affairs emphasized this year’s theme is: “For Every Child, Every Right”. She also insisted on the fact that the day serves as a reminder to highlight all the rights of children which are most often trampled. Social Affairs Minister said the day is dedicated to the sensitization of all actors who are involved in Childhood protection. Pauline Irene Nguene said the Ministry of Social Affairs has continuously fought for the respect of children’s rights in Cameroon. She said: “We know that we have so many challenges, a lot has been done by the government but we think that we still have a lot of challenges to uplift. Knowing what is happening around us in the environment today, we think that this sensitization should go further, we have to intensify such actions so that the rights of children are respected.  Children in general should have access to education, health, and life. At the level of the government, several incentives were undertaken, many have been realized so far and some are still to be concretized. This is the reason why we have put an accent on sensitization and together with all our partners we are going to accelerate this challenge which is ours.” Let us recall that, World Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20 each year to promote international togetherness, and awareness among children worldwide, and to improve children’s welfare. November 20th is an important date as it is the date in 1959 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Since 1990, World Children’s Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on Children’s Rights. Elise Kenimbeni

As part of activities to mark the International Day of Children’s Rights observed every November 20, Plan International Cameroon organized a media corner in Yaounde. On Friday 17th of November 2023, the head office of Plan International Cameroon in Bastos, Yaounde played host to a media corner that focused on promoting and advocating for children’s Rights. The media corner initiated by Plan International Cameroon was aimed at dissecting the legal frameworks governing the rights of children in Cameroon; reflecting on key achievements that have impacted the children’s rights and lives and spotlighting child activists’ initiatives in line with their protection. To open discussions at this one-day event that gathered officials from the Ministries of Justice, Women’s Empowerment and Social Affairs as well as advocates from civil society organizations and the media, Dr. Eddy Patrick Donkeng, Head of Communication and Influencing department at Plan International Cameroon said this initiative will go a long way and shall henceforth be inscribed in the humanitarian organization’s agenda. According to Dr. Donkeng, the media corner will act as a safe space for sharing best practices and communicating on untold issues that affect children, young girls, and boys in general. He said media men as key actors have been embarked on board due to the impact of communication and most importantly because Plan International is an initiative set up by a journalist. Speaking on behalf of Mohamed Bah, the Country Director of Plan International Cameroon, the Director of Programmes said the media corner could today be described as a gathering of experts meeting for concrete actions. Yenji Mairou said Plan International Cameroon values the media and keeps working in collaboration with journalists to enhance children’s rights. The Director in charge of Programmes at Plan International Cameroon stated that activities in line with the International Day of Children’s Rights are prior, with regard to the organization’s vision.  “When you look at the International Day of Children’s Rights, it is in line with the vision of the organization which deals with advancing the rights of children and equality for girls. Through this initiative, we want to ensure that 200.000.000 girls can read, can learn, can decide, and can strive.” She indicated. Striving to promote Children’s Rights Young parliamentarians and championing children’s rights were equally part of the conversation. Issues plaguing children’s education, sexual harassment, abuse, early and forceful child marriages, and child labor just to name a few were highlighted in the course of the conversation. Zita, a female junior parliamentarian in the Center region of Cameroon and who has the status of refugee said the media corner grants her the opportunity to speak on behalf of her mates who suffer from stigmatization and discrimination. Joel Mefigue and Donald Arsene Ndongo, two young parliamentarians who were equally part of the round table discussions took advantage of the event to spell out the different problems which hinder children’s development. It was disclosed that several children are subjected to ill practices and are abused but cannot voice out. Hadia Kasim, a champion for children’s rights and student in Terminal C of the Francophone sub-system of education was given the floor to express herself during the session. The young female student stressed on an inclusive education for all children. Hadia believes a society that seeks development can advance with all children, both girls and boys, be they normal or physically challenged. She said no one should be left aside, children living with disabilities are filled with dreams but are most often marginalized. The future can only be bright when children have the same and equal opportunities as she underscored. Also during the media corner session, renowned gospel artist, Indira Baboke through a video invited all stakeholders in charge of children’s rights to double efforts to protect them. She promised to reiterate the call for child protection in her songs. As a young female gospel artist, Indira Baboke uses her songs to educate people and channels amongst other messages of faith, encouragement, and perseverance. Experts and child activists who were taking part in the discussions castigated malpractices and ills to which children are exposed in society. Adolf Mbonyam, leader of CASAF, a civil society organization that advocates for children’s rights said tackling issues affecting children is a collective engagement. He said: “We have to continue working to make sure that every child is given the freedom to succeed both in school and in life. We have to join hands to tackle all forms of violence, be it sexual abuse, corporal punishment, and even online exploitation…” On his part, Leon Enama of CAM-CRIM insisted on childhood protection. He said it is at an early age that children dream of their future and if children are deprived of such dreams their future will be jeopardized. In his presentation, Mr. Sandjio Herve from the Ministry of Justice outlined the different legal frameworks that protect children in Cameroon and stated that the law prevails in terms of sanctions. Impacting through communication Amongst the panelists was Moity Uwaifo, a skilled and experienced journalist working for CRTV, the national media outlet. Moity projected a video report that upskilled the audience on dyslexia disease. Through this report, it was disclosed that many children are affected by this illness which has to do with learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. According to Moity, this is one of the issues that need to be spread out for people to understand that some children are not dull but could be facing such illness. Moity narrated: “As journalists we must inform, educate, and entertain and we can sometimes go beyond these three duties of ours to advocate for vulnerable persons like children. We as journalists are always called to be partial but we can’t be partial in the face of children facing difficulties. There are subjects which we can dig into more and highlight to the public.” At the end of the session, Mrs. Yenji Mairou, Representative of the Country Director expressed

La deuxième session du comité interministériel de supervision du Fonds de Facilitation de l’offre de crédit pour le développement des chaines de valeurs agricoles, de l’élevage et de la pisciculture (2 FC-CVAEF) s’est tenue le 9 Novembre 2023 à Yaoundé au Cameroun. Les travaux qui se sont déroulés le 9 novembre 2023 au Djeuga palace de Yaoundé ont été co-présidés par, Jaji Manu Gidado, Secrétaire Général du Ministère de l’Elevage, des Pêches et de l’Industrie Animale (MINEPIA) et Grace Annih Bambot, Secrétaire Général du Ministère de l’Agriculture et du Développement Rural (MINADER). Aux côtés de ces personnalités, il y’avait le Coordonnateur National du Programme Développement des Chaines de Valeur de l’Elevage et de la Pisciculture (PDCVEP), Dr Aboubakar Njoya et la coordonnatrice Nationale du Projet de Développement des Chaines de Valeurs Agricoles, PDCVA, Marie Jeanine Nkodo Atanga. Les principaux points stratégiques de la mise en œuvre du Fonds de Facilitation de l’offre de crédit pour le développement des chaines de valeurs agricoles, de l’élevage et de pisciculture ont été passés au peigne fin par les responsables du comité interministériel. L’objectif est d’aboutir à la création d’un tissu entrepreneurial dans les chaines de valeurs pastorales et halieutiques. Le principal cheval de bataille est la modernisation de ce domaine. Il est donc question d’opérationnaliser le Fonds avec la validation du plan de mise en œuvre de l’assistance technique pour sa gestion, l’appropriation de la chek-list des critères de base pour l’examen de la demande des crédits des établissements de microfinance. La coordonnatrice Nationale du Projet de Développement des Chaines de Valeurs Agricoles, PDCVA, Marie Jeanine Nkodo Atanga déclare : « Nous avons besoin de revenir vers le comité interministériel de supervision du Fonds de facilitation de l’offre de crédit pour qu’il puisse nous donner un certain nombre de quitus notamment sur l’utilisation de l’assistance technique et aussi sur un certain nombre de formations qu’il faudra adresser non seulement à ceux qui gèrent le fonds c’est-à-dire le coté administration et des microfinances parce que nous sommes dans un secteur spécifique » Les fonds seront mobilisés à hauteur de 75 milliards de FCFA en faveur du PDCVA et de 65 milliards de FCFA pour le Projet de Développement des Chaines de Valeur de l’Elevage et de la Pisciculture, PDCVEP, la provision est issue des financements conjoints Etat du Cameroun Banque Africaine de Développement, BAD, pour une durée de 5 ans. Les deux projets couvrent les dix régions du Cameroun et ont pour cible les éleveurs, les pisciculteurs, les producteurs et vendeurs d’intrants qui en sont bénéficiaires au même titre que les diplômés de l’enseignement supérieur qui seront formés et installés comme chefs d’entreprises mais également les structures de type coopératif ou mutualiste, les Petites et Moyennes Entreprises, les jeunes diplômés impliqués ou désirant se lancer dans ces filières d’élevage et disposant d’un plan d’affaires bancable. Parmi les résultats attendus, il y a la disponibilité des races et espèces bovines, porcines de fortes performances génétiques et une bonne alimentation des animaux et poissons. La mise sur pieds des infrastructures pour faciliter l’accès à l’abattage et aux marchés et l’accompagnement des établissements de microfinance et banques commerciales par la mise en place de mécanismes de garantie et de refinancement pour accroitre l’offre et l’accessibilité au crédit. Dans le développement de sa vision le PDCVEP entend faciliter l’intégration des différents maillons des chaines de valeur de l’élevage e de la pisciculture, expérimenter à titre pilote, des mécanismes de financement inclusif pour stimuler l’investissement privé et l’entreprenariat des jeunes par l’incubation et initier l’extension de la protection sociale en milieu rural et renforcer le confort des jeunes qui souhaitent s’impliquer dans l’agriculture. Le Fonds de Facilitation de l’accès au crédit des Entreprises, chaines de valeurs agricoles, de l’élevage et de la pisciculture et une contribution à l’amélioration du ratio des crédits agricoles dans le portefeuille des Etablissements de microfinance et Banques commerciales. C’est par ailleurs un mécanisme de crédit aux entreprises agricoles, de l’élevage et de la pisciculture conduit conjointement par le Projet de Développement des Chaines de Valeur de l’élevage et de la Pisciculture grâce aux accords de prêts de la Banque Africaine de Développement, BAD, au gouvernement du Cameroun. Jean-Patient Tsala

The colossal project expected to be fully implemented by Chinese telecoms company, ZTE has not seen the daylight for 10 years now. In 2011, Cameroon’s government with the financial support of the Exim Bank of China disbursed over 77 billion FCFA (US$ 155 million) for the project dubbed: National Emergency Telecommunications Network (NETN). The dream come true project as described by experts is a telecommunication network specifically designed to help Cameroon coordinate response to emergencies. The project sheltered by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications was attributed to the Chinese enterprise, ZTE Corporation in 2013 without any tender call. Chinese telecoms company, ZTE corporation who grabbed the offer has not yet provided any concrete action whereas the company was expected by the end of this year to fully hand over the high-tech infrastructure. As indicated, construction works that were to be achieved in 2023 are at a standstill on the ground after 10 years of attribution to such a huge market. The rate of work executed on the ground has been estimated at 64%. The proposed 2G network which was castigated by some experts of MINPOSTEL as obsolete is not yet operational and the Chinese enterprise mounts pressure to receive the remaining 5% payment (3.5 billion FCFA). In 2016, a report from the Ministry of Public Works decried the exorbitant cost of one of the data centers of this project which was overcharged by ZTE corporation at 1.8 billion FCFA. The long-awaited and promising project launched by MINPOSTEL has crippled several initiatives which would have helped the population and the entire country in her quest for an emergency in 2035. ZTE corporation since then has not officially expressed itself on the project but keeps nourishing the government with unfulfilled promises. From reports, the NETN project whose execution rate goes on a slow pace is expected to connect ten regional centers through its five main components which are: video surveillance, communication system, video conferencing facility, trunked radio system, and e-police system. Timesnews2

The National Commission for the Protection of Children in Moral Danger, delinquent or abandoned, held its second session for the year 2023 on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in Yaounde. The meeting chaired by Social Affairs Minister, Pauline Irene Nguene was placed under the theme: “Alternative Care for children without known family background.” Several officials representing key administrations and the staff of Plan International Cameroon took part in this second session with a good number of stakes and challenges. Speaking on behalf of the Country Director of the humanitarian organization, Plan International Cameroon, Dr Donkeng Eddy said: “Plan International is an organization that works for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. I will just remind you that the organization was created by a journalist who wanted to protect children in difficult situations.” Dr Eddy Donkeng emphasized on the need to intensify actions that will help protect children, and on the ‘raison d’ être’ of this second session focusing on providing alternative care for children in distress. “It is during these critical moments that the support of temporary foster families plays an essential role, given that every child has the right to a family, a child’s first line of defense is his or her family, every child has the right to a family environment, no child should be separated from his or her parents, and every child temporarily or permanently deprived of his or her family environment must be supported.” He narrated. The Representative of the Country Director of Plan International also outlined the fact that the organization established in Cameroon for more than 27 years now, works closely with the government and other stakeholders for the inclusive protection of children. He said the humanitarian organization will not fold its arms until children’s rights are respected and become a reality. “We shall not stop until this becomes a reality. Our children have to learn, manage, decide and in a healthy, secure, and protective environment, whatever the circumstances.” Concerning its driven missions and goals, Plan International Cameroon has set the pace for effective collaboration with local communities, associations, partner organizations, and competent authorities. According to Dr Donkeng Eddy, a holistic approach was developed to accompany not only children in distress but also families who temporarily host them. Most of these families welcome abandoned children, children who are victims of abuse, those affected by the crises, and those who are out of school for several reasons. Plan International Cameroon in its quest for the well-being of children therefore seeks with government concrete solutions that will play a pivotal role in resolving the situation. In her keynote address, Social Affairs patroness, Minister Pauline Irene Nguene praised the relentless efforts and support of development partners such as Plan International Cameroon and UNICEF who are constantly striving to protect children’s rights and who are engaged in this crusade alongside the government. She said the protection of children at all levels is necessary for their development and their growth remains a major concern for the Government, and it is fully in line with the political thought of the President of the Republic, Head of State, His Excellency Paul Biya. The Minister exhorted the various members of the National Commission for the Protection of Children in Moral Danger, delinquent or abandoned to set up innovative and concrete actions that will positively contribute to advancing the situation of abandoned children in Cameroon. At the end of the official opening session, Honorine Foumba, safeguarding and child protection country programme lead in Plan International Cameroon exchanged with media practitioners to reiterate the main objective of this come-together. She said with the current crises affecting the country and the number of children in the streets of major towns, Plan International Cameroon is preoccupied with the situation and stands beside the government to seek appropriate measures for the care of abandoned children who need to be in a family for their well-being. To tackle the phenomenon of abandoned children or those deprived of households, the government has created childcare institutions. There are two types of institutions: Reception Centers for Distressed Children commonly known by their French acronym, CAED, and Childcare Centres.To date, 04 CAEDs with a capacity of 40 spaces each, are functional in the capital Yaounde and Garoua in the North, Ambam in the South, and Ekondo Titi in the South West Region. A pilot Daycare Nursery with 60 spaces was opened in Djoungolo (Yaoundé). Regulations are also taken to ensure the smooth functioning and organization of institutions catering to the little child.  This is the case of Decree 2001/110PM of March 2001 on the organization and functioning of government institutions catering to young children (day-care, nursery, and day nurseries). The effective implementation of the provisions of this decree will contribute to improving the management of the little child. In addition to the government’s organization, the State has established an institutional framework (laws and decrees) promoting the involvement of private partners. The policy of child protection is strongly supported by the active action of various NGOs and associations in the legal, health, education, and psycho-social framework. Elise Kenimbeni