Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

Une convention a été signée entre le MINAS et la plateforme inclusive society for persons with disabilities le 8 juin 2023 à Yaoundé. Dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre de la politique gouvernementale en matière de protection sociale, le ministère des affaires sociales (MINAS) et la plateforme inclusive society for persons with disabilities ont par une signature de convention, établi officiellement leur collaboration. Les contours de la convention C’est une convention de collaboration qui vient davantage renforcer les actions déjà entreprises jusqu’ici par le gouvernement a travers le ministère des affaires sociales, qui a pour mission de protéger les personnes socialement vulnérables et de promouvoir l’épanouissement des personnes vivants avec handicaps (PVH). Comme l’a si bien martelé la ministre des affaires sociales, Pauline Irène Nguene lors de cette cérémonie de signature de convention, depuis des décennies au Cameroun toute action stratégique inclue les personnes vivants avec handicaps. Elle dit :« les personnes vivants avec handicaps sont au cœur de plusieurs actions dans notre société ». Dans son allocution de circonstance, Madame Nguene Pauline Irène a indiqué le fait qu’il y’a lieu de se féliciter, au vu des nombreuses avancées enregistre par le Cameroun qui s’est enrichi de nouveaux cadres de références nationaux et internationaux et a signé plusieurs autres conventions à l’échelle internationale. La Ministre a souligné entre autres, la ratification par décrets du Chef de l’Etat, du Traité de Marrakech visant à faciliter l’accès des aveugles, des déficients visuels et des personnes ayant des difficultés de lecture aux textes imprimés ou œuvres publiées ; le passage de la Convention des Nations-Unies sur les droits des personnes handicapées au Protocole de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples relatif aux Droits des Personnes Handicapées. Au plan national, la Ministre Pauline Irène Nguene énumère quelques actes importants qui ont été signés par le Premier Ministre, Chef du Gouvernement, notamment sur la dispense d’âge aux personnes handicapées lors des concours administratifs et des recrutements dans la fonction publique, qui participent d’un mouvement global de renforcement du cadre institutionnel pour l’adapter aux besoins émergeants des Personnes Handicapées, toute chose qui concourt a l’amélioration des conditions des PVH. La Ministre indique que : « L’Accord de Partenariat que nous allons signer tout à l’heure est une étape importante pour garantir l’amélioration des conditions de vie des personnes handicapées au Cameroun. Elle contribuera à coup sûr à développer davantage, des approches novatrices, et de nouveaux modes opératoires en vue d’accroître leur prise en charge. Dans ce cadre, le Ministère des Affaires Sociales, responsable de l’élaboration et de la mise en œuvre de la politique du Gouvernement en matière de prévention, d’assistance et de protection des personnes socialement vulnérables à la lumière du Décret du 18 juillet 2017 du Président de la République portant organisation du Gouvernement, tient à jouer le rôle qui est le sien en intégrant les interventions jusqu’ici menées par ses partenaires en faveur des Personnes Socialement Vulnérables, d’où la formalisation de ce cadre de collaboration avec la Plateforme Inclusive Society for persons with disabilities… » La Directrice Exécutive du Réseau national des Organisations de promotion de l’inclusion des personnes handicapées quant a elle a salué les multiples efforts qu’entreprend le gouvernement notamment le MINAS pour mettre en vitrine les PVH et démontrer que ce sont des personnes qui ont les mêmes droits que toute autre personne. Emmanuelle Tchotchom dit : « Nous travaillons beaucoup avec les institutions gouvernementales. C’est la même notre base de fonctionnement, parce que nous estimons que ces institutions gouvernementales représentées par le Ministère des Affaires Sociales (MINAS) est au centre de la mise en œuvre de la politique gouvernementale d’inclusion sociale. Après la signature de cette convention, c’est donc un message fort qui est envoyé aux personnes vivants avec handicaps par le gouvernement. Il ya un adage qui dit : « rien pour nous sans nous. » Et avec la signature de cette convention nous sommes sûrs que les personnes vivants avec handicaps vont-elles mêmes initier des actions en partenariats avec les institutions gouvernementales pour l’inclusion des PVH soit une réalité au Cameroun. » Accompagnement Technique La Plateforme Inclusive Society for Persons with Disabilities ou encore le Réseau national des Organisations de promotion de l’inclusion des personnes handicapées regroupe plus de 120 organisations. Elle a été créée en 2011 à la faveur de l’élection présidentielle avec l’appui de Sight savers, le Centre des Nations Unies pour les Droits de l’Homme et la Démocratie en Afrique Centrale. (CNUDHD- AC), Elections Cameroun (ELECAM) et la Commission Nationale des Droits de l’Homme et des Libertés (CNDHL). Initialement connue sous l’appellation Accessible Elections for persons with disabilities dont l’objectif était de promouvoir l’inclusion des personnes handicapées dans le processus électoral, le nom et le mandat ont été modifiés une fois l’élection présidentielle achevée afin que soit créée une organisation faitière œuvrant pour l’encadrement des organisations membres et la promotion des droits des personnes handicapées sur l’ensemble du territoire national. C’est dans cette optique que la nouvelle équipe dirigeante a initié le projet de formalisation de la convention de partenariat avec le Ministère des Affaires Sociales. Afin de matérialiser la formalisation de la collaboration pour la promotion de l’inclusion des personnes handicapées, une session de pré-validation a été tenue en 2021 et les amendements apportés. Des échanges tenus avec les responsables du MINAS, au regard de la restructuration de la Plateforme Inclusive Society à travers la mise sur pied des Plateformes régionales et le renforcement de leurs capacités dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du projet UNPRPD par différents organismes du système des nations unies ; la Plateforme est donc considérée comme l’un des principaux interlocuteurs des personnes handicapées et de leurs structures organisationnelles à la mise en œuvre effective de la politique gouvernementale en matière de protection et de promotion des droits des personnes handicapées. Il faut noter que cette plateforme bénéficie surtout de l’appui technique du Centre des Nations Unies pour les Droits de l’Homme et la Démocratie en Afrique Centrale (CNUDHD-AC) établi à Yaoundé au Cameroun, et qui a pour rôle de: veiller à

An official ceremony to hand over the keys of the modern playground constructed by the association SEKTEUR A took place on Wednesday, 7th June 2023 in Yaounde, Cameroon. For a few days now, the Essos public nursery school situated some kilometres away from the main market of the neighbourhood has been transformed with different colours and looks thanks to the association known as SEKTEUR A. The Germano-Cameroonian philanthropic association which has been vesting resources on this nursery school has just constructed and equipped a modern playground for the social welfare of pupils. Henceforth, the kids of this public nursery school will have a safe and clean playground where from Monday to Friday during classes they will play. The official ceremony to hand over the keys of the newly constructed modern playground took place on June 7, 2023, in Yaounde, Cameroon. Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of the Essos “Marche” neighbourhood, Mr Mono Christophe said the newly built playground will greatly help in the upbringing and full enjoyment of children during the upcoming school year. He outlined the fact that the kids were constantly kept in classes for security reasons. They could not play freely because of environmental threats and the school which is just beside the main road. One of the school’s Headmistress, Mrs. Sidonie Samedi Asse Ngono said, the association has brought in a fresh impetus with this modern playground. “SEKTEUR A is once more coming to help us and we are grateful. This initiative is worthy to be praised because we are guaranteed the security of our children. It is now easy to control and have an eye on them. The kids could not play outside due to environmental challenges…” She added. Taking the floor, the lead chair of the association, SEKTEUR A, Mr Fanguem Leopold has reiterated his firm support and that of his team to always give a helping hand in the development of the school. Leopold Fanguem says improving education literacy is one of the key battles undertaken by the association SEKTEUR A since its creation in 2018 in Germany. He said: “Last year we were here for the official inauguration of rehabilitation works, and we promised to Heads of the school staff to come back. Today, we once did it! A new playground has been constructed for the well-being of our kids who were exposed to all sorts of health issues.” As a child born and bred in the Essos neighbourhood, Leopold Fanguem who is now based in Germany has always nourished the will to help the poor and underprivileged. He believes many more impactful actions could be carried out in various neighbourhoods if the financial means are available. According to Mr Fanguem, these other charitable activities carried out by SEKTEUR A have been realized thanks to its main partner, the “Stiftung Kindernest.” Created and legalized in December 2018 in Germany, the association, SEKTEUR A has for more than five (5) years now initiated a good number of activities and beneficial actions in Cameroon. The association has among others: launched the “Realengo” Prize Awards to encourage pupils and students who excel in school; health assistance for needy and vulnerable households in the Essos neighbourhood. SEKTEUR A keeps on improving and impacting positively the lives of pupils, students as well as underprivileged children and families. Timesnews2.info

Yaounde, Cameroon played host on Friday, June 2, 2023, to the official launch of the 17th edition of the 21 days of Y’ello Care under the concept of “Dining in the Dark.” Activities in line with this year’s edition of the 21 Days of Y’ello Care have been launched in Yaounde on the 2nd of June 2023, with a Partnership Agreement signed between MTN Cameroon and the Ministry of Social Affairs. This official launch ceremony organized by MTN through a gala of charity dubbed: “Dining in the Dark” focused on the assistance of vulnerable groups or communities. Placed under the theme: “Empowering Entrepreneurs to Accelerate Growth and Job Creation within Communities” this 17th edition held at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel was chaired by the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irène Nguene, in the presence of the Minister of Secondary Education, Nalova Lyonga, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of MTN Cameroon, Mr. Colin Mukete, the General Manager of MTN Cameroon Mrs. Mitwa Ng’ambi and several personalities, partners, and customers of MTN. Speaking at the gala of charity “Dining in the Dark”, Social Affairs Minister praised the fruitful collaboration instilled between MTN, which is a prestigious international organization, and her ministerial department, to curb the needs and empower socially vulnerable persons. Madame Nguene Pauline Irène underscored the fact that the Ministry of Social Affairs develops multifaceted partnerships to capitalize on multiple opportunities for the development, improvement of living conditions, and empowerment of people living with disabilities. The Minister equally expressed her satisfaction, as she shares common views with MTN’s General Manager, Mrs. Mitwa Ng’ambi who saw the importance of setting the pace for a Partnership Accord. “The effective implementation of this agreement will undoubtedly contribute to the achievement of the main objectives of improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups but also and above all to have a solid human capital capable of supporting the growth. The Government alone cannot meet the huge demands in the social sector.We, therefore, encourage these private initiatives who, like the social work of the First Lady of Cameroon, Madame Chantal BIYA, offer us alternative and additional solutions in the resolution of social cases. We hope to see the signing today of the agreement of partnership bring new impetus to the dynamism of this cooperation. I can assure you that MINAS will spare no effort to give full life to this partnership. You can count on my availability and the commitment of my collaborators to bring to MTN Cameroon all the institutional support necessary for the emergence of new social actions.” Pauline Irene Nguene said. On her part, MTN Cameroon’s General Manager, saluted the presence of government officials, all key partners who played a vital role in the success of this event. Mitwa Ng’ambi said: “Great thanks to our guests for their generosity. Thanks to their donations, we will carry out projects with strong impacts that will allow communities to develop and above all to gain autonomy. This is how together we contribute to the progress of Cameroon…” This dinner of charity permitted to MTN to collect material and financial support estimated at over 75.000.000 FCFA. Apart from the numerous activities to be carried out nationwide by the leader of telecommunications, MTN, the 21 days initiative is centered this year on: the construction and equipment of a workshop for the production of ecological paving stones made from plastic waste, at the Polyvalent High School of Bonaberi in Douala; the construction and equipment in all 10 regions of training and coworking spaces dedicated to people living with disabilities; the training of young girls from the Incubation Center of the Chamber of Commerce in Douala. Elise Kenimbeni

A l’issue de cette compétition de haut niveau, le Cameroun représenté par trois étudiants remporte le troisième prix de la finale mondiale qui s’est tenue à Shenzhen. C’est la ville de Shenzhen en Chine qui a abrité du 24 au 27 mai 2023, la grande finale de la « Huawei ICT Competition », édition 2022-2023. Cette compétition de haut niveau qui rassemble des génies des TIC à travers le monde a réuni 146 équipes issues de 36 pays. Une première après la pandémie de la COVID-19 qui a causé de nombreuses restrictions et barrières sanitaires dans les pays. La compétition se tenait en ligne. Les équipes participantes à ce concours mondial sont il faut le dire, celles qui ont passé les étapes nationales et régionales et ont pu avoir leurs tickets pour la phase finale mondiale. Un long processus dont l’entreprise des TIC, Huawei suit à travers la « Huawei ICT Academy » qui ne cesse de dévoiler et de développer des milliers de jeunes talents dans différents les pays. Contours de la compétition  Placé sous le thème : « Connection, Glory, Future » le concours tel qu’indiqué, a pour objectifs principaux de fournir aux étudiants une plate-forme de compétition et d’échange d’idées, en améliorant leurs connaissances et compétences pratiques, ainsi qu’en augmentant leur capacité à innover en utilisant de nouvelles technologies. Pour cette édition 2022-2023, la compétition était repartie en 3 catégories que sont : l’industrie ; la pratique (network, cloud et informatique) qui examine les connaissances théoriques des étudiants, leurs compétences pratiques en TIC et teste leur capacité à travailler en équipe et la troisième catégorie se penche sur l’innovation, qui permet aux étudiants de s’inspirer des besoins réels rencontrés dans leur quotidien pour proposer des solutions avec des bénéfices sociaux tangibles et une valeur commerciale. Les étudiants doivent utiliser l’intelligence artificielle, l’internet des objets, le big data, les technologies cloud et internet mobile pour concevoir et créer des modèles complets. Participation méritée du Cameroun Le Cameroun qui est parmi les nombreux pays qui participent à ce concours depuis des années grâce aux prouesses de ses jeunes talents détectés au sein de la « Huawei ICT Academy », et a pu démontrer une fois de plus son potentiel. C’est dont grâce à un parcours bien bravé lors de la phase régionale de la compétition, que le Cameroun a obtenu la 2e place.  L’équipe « Network Track » du Cameroun dans la catégorie pratique était représentée par trois (03) étudiants qui sont : Ndzie Mbene Joselain Lionnel et Fokamegne Fotso Emmanuel Bismarck, tous deux étudiants à l’Université de Yaoundé I, et de Amba Amba Marius Tresor, étudiant à l’école SUP’PTIC. Cette équipe était encadrée par Dr. Domga Komguem Rodrigue, enseignant à l’Université de Yaoundé I.  Selon le jeune étudiant Ndzie Lionnel, de la belle équipe du Cameroun, la compétition n’était pas facile mais elle était une véritable épreuve d’expériences. Il dit : « Je tiens tout d’abord à remercier tous ceux qui ont de près ou de loin concouru à ce que cette compétition se passe le plus bien possible. Je tiens à remercier tout particulièrement les instructeurs de mon académie et tout le staff de Huawei en charge de cette compétition. Huawei ICT Competition est un long voyage au cours duquel l’on apprend beaucoup sur les technologies de pointe dans le domaine des TIC. J’ai énormément bénéficié de nouvelles connaissances en participant à ce long voyage depuis les étapes préliminaires jusqu’à la grande finale en Chine en apprenant davantage de nouvelles choses à chaque fois qu’on passait d’une étape à l’autre. Merci à Huawei pour ce merveilleux programme de transfert de connaissances. Grace à ce voyage, j’ai pu découvrir les innovations de Huawei ce qui pour moi a été une belle expérience. » Le président de Huawei Enterprise Business Global Partner Development and Sales Dept, Xiao Haijun dans sa prise de parole a indiqué que, le talent et les compétences numériques deviendront la base du développement du numérique. « À la fin de 2022, Huawei ICT Academy avait établi des partenariats avec plus de 2200 collèges et universités, formant plus de 200 000 étudiants par an. À l’avenir, Huawei apportera des ressources éducatives en matière de TIC à davantage d’écoles à travers le monde. D’ici 2026, Huawei espère signer des partenariats avec 7 000 universités et former plus d’un million d’étudiants par an afin d’améliorer largement la culture et les compétences numériques des étudiants pour la construction d’un monde numérique dynamique et inclusif. » dixit Monsieur Xiao Haijun. Stephania Giannini, Sous-Directrice Générale de l’UNESCO, quant à elle, a souligné le fait que l’organisation qu’elle représente va continuellement aussi offrir son soutien à Huawei. Madame Giannini dans son propos liminaire a aussi relevé la nécessité de développer des compétences numériques. Elle a expliqué que l’UNESCO soutient fermement le travail de Huawei dans le secteur de l’éducation et espère améliorer la connectivité mondiale et les compétences numériques”. A son tour, Qin Changwei, Secrétaire Général de la Commission Nationale pour l’Education et de l’UNESCO, a déclaré que : « La Huawei ICT Competition est désormais reconnu dans le monde entier et constitue une mesure efficace pour promouvoir l’équité dans l’éducation et l’apprentissage mutuel des civilisations scientifiques et technologiques. Un bon exemple de promotion de l’égalité des genres et de l’inclusion numérique est le Prix d’Honneur de la Femme et le Prix de l’Inclusion Numérique spécialement mis en place dans le cadre du concours. » Il faut indiquer que depuis la tenue de la toute première édition de la « Huawei ICT Competition » en 2015, le nombre de participants et de pays ne cesse de s’accroitre chaque année. Cette 7e édition par exemple a drainé plus de 120.000 étudiants de plus de 2.000 Universités et Grandes écoles, de plus de 74 pays et régions du monde. Qui est Huawei ? Entreprise leader des TIC à travers le monde, Huawei a été fondée en 1987 et son siège social est basé à Shenzhen en Chine. A ce jour, l’entreprise Huawei est un fournisseur de solutions numériques en terminaux, réseaux et cloud, pour les opérateurs, entreprises et consommateurs. Ses produits et solutions sont

Cameroon’s three representatives at the Huawei ICT competition 2022-2023 have been crowned 3rd on the world chart. As of tradition, the Huawei ICT competition, well-known for its selective and qualitative criteria has left another landmark this year. The 2022-2023 final competition phase brought together 146 teams from 36 countries from the 24th to the 27th of May 2023 in Shenzhen, China. These outstanding candidates have each demonstrated their talents at the national and regional levels before acceding the world final stage which took place in China after threats from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s edition has been placed under the theme: « Connection, Glory, Future » to grant the necessary tools, and opportunities for the exchange of ideas between students and equip them with a digital platform. The competition has been divided into three (3) categories: the first focused on the industry; the second on practice (that is network, cloud, and computing) which entails the theoretical knowledge of students, their practical skills in ICT, and tests their ability to work in a team and the 3rd group is focused on innovation which allows students to be inspired by the real needs encountered in their daily lives to offer solutions with tangible social benefits and commercial value. They must use artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data, cloud technologies, and mobile Internet to design and create complete models. Cameroon’s active participation Cameroon was again highly represented at the Huawei ICT 2022-2023 competition after she grabbed the second position in the regional contest. In the ranks of Cameroon, there were: Ndzie Mbene Joselain Lionnel et Fokamegne Fotso Emmanuel Bismarck both students of the University of Yaounde 1, and Amba Amba Marius Tresor, a student from SUP’PTIC. Dr. DOMGA KOMGUEM Rodrigue supervised these three brilliant students, who praised the job well accomplished by his team, and who was awarded the third prize. Speaking after this challenging competition, Ndzie Joselain Lionnel said the contest has been very challenging but also rich with experience gathered so far. “First of all, I would like to thank all those who have directly or indirectly contributed to making this competition go as well as possible. I would like to especially thank the instructors of my academy and all the Huawei staff in charge of this competition. Huawei ICT Competition is a long journey in which you learn a lot about advanced technologies in the field of ICT. I benefited enormously from new knowledge by participating in this long journey from the preliminary stages to the grand finale in China by learning more new things each time we passed from one stage to another. Thanks to Huawei for this wonderful knowledge transfer program. Thanks to this trip, I was able to discover Huawei’s innovations, which for me was a great experience.” He said. On his part, the president of Huawei Enterprise Business Global Partner Development and Sales Department, Xiao Haijun expressed his satisfaction to all the finalists of this competition. He said: “Digital talent and skills will become the basis for digital development. By the end of 2022, Huawei ICT Academy has established partnerships with over 2,200 colleges and universities, training over 200,000 students per year. In the future, Huawei will bring ICT educational resources to more schools around the world. By 2026, Huawei hopes to sign partnerships with 7,000 universities and will train more than 1 million students per year to broadly improve students’ digital literacy and skills for building a vibrant and inclusive digital world.” Stephania Giannini, Sub General Manager at UNESCO, reaffirmed the engagement of the organization she represents and stressed on the need to develop digital competencies. She said UNESCO firmly supports the work of Huawei in the domain of ICT education. Since the first edition of the Huawei ICT competition in 2015, there has been a galloping registration of participants in the contest. More than 120.000 students from over 2000 universities and higher training colleges worldwide came to witness the competition. About Huawei Founded in 1987, Huawei is the leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and operate in over 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. We are committed to bringing digital to every person, home, and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. Elise Kenimbeni

Social Affairs Minister, Pauline Irene Nguene was speaking on June 1, 2023, in Yaounde during the official launch of the 3rd Cameroonian Month of the Child ahead of the African Day celebration come June 16. Just like in the press briefing organized as part of activities to launch the 3rd edition of the Cameroonian Month of the Child that will culminate with the celebration of the day of the African Child on June 16, the Minister of Social Affairs during the official ceremony that englobes this one long month activities reiterated the call for child protection. According to Madame Nguene, these activities are of key priority to the Head of State’s advocacy of Social Inclusion and Justice, with a focus on the social protection of children. Minister Pauline Irene Nguene said the Cameroonian Month of the Child which is in its third edition has become a core activity for the government. It is a period that calls for the concern of each and everyone in the society. The Boss of Social Affairs in Cameroon emphasized the fact that the month dedicated to children is more than ever a period of reflection to tackle all the ill, harmful practices that affect their daily lives. Pauline Irene Nguene stated: “Since 2021, the month of June every year is dedicated to childhood in our country, through the concept of the Cameroonian month of the child.  Far from being a simple period of activities, the Cameroonian month for the child is mostly a vision to develop and promote as well as to get Cameroonians to reserve a special place for children in the month of June every year.” The month of June as described by the Minister of Social Affairs remains a non-violence month, a month without abuse, exploitation, or negligence of children, and above all a month of reflection on the condition of children, a month of love, prayers, and forgiveness in which most thoughts, actions, and interventions would be focused towards their well-being and full development. This official launch was coupled with the first session of the national commission for the Protection of Children in moral danger, delinquency, or abandoned children. During this session, representatives from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, CAMTEL, and ANTIC made some key presentations on the rights of children in a growing digital environment and on digital literacy and its impacts. It was recalled that more than a hundred million children enroll as new users worldwide. And though digital technologies offer all possibilities to children in terms of skills development, children are exposed to various ills and dangers. The occasion was equally well seized by the different presenters to highlight some tactics to monitor children through their phones or tablets. Yet, as underscored by the representative of MINPOSTEL, dialogue is very crucial between parents, tutors, and children. A song of love, peace, and protection of children was also sung by a group of children known as “la pepiniere d’Afrique.” Worthy to note, Cameroon will join on June 16, the African community to commemorate the 33rd edition of the Day of the African Child under the theme: “The Rights of the Child in a Digital Environment”. The Day of the African Child is commemorated every June 16 in memory of the 1976 massacre of Soweto in South Africa, where innocent students were murdered in the course of a protest for their rights. Elise Kenimbeni

In her key message to launch the 3rd edition of the Cameroonian Month of the Child, Minister Pauline Irene Nguene decried all forms of violence, abuse, and harmful practices affecting the well-being of children. Ahead of the celebration of the Day of the African Child come June 16, Cameroon’s Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irene Nguene launched the 3rd edition of the Cameroonian Month of the Child. This launch took place on Tuesday 30th of May 2023 in Yaounde during a press briefing co-organized with Plan International Cameroon and UNICEF. The occasion was well seized by Social Affairs Minister to outline children’s rights and denounce all forms of awful practices to which they are exposed in society. Pauline Irene Nguene in her introductory statement said Cameroon is firmly positioned as a country of children’s rights. “In keeping with the policy of social inclusion and justice advocated by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya, Cameroon has always made the social protection of children one of the top priorities of its social policy. At government level, this vision from the highest summit of the State is reflected, in the specific case of children, in the solidarity, complementarity, and synergy of dozens of ministerial departments in charge of children and youth issues. In terms of concrete results of this commitment, we can point to Cameroon’s ratification of almost all international legal instruments relating to child protection and the adoption of a national legislative and regulatory framework that is protective and fulfilling for children…” She said. Stakes of the celebration The 3rd edition of the Cameroonian Month of the Child which puts down roots for the 33rd edition of the day of the African Child will be observed with a series of activities on the agenda as announced by Minister Nguene Pauline Irene. The Minister outlined among others: the holding of the first session for the year 2023 of the National Commission for the Protection of Children in moral danger, delinquencies and those abandoned; the organization of discussion forums and other advocacy programs designed and facilitated by children; the commemoration of the day of the African Child in the 10 regions; the organization of the 24th session of the Children’s parliament; organization of fairs and exhibitions, etc. Social Affairs’ Patroness, Mrs. Nguene Pauline Irene said Cameroon will join the African community to commemorate the 33rd edition of the African Child under the theme: “The Rights of the Child in a digital environment.” As underscored in her key address, Minister Nguene stressed on the fact that this year’s celebration is a significant opportunity to raise awareness of children’s rights online. This celebration also comes at a moment, voices are raised to denounce the ills of social networks and the internet for children nowadays. “The aim is to ensure children have safe, secure, healthy, protective, and inclusive access to the digital world…” One of the multiple stakes of this 3rd edition of the Cameroonian Month of the Child and 33rd edition of the day of the African Child is focused on the Children’s Parliament. This traditional session that gathers 180 children of both sexes and of all categories will hold from the 17th to the 27th of June in Yaounde. She added: «To better involve children, who are the main stakeholders in raising awareness on responsible use of digital technology, the 24th session of the Children’s Parliament will be organized from June 17 to 27,2023, under the theme: “Digital literacy: an essential tool for information and the fight against violence and sexual abuse of children online.” This reflection will highlight the benefits of the digital revolution for children, namely access to information and knowledge, as well as the exercise of freedom of expression through the denunciation of dangers incurred. Minister Nguene Pauline Irene equally commended the support of sectoral administrations, development partners, and civil society organizations in promoting actions that are relevant to the protection and promotion of children’s rights. She praised the tremendous efforts carried out by Plan International Cameroon, whose full support is felt alongside the government and on the ground. About the day of the African Child The Day of the African Child is celebrated every year on June 16 since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organization of African Unity, OAU, today known as the African Union, AU. It is a commemoration that honors those innocent children and students who participated in the Soweto uprising and who were killed in 1976. The commemoration of this day is also an opportunity for African States concerned about the well-being of their children and their future to question the state of implementation of the rights recognized to all children according to the legal instruments in force and to take appropriate measures, if necessary to ensure their further development. The protection of children in all aspects is necessary for their blossoming and growth, for a sustainable development and this remains a permanent concern for the government. Elise Kenimbeni

A ceremony to officially hand over a potable water access point to the population of Mazare, Moutourwa council in the Far-North region took place on May 16, 2023. Thanks to the MTN Foundation, first corporate foundation in Cameroon, over 700 inhabitants of the Mazare locality of the Moutourwa council in the Far-North region of Cameroon will now have free access to potable water. An official ceremony to hand over the newly constructed borehole took place on May 16, 2023, and was chaired by Mr. Nguele Boris, 1st Deputy Senior Divisional Officer of the Mayo-Kani Division in the presence of Representatives of MTN Cameroon, and Local Authorities. The Mazare population massively turned out to witness this historic event that comes in to save their lives, as access to drinking water is challenging. As indicated, the borehole provided to the Mazare community is a potable water access point made of an immersed pump, supplied with solar energy thanks to photovoltaic panels placed above the water tower tank. The water made available by this donation from the MTN Foundation will also enable families to fight against insalubrity and waterborne diseases with regard to the current threats of cholera. The newly inaugurated borehole will ease the very long distances covered in the past by the people who suffered to obtain the precious liquid. This humanitarian aid is within the context of support for the development of our communities, a real national priority that seeks to ease access to potable water in the Far North region, which according to statistics is the area with the most acute problems of access to water, and that was reported during the last cholera epidemic to be one of the most affected regions by the disease. Facilitating access to drinking water is more than a priority and key intervention domain by the MTN Foundation for the hospitable population of the Far North. Another intervention priority is the development of a robust and impacting digital ecosystem to ease the empowerment of young people and women as well as access by a greater majority to inclusive and quality education Jean Mbindi, Mayor of the Moutourwa council warmly appreciated the action carried out by MTN and said the company has been a great support of the installation of a 4G network antenna. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Yelle, one of the members of the development committee of Roum, a village located in the Moutourwa council said the initiative is worthy to be praised as it has completely transformed the lives of over 700 inhabitants. In his key address, Mr. Nguele Boris said: “The Mayo Kani Division is grateful to the MTN Foundation for its works which have revolutionized the daily living of the populations of Moutourwa and particularly welcomes the involvement of this private sector player in supporting national development priorities.” TimesNews2