Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

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

Eric Takukam, artiste plasticien camerounais a exposé ses œuvres le vendredi 19 mai 2023 a l’institut Français de Douala. Le « Villadin », c’est le thème de l’exposition en réalité augmentée du jeune artiste plasticien camerounais, Eric Takukam. Au cours de cette première exposition individuelle qui s’est tenue le vendredi 19 mai 2023 à l’institut français de Douala, il était question pour l’artiste plasticien, Eric Takukam de proposer une rencontre immersive, sensorielle, poétique et éducative au public. A travers cette exposition, Eric utilise la Réalité Augmentée pour raconter ses souvenirs d’enfance. D’après la note de lecture de Viviane Maghela, Art Curator, c’est un récit original où les œuvres dialoguent avec les visiteurs. Chaque individu puise dans le fond commun, comme dans une ressource, pour se construire sa propre identité. Témoin du passé et conteur du présent dans un monde numérisé, aux progrès incessants, le « Villadin » et une reconstitution des instants de vies, une représentation des imaginaires qui se rapportent aux relations sociales. Cette exposition baptisée le « Villadin » représente aussi l’artiste lui-même dans sa diversité plurielle, et surtout dans sa quête perpétuelle du dialogue avec autrui, un élément fondamental pour la cohésion et le développement social mis en péril aujourd’hui par le capitalisme et la mondialisation. Comment vivre dans ce « Tout Global », sans pour autant perdre le rapport à soi, à la mémoire, à la continuité intellectuelle ? Comment s’ouvrir aux mondes et apprécier les autres cultures sans oublier ses racines ? En intégrant les symboles traditionnels et culturels des Grass Fields dans un espace de vie, le « Villadin » utilise la technologie pour transmettre les valeurs rurales telles que la solidarité, l’entraide, le respect, une manière contemporaine de s’assurer que les générations futures s’inspirent de notre héritage culturel. Aussi, Viviane Maghela ajoute que le « Villadin » est un devoir de mémoire, un espace où le passé le présent et le future se relient pour créer un monde solidaire et harmonieux. Le jeune artiste plasticien camerounais, Eric Takukam est spécialisé dans l’art numérique, la réalité augmentée et les NFT. Eric est titulaire d’un Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) en Communication Audiovisuelle obtenu à l’Institut Supérieur Siantou de Yaoundé en 2004, il a été major national de sa promotion. Après plus de 10 ans d’expérience dans le secteur de la publicité, il embrasse une carrière artistique en 2020. La neurodiversité est une réalité biologique qui représente la diversité des cerveaux et des esprits humains. Cette infinie diversité provient d’une combinaison de facteurs innés et acquis qui interagissent ensemble et avec l’environnement pour former l’individualité de chaque être humain. Rédaction TimesNews2

Le titre « Mi Ntoug » est un extrait de l’album intitulé « Jam » du célèbre artiste musicien Cameroun, Armand Biyag. Après la présentation en conférence de presse le 18 mai 2022 à Yaoundé de son troisième album intitulé « Jam », Armand Biyag, artiste musicien et auteur-compositeur a mis en vitrine le 20 mai 2023 à Douala, le titre « Mi Ntoug » un extrait de cet album qui ne cesse de faire parler de lui. Cet extrait du 3eme album de Armand Biyag est depuis le 20 mai, jour de célébration de l’unité nationale disponible sur toutes les plateformes de streaming et ses pages officielles. Une sortie qui a créé beaucoup d’émules sur la toile. Armand Biyag, l’artiste camerounais, ancien footballeur une fois de plus plonge le public et ses fans dans un genre musical connu de ses paires, Manu Dibango et Richard Bona. Comprendre le titre « Mi Ntoug » « Mi Ntoug » qui signifie en langue bassa les jeux, fait partie des 12 titres de l’album « Jam », qui est une balade musicale de différentes sonorités avec du piano, des percussions et du balafon. Le titre « Mi Ntoug » sorti le 20 Mai 2023 renvoie dans ce contexte, à cette ambiance d’antan qui nous faisait aimer le culte du dimanche, nous faisait rêver des grandes vacances au village pour vivre les feux de camp ou encore, rêver d’un mariage traditionnel haut en couleur et rythmé par le son du Balafon. Une communion du vivre-ensemble qui se décline en son et en rythme comme sait le faire l’homme-orchestre qu’il est. Quoi de mieux donc pour célébrer la fête de l’unité nationale du Cameroun, que d’offrir cette mélodie tradi-moderne (Makunē) qui rappelle la tendre et chaleureuse enfance, tout en ouvrant le chant des possibilités à un artiste qui a choisi de décrire mélodieusement son parcours. « Mi NTOUG » ouvre le champ vaste des mélodies de fusion que nous offrira Armand Biyag et son band en fin d’année 2023 lors de la présentation officielle de son 3e album « JAM » Qui est Armand Biyag ? Armand Biyag est un artiste pluridimensionnel-pianiste, auteur-compositeur, arrangeur et instrumentiste camerounais. Lui qui a pourtant rêvé une carrière footballistique professionnelle avant de se consacrer entièrement à la musique. Orfèvre de belles sonorités et de collaborations qui transcendent les frontières et rend à la musique son côté universel. C’est à travers son premier album intitulé : « Mut Binam », qui signifie en français l’être humain, que le public fait la connaissance de Armand Biyag en 2013. Amoureux de la fusion, ses mélodies se fondent dans la recherche des cultures et traditions avec pour objectif, d’échanger avec d’autres artiste sur le rythme de chez lui « le Makunē ». 3 ans plus tard il cherchera à laisser des traces de son parcours, en présentant son 2e album « NJAN ». Un mélange de jazz à sa sauce teintée de balafon et de rythme traditionnel du peuple Bassa.  Suite à la bourse reçue de l’Institut Français de Paris en 2018, Armand nous permet de déguster le résultat de ses recherches, ainsi donc nait son 3e opus « JAM » en 2022 et dont la présentation officielle est prévue pour la fin d’année 2023. Un album de fusion riche de collaborations, de ses rencontres musicales avec des artistes du monde entier. Une floraison de sonorités de rythme d’ici et d’ailleurs avec en ligne de mire le balafon. Rédaction TimesNews2

Ces chiffres sont du rapport national annuel 2022 des violences et violations faites aux minorités sexuelles et de genre au Cameroun : Ledit rapport a été présenté le mercredi 17 mai 2023 à Yaoundé. Cette année, à l’occasion de la journée internationale de lutte contre l’homophobie, la transphobie et la biphobie (IDAHOT) qui est commémorée chaque 17 mai, les défenseurs des Droits Humains au Cameroun se sont réunisà Yaoundé, pour mettre un accent sur les cas de violences et de violations faites aux Minorités Sexuelles et de Genre (MSG). Il était question au cours de cette journée qui s’est tenue à l’institut français du Cameroun dans la ville de Yaoundé, de parler des multiples violences, violations et cas d’abus qui sont observés dans notre société au quotidien. Les défenseurs des droits humains tout en revisitant le cadre juridique et le contexte socio-culturel du Cameroun ont relevé que les cas de violences ne cessent de s’accroitre au fil des années. Au cours de la rencontre, une jeune dame au nom d’Amour a relaté son vécu lorsqu’elle a dévoilé son appartenance sexuelle à un monsieur avec qui elle a entrepris de faire un enfant. Avec des larmes aux yeux, Amour a décrit comment elle a été victime de la pire barbarie qu’il soit. Même ayant espoir que justice soit faite elle n’a pas obtenu gain de cause jusqu’ici pourtant elle a été torturée et abusée par le monsieur dans des conditions extrêmement critiques. Un partage d’expérience qui a profondément touché l’assistance. 2.925 contre 4.116 cas en 2021 Dans ce rapport national annuel de 2022, fruit du travail de 34 organisations de la société civile qui sont regroupées au sein de la Plateforme Unity (PFU), il ressort qu’il y’a eu au total 2.925 cas d’abus, violences et violations perpétrés sur 987 MSG. Des violences qui sont d’ordre physiques, psychologiques, sexuelles et économiques d’après le rapport. Et cette activité d’observation et de documentation de ces violations a été réalisée par des équipes d’observateurs formés. Les auteurs et autrices des cas de violences et violations ont été identifiés selon leurs appartenances dans la communauté, le secteur de la sante, le milieu éducatif, dans les lieux de travail et la justice. Ces mêmes indicatifs sont ceux qui ont été utilisés par les experts et défenseurs des droits humains qui ont fourni des efforts de titans afin d’aboutir à ce travail.  L’année dernier, dans le rapport de 2021 il a été recense 4.116 cas de violences sur 2.898 MSG, un nombre impressionnant et jamais reporté depuis la mise en place d’un système national d’observation et de reporting des cas. Des chiffres assez alarmants Il ressort de ce rapport annuel de 2022, que les cas de violences les plus perpétrés sont d’ordre économiques et socio-culturels d’où le chiffre de 1.121. Et en ce qui concerne les droits civils et politiques, il a été dénombré 189 cas. Ce qui signifie d’après les auteurs dudit rapport que 85,57% des violences basées sur le genre (VBG) sont des violations des droits économiques, sociaux et culturels et qui affectent le bien-être et l’épanouissement des MSG au Cameroun. Concernant les 2.925 cas perpétrés sur 987 MSG et mis en vitrine dans le rapport, il faut souligner que, 610 personnes se sont identifiés comme étant des hommes gays, 205 personnes comme transgenres, 78 personnes comme Bisexuelles, 127 comme femmes lesbiennes et 24 comme des queers, ce qui est connu sous le sigle LGBTQI. De l’Espoir avec la régression des chiffres ? Selon les acteurs de la société civile, cette régression en chiffres ne saurait être un véritable indicateur de la baisse des violences et violations sur les MSG, au contraire cette baisse pourrait être du fait de la peur de dénoncer au vu du contexte socio-culturel et de l’environnement dans lequel nous sommes. Jean Paul Enama, Directeur Exécutif de Humanity First Cameroon Plus (HFC+), membre de la Plateforme Unity, est l’un des auteurs de ce rapport national qui est aujourd’hui un véritable outil de plaidoyer et de renseignement sur l’état de santé des droits humains au Cameroun. « De mon interprétation, c’est une situation qui est dû soit au travail que nous faisons depuis plusieurs années et qui est entrain de porter des fruits, soit c’est à cause des financements qui n’ont pas permis de couvrir tout l’étendue du territoire national. De toutes les façons, 2.925 c’est beaucoup de cas perpétrés. Cependant on retient aussi que malgré ce contexte alarmant, l’espoir est quand même permis avec des nouvelles pistes à travers par exemple le Fonds Mondial qui a des actions qui visent à lever les barrières et nous avons également les textes nationaux sur la santé qui ne sont pas assez utilisés pour adresser ces questions de violences. » Dixit Jean Paul Enama. Il ajoute qu’il est temps d’utiliser l’approche sur les Droits afin de protéger les MSG. « Il ya l’Examen Périodique Universel (EPU) qui arrive et le Cameroun passe en Novembre 2023. Un rapport alternatif a été soumis et ce sera une occasion pour que le gouvernement soit redevable vis-à-vis des textes et conventions ratifiés et signés aux Nations Unies et même à l’Union Africaine. Nous avons beaucoup plus utilisé cette approche cette année afin de faire évoluer la situation des droits humains. » Madame Eva Mayer Tamo, Experte des Droits de l’Homme souligne que cette régression n’est point un indicateur positif car il peut être réel et en même temps juste une façade. Elle dit :« Ça ne m’étonnerait pas qu’on reste dans la même fourchette que l’année dernière et même un peu plus. Vous le savez, la société est encore fermée sur la thématique et vous savez également que les violences sont subtiles, et nous sommes encore dans un contexte où très peu de gens dénoncent. Il ya des situations où plusieurs sont victimes de ces violations mais préfèrent subir que d’aller dénoncer ou reporter… » Toutefois, Eva Mayer Tamo pense qu’il ya une lueur d’espoir que les choses s’améliorent au fil des années, s’appuyant sur le travail herculéen que mènent les acteurs de la société

Female champions of the 2023 Girls in ICT Day were under the spotlight on May 17 during the celebration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. As Cameroon joined the international community to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, WTISD on May 17, the occasion was once more seized to highlight the international Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day. The Girls in ICT Day taking place each 27th of April aims at promoting girls and young women’s access to information and communications technologies and encouraging them to pursue studies and careers in the growing field of ICT. On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the conference hall of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications played host to the celebration that gathered several officials, and students of some high schools and colleges in Yaounde, Cameroon. The ceremony chaired by the Secretary-General in the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Mohamadou Saoudi, was Placed under the theme: “Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies.” Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Mr. Mohamadou Saoudi said the day is out to create dynamics that will encourage member countries of the  International Telecommunication Union, ITU to develop technological innovations and sensitize the population on the advantages offered by ICTs notably in the domain of digital transformation. “Apart from sensitizing the population, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is out to create awareness on the advantages granted to ICTs’ users and by the way expose the various dangers that could arise from its poor utilization.” He said. For this year’s celebration, ITU calls on the public and private sectors to make pledges for universal connectivity and digital transformation in their countries. ITU’s Representative for Central Africa and Madagascar, Jean-Jacques Massima Landji outlined the fact that his organization works closely with key partners to inspire and encourage girls to pursue a future in ICTs towards bridging the digital gender divide. The aim is to encourage young women and girls to pursue their studies and careers in science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and other fields and help them achieve their dreams.  18 years old Noella Djouku Ngeutchuissi, an upper sixth science student at the government bilingual high school of Etoug-Ebe, Yaounde has been shortlisted for the second time in this project piloted by Plan International Cameroon and the government. This year, Noella developed a software program known as “Riviera”. According to the young female genius, it is an electronic platform that will act as an interface to the public in a bid to grant necessary information on kidnappings of people notably children during festive periods like in December. Noella says to realize this project she had to do a survey in popular places like the central town and the University of Yaounde I where she questioned people on if they found it necessary to have such an app. The ICT champion said: “The objective of this platform is to provide an interface which will permit each and everyone to pass on information about the disappearance of his or her kid or to trace the location of the kid if he or she is not yet at home by 8 pm for instance. The app Riviera gives you tutorials on how to use a kid’s phone. Also, Riviera allows journalists or freelancers who wish to write stories on kidnappings in such a way that the information will be reliable and written in a professional manner.” Just like in the previous editions in which the young girls were celebrated, calls were made to boost such initiatives and invest more in female youths’ projects. The ceremony ended up with the visit of stands by the Secretary Generals and other officials. Elise Kenimbeni

A workshop aimed at disseminating successes and challenges recorded during phase II of the project dubbed AVENIR took place in Yaounde, Cameroon on Tuesday 16th of May 2023. Thanks to Plan International offices in France and Cameroon as well as its key partners which are the French Development Agency, CEFAN, and AJSB, several vulnerable youths have regained hope in life. This is simply due to the project dubbed AVENIR II which laid emphasis on quality inclusive education and socio-economic empowerment of young people notably girls and women in the Yaounde 2 and 7 subdivisions of the Mfoundi division. Fruitful Achievements of AVENIR II During the one-day workshop dedicated to sharing of best practices, hindrances, and perspectives of phase 2 of the AVENIR project, participants convened by Plan International Cameroon at the head office in Bastos, Yaounde have praised the 3-year initiative that drops curtains on May 31, 2023. Field partners such as the Cameroon Education for All Network, CEFAN, and “Amicale des Jeunes Solidaires de la Briqueterie”, AJSB still nourish the will to see another phase of the project in Cameroon. The project to them has saved several vulnerable young girls who lived in precarious conditions. Taking the floor on behalf of the Country Director of Plan International Cameroon, Mr. Fabien Ongono who occupies the post of Programme Implementation Manager praised the numerous achievements registered by the AVENIR project both in its phases 1 and 2. Mr. Ongono said after phase 1 which was mainly focused on inclusive education, the project in its second phase created an ecosystem favorable for self-entrepreneurship in the domains of catering, tailoring, hairdressing, etc., to address some shortcomings witnessed at the end of phase 1. The spokesperson of the country Director said most of the youths schooled during phase 1 of the project were unable to earn a living after. According to Fabien Ongono, the choice bestowed on the Yaounde 2 and 7 subdivisions emanates from the fact that these two parts of the Mfoundi Division have the lowest rates of school enrolment and welcome internally displaced persons affected by the Boko Haram and Anglophone crises, unlike refugees from the Central African Republic. With the implementation of this project in these two subdivisions, the first phase has registered a handful of successes in terms of improvement in end-of-year exams as stated by Mr. Ongono. It was disclosed that during this period, the success rate in the primary education level rose from 74% to 95% in the Yaounde II subdivision for instance. Moreover, 126 youths had access to professional training and among them were close to 79% young women. Speaking on behalf of the Divisional officer of Yaounde II, Mr Ngah Gael said thanks to the project AVENIR several youths have acquired and developed skills that permitted them to be autonomous. Gael Ngah says: “The divisional office of Yaounde II acted more like a watchdog that monitored and followed up the process to be sure that the objectives that were stated at the start of the project were fully implemented. And we were really satisfied because several youths in our district were empowered. We, therefore, seize this occasion to thank Plan International and the French Development Agency, AFD.” On her part, Juliette Voland from Plan International France said the second phase of the project was highly appreciated at the level of France because of its full implementation and positive records. “We are very satisfied with the project at the level of France. This symbolizes what Plan International knows best on the field in terms of strategic thematic like quality education and socio-economic reinsertion. We have observed the engagement of various stakeholders and we believe this is just the beginning of a fruitful journey…” She said. During the closing session of the AVENIR II project, beneficiaries were brought on the spot to showcase their products, and skills and exchange with their young peers and stakeholders. At the esplanade of the head office of Plan International Cameroon in Bastos, Yaounde, we met with two beneficiaries. Success stories Ines Joelle, 32 is now a flower designer. She has been trained thanks to the AVENIR II project. The young lady says she was chanced to be selected among the numerous beneficiaries enrolled by AJSB in 2020. Today, she can better cater for her children and herself with the revenues gained from her art. “I can earn a living today thanks to the training received through this project. I was trained in tailoring and with the skills acquired, I later on furthered my training in flower designing. It is a domain that is not explored but it is quite passionate.” Ines Joelle narrated.  Added to her training in flower designing, Ines Joelle got a scholarship to pursue her studies in digital art. An achievement that she attributes to Plan International which has helped her to realize her dreams. Another success story recorded is that of Sabiya Tahirou aged 18 who is today an owner of a sewing workshop. Sabiya Tahirou said she was informed by her cousin of the enrolment of young girls at the multipurpose youth empowerment center of Yaounde II in Madagascar. When she went there, the number of places was full and enrolment closed, yet she insisted and was later taken into the program. She said: “I didn’t want to stay at home. I wanted to learn something by all means since I could not go to school because my parents did not have money. So, when my cousin told me about these opportunities, I didn’t waste time, I just rushed there directly.” She added: “I followed a 9-month training session in tailoring. Today I have my sewing workshop thanks to Plan International Cameroon. And I have three young persons working with me.” Worthy to note, the AVENIR II project was set up from 2020 to 2023, after the first phase covered from 2017 to 2020. The project focused on 8000 pupils and students of 38 primary schools and 4 high schools with a target of 4200