Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

Ahead of the 27th edition of the international day of indigenous people in Cameroon, come August 9, the Minister of social affairs chaired on August 3, 2021 in Yaounde, the official launch of this celebration.   During the official launching ceremony coupled to the 9th session of the intersectoral committee for monitoring programmes and projects involving vulnerable indigenous people (CISPAV) in its french accronym, Social affairs’ Minister, Pauline Irène Nguene said this year’s theme being: “Leaving No one Behind: Indigenous People and the call for a new social contract”, outlines one of the missions assigned to her ministerial department, which is out to tackle social exclusion.     The Minister in her keynote address said the fight against social exclusion in the ministry of social affairs has to do with ensuring that, no socially vulnerable groups are excluded, put aside in developmental projects of the country in line with the application of sustainable development goals.   Pauline Irène Nguene equally mentioned the fact that, the ministry of social affairs has embarked on drawing up a national development plan for indigenous people in Cameroon, which today is in its implementation phase following series of consolidation and validation workshops held in December 2020. The said plan is a tool aimed at organizing, structuring and refining the interventions of technical and financial partners as well as the civil society organizations.   Besides the plan, she said government has set up many incentives to upgrade the living conditions of vulnerable communities and indigenous people. And Cameroon has been promoting several reforms and initiatives put in place at the international level.       Social affairs’ patroness seized the occasion of the official launch and the holding of the 9th CISPAV session to call on various actors to bind efforts in abid to tackle the different challenges faced by indigenous communities.   Executive Director of the Cameroon Indigenous woman Forum, Bouba Alisatu says they have been carrying-out series of advocacy talks in order to ameliorate their status and under the banner of the ministry of social affairs, they will continue to lead this process.     “We still have issues of access to health facilities. Most indigenous people you know live on top of hills and to get to the nearest health center is a very big problem. We equally have problems of access to education, where our children face difficulties to go and attain school because they live on top of the hills and so on. Most of these schools are constructed in the nearby villages and towns. We still have problems of land issues especially for the Mbororos communities who have their cattles and need large spaces to stay with them because that is their culture and that is what makes them to be bororos people. Apart from these, we face forceful displacement without any compensation; the COVID-19 pandemic affecting everybody is another issue due to information which are not made available to indigenous communities. Sensitization campaigns and kits do not reach our communities…”   In an interview granted to media practitioners, the Director of national solidarity and social development at the ministry of social affairs, Henri Nyambi III Dikosso outlined the major steps taken by government in order to alleviate the living conditions of indigenous people who are most often marginalized in our society.       He said: “They are marginalized because they don’t have access to education, health facilities and basic social needs. In fact, they have difficulties in accessing these basic needs. Yet, the first thing the government is doing with its various partners, is to increase the level of accessibility of basic needs for these populations. We have more and more children coming from these social groups who are now scholarized, even at the level of universities. Secondly, government has created room for employment. We have many who are now civil servants in our country. Added to that, many groups and associations have been created and they carry-out some activities that will help in developing their communities…”   According to information granted by the ministry of social affairs, the theme chosen at the global level by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is “Leaving No One Behind: Indigenous Peoples and the Call for a New Social Contract”. Through the choice of this theme, experts of the United Nations permanent forum on indigenous issues wish to reiterate the appeal launched to the States Parties for the international consensus of the leaders of one hundred and ninety-three (193) countries including Cameroon, who subscribed in September 2015 to the adoption of the 2030 agenda for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) intended to leave no one behind by eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, promoting peace, social cohesion and living together. This theme in its intention also calls on States to further promote the social and economic inclusion of Indigenous Peoples through the definition of a new social contract which would put at the center of priorities questions relating to the citizenship of these populations, access to basic social services and their active participation in decision-making bodies in order to guarantee their harmonious social integration.         Elise Kenimbeni

  C’est à travers une série d’activités qui se tiennent à Yaoundé, capitale camerounaise que l’ONG WOCOTOMADI célèbre son dixième anniversaire.       Crée par la camerounaise Julienne Siwe, installée aux Etats-Unis depuis 2008,  l’ONG WOCOTOMADI, INC voit le jour le 31 Juillet 2011 à New Bedford, Massachusetts. D’où la commémoration de ses dix années d’existence à travers une série d’activités lancées le 27 juillet 2021 à Yaoundé au monument de la réunification du Cameroun.     Ce 30 juillet 2021 au musée national de Yaoundé au Cameroun, la journée est dédiée à une projection d’un long métrage qui retrace les multiples activités de l’ONG WOCOTOMADI.  En effet, la projection met en exergue les actions de cet organisme dans différents domaines depuis son existence.     La date du 30 Juillet telle que choisie par les organisateurs de cet évènement met en vitrine la célébration de la journée internationale des Rois et Chefs traditionnels, qui sont en majorité des membres fondateurs du WOCOTAMADI.   Tel que l’indique le comité d’organisation du WOCOTOMADI, cette célébration des Rois et Chefs traditionnels a son historique : « Nous sommes le 30 juillet 2018 à Orlando en Floride ; le maire de cette ville BUDDY DYER, magnifie la richesse culturelle ancestrale de l’Afrique dont ses recherches personnelles lui ont permis de capter un pan. Cette occasion solennelle fait suite à une séance de travail préparatoire avec les équipes de WOCOTOMADI, INC pour le compte des activités du 2e Sommet International sur « l’acculturation des peuples » dont sa ville était hôte d’une des articulations. Ils se sont accordés de la nécessité de semer une graine depuis Orlando en Floride, la faire germer, grandir, occuper les espaces… Avec la prétention de croire que le jeune arbre se hissera un jour comme le baobab géant et servir de mirador, un véritable repère pour rappeler à la conscience collective où se trouve la source à protéger. Ainsi, pendant ce 2e sommet International sur la problématique de l’acculturation des peuples, organisé par l’ONG WOCOTOMADI, INC sous l’encadrement scientifique du Pr. Luc DJOUSSE de Harvard University aux USA, le maire de Orlando acta par une proclamation la journée du 30 juillet comme celle des Rois et Chefs Traditionnels, faisant ainsi honneur à ces nombreux rois et chefs africains qui participaient au Sommet. Cet élan sera soutenu par le maire de Kissimmee Jose A. ALVAREZ et le Sénateur de l’Etat de Floride Victor Manuel TORRES Jr qui profitent aussi l’occasion de ce Sommet pour honorer les traditions ancestrales… »     Les activités du WOCOTOMADI sont placées sous le thème : « chefferie traditionnelle, dans la décentralisation, implication des chefs traditionnels dans les régions et l’opportunité de développement ». Il souligne l’importance pour les chefs traditionnels de réaffirmer une fois de plus leur engagement et leurs rôles dans la nouvelle configuration administrative au Cameroun et, pour WOCOTOMADI, INC, s’inspirer des Objectifs de Développement Durable des Nations Unis (ODD), travailler avec des partenaires pour créer un impact durable pour le bien être des communautés désœuvrées, ceci en réduisant considérablement nos charges de travail grâce au travail des bénévoles, aussi en économisant de l’argent au travers des services gratuits.   Durant la conférence de presse de lancement des activités qui s’est tenue au monument de la réunification, la présidente du comité d’organisation, Sa Majesté Lisette Ndongo a énuméré les différentes actions qu’a mené sur le terrain cette organisation non-gouvernementale qui a pour leitmotiv, accompagner et aider les couches vulnérables. Cet aspect humanitaire est d’ailleurs l’un des points qui a permis de mettre sur pieds le WOCOTOMADI.        Les chefs traditionnels réunis autour de Sa Majesté Ndongo ont décrié les violences que subissent les populations dans notre pays et les conflits dans la région dite anglophone qui entrave la paix et le développement. Et pour la circonstance ils ont fait une procession avec la danse traditionnelle « Essani » afin d’appeler à la paix et au vivre ensemble. D’une seule voix, ils ont dit non à la guerre et à la division de leur beau et tendre pays le Cameroun. En tant que piliers locaux, personnes qui communiquent facilement avec les populations, ils ont réitéré leur soutien à l’Etat camerounais.   Sa Majesté Ndongo Lisette quant à elle, n’a pas failli de souligner les nombreuses activités génératrices de revenues que l’ONG a créées pour certaines cibles ainsi que le souhait de mettre davantage pour les populations nécessiteuses.       Elle a aussi a réitéré l’essence de cette 10ème année de célébration du WOCOTOMADI, qui est couplée à la 4eme année de proclamation de la journée internationale des rois et des chefferies traditionnelles placée sous le haut patronage du ministre des arts et de la culture, Dr. Pierre Ismaël Bidoung Mkpatt et du président d’honneur du WOCOTOMADI.INC, Sa majesté Vincent Tchoua Kemajou, Roi des Bazou dans la région de l’Ouest et sous le haut parrainage des ministres Mbarga Mboa Philippe, Pr. Laurent serge Etoundi Ngoa, Séraphin Magloire Fouda et de la marraine nationale des reines, princesses et femmes des chefferies du Cameroun Célestine Ketcha Courtes.     En terme de perspectives elle dit : « En terme d’engagements, nous comptons accompagner l’Etat de manière transversale dans ses différents programmes pour le développement de notre pays, ceci en collaboration avec les différentes chefferies du pays. »   Il faut signaler que cette journée se veut l’occasion de réunir entre eux et en un lieu les gardiens des traditions ancestrales de tous les horizons, leurs communautés diasporées avec eux, sans oublier tous ceux qui veulent s’abreuver à leurs sources, afin qu’ils soient célébrés, leurs patrimoines valorisés, leurs cultures exposées, et qu’ils réfléchissent et prennent des actions fortes pour se positionner comme acteurs majeurs de la stabilité et du développement de leur peuple.     L’ONG WOCOTOMADI à travers sa vision veut continuer à promouvoir et valoriser la culture d’un monde plus juste en Afrique et dans le reste du monde, au Cameroun en particulier à travers la santé, la culture, l’éducation, l’agriculture etc.           Elise Kenimbeni

  Close to 30 participants from various organizations, and administrative units were convened by the ministry of social affairs in a one day technical workshop held on July 28, 2021 in Yaounde, Cameroon.   During the meeting chaired by Minister Pauline Irène Nguene, the scope of activities assigned to the national brigade for the social compliance of projects were reviewed as well as the draft of the Reference Framework for the social compliance of projects, which was presented to the audience.    The draft of the Reference Framework for the social compliance of projects which was presented as a practical guide to be used by promoters, project owners, controllers and other actors involved in this chain is centered on three main components. National controllers of the brigade in charge of its facilitation on the field highlighted key points to be taken into account by all actors who are implicated in heavy and structuring projects in Cameroon.   As indicated, the State has the right to protect its citizens and more over those who might be or are affected by vast projects undertaken on sites where populations are found. The fact that many projects are carried-out on major sites and affect communities is a worry to the government. Despite the interests generated from these construction works the government is conscious of the impacts most of the times felt by populations living around the sites.   Government has put in place many incentives to first protect its people through its social justice policy and normative instruments as underscored by social affairs’ patroness. The creation of the national brigade for the social compliance of projects which is the watchdog of the government is a clear indication of a follow up of activities carried-out by different organizations on the field. Yet, through-out the new draft presented by the national brigade, responsibilities on social protection have been stated-out clearly and strategic points such as displacement, resettlement of populations, compensation and benefits were equally unveiled.   In her key note address, Minister Pauline Irène Nguene said this workshop aimed at building capacities of actors involved in the social compliance of projects enables to share Cameroon’s strategic vision as concerns the integration of the social dimension of projects and to mobilize the national and international community around this concept.   She said: “the ministry of social affairs through its national brigade for the social compliance of projects intends to continue with the sensitization process that has already begun, develop technical tools relating to social compliance of projects, and advocate for the improvement of the related legal framework, in a bid to reduce or even eradicate the social tensions generated by the implementation of projects.” For recall, the national brigade for the social compliance of projects was created by presidential decree on July 18, 2017 under the banner of the ministry of social affairs.  The national brigade is responsible for: drafting and monitoring the implementation of the reference framework for the management of social dimension of projects; drafting and monitoring indicators for preliminary social assessment and social impact studies; monitoring and evaluating social and economic support plans for major structuring projects; monitoring and evaluating social and economic support plans for local populations; monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the protection plans for vulnerable indigenous peoples affected by projects; monitoring the application of national regulations and international standards in force as concerns management of the social impacts of projects; monitoring compliance with the social provisions in the specifications by project promoters and owners.     The national brigade for the social compliance of projects has since its creation focused its activities essentially on sensitization of various actors involved in the chain. From April to May 2021, the brigade carried-out in all ten regions of the country series of sensitizations with all stakeholders concerned by developing projects.   Elise Kenimbeni

A total of 51 former street children, now pensioners of the Betamba institute have been convened for a two day excursion in Yaounde, Cameroon.     The two day excursion that took place from the 10th to 11th July 2021 at the Nkolbisson technical high school was initiated by the ministry of social affairs, as part of monthly activities marking the African child’s day and the celebration of a one year intensive education and training of these former street children who were granted a warm refuge at the Betamba childhood institute based in the Mbam and Kim division of the Centre region.   In his address, the Director of national solidarity and social development at the ministry of social affairs, Henri Nyambi III Dikosso began by outlining key points of this experimental project launched last year in Yaounde, the nation’s capital.         The Director of national solidarity stressed on the fact that, this initiative enters within the framework of an observation and follow-up pilot project intended to retrieve children from streets in major cities of the country. The pilot phase which consisted of removing children in strategic corners of the Yaounde urban centre permitted to have in the first place 162 children amongst who were 39 officially placed on the 29th of June 2020 in Betamba. Others went back home thanks to joint efforts of various stakeholders involved in this project.   Henri Nyambi III Dikosso recalled that the initiative put in place by the Minister of social affairs has paved the way to the rehabilitation of the Betamba childhood institute which sheltered in the past 120 children and today has a large capacity of 240 occupants, thanks to modernisation works undertaken by the military engineering Corps.     Talking on behalf of all pensioners of the Betamba institute, Ekani Bella Brian, former street child and junior MP of the 22nd legislative session of the children’s parliament addressed the audience to express gratitude after one year of intensive training and follow-up.      Ekani Bella Brian praised the numerous efforts undertaken by the ministry of social affairs since April 1st 2020, date which marks the official kick-off of this operation.   He said: “You have through this operation given us the opportunity to change in order to be useful in the society. I will equally like to thank the Head of state for all the positive changes that we witness today at the Betamba childhood institute. Our living conditions have been upgraded at all levels-education, health, feeding and professional training. Yet, we hope that the following points will be ameliorated: equipment in our training workshops, more games and leisure tools, acquisition of football equipment and so on… Your Excellency, Mrs Minister you have so far made much for us. We are benefitting of a new lifestyle and we can only thank you dear mother…”     Social affairs’ Minister, Pauline Irène Nguene while taking the floor expressed happiness and satisfaction for the positive impacts witnessed during the ceremony. As a mother, she advised the children to firmly follow-up their training sessions in order to later on get good jobs and act as role models in the society.         Pauline Irène Nguene said: “You are now role models, the nation has a look on you. It is not finished and I wish to exhort you to persevere once more. We have to attain our stated goals, which are for you to finish your training and you have to establish yourselves either on self-employment or as employed workers. That’s our major objectives! We wish that you really get integrated in the society and forget about going back to the street. And by the way, you act as relay for others who still believe that the street is a mode of life…”     She said as Minister of social affairs, she is first a mother and well placed to caution them to respect elders, to be neat, work hard to succeed in life.   Minister Pauline Irène Nguene in her key address did not forget to appreciate the efforts and synergy set up by all partners working for the reinsertion of all these children.   The ceremony that was more of a family reunion and a festive moment also permitted to children to express themselves through short sketches, dances and some testimonies such as the case of young Zogo who has acknowledged the benefits of his one year stay and training in Betamba.         Worthy to note, the pensioners of Betamba during the two day excursion in Yaounde had educative talks with officials of the ministry of social affairs, they took active part in a mini-football tournament and later on had a recreational night.           Elise Kenimbeni