Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

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

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

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

Lors de sa toute première visite à l’Institut de Formation et de Recherche Démographiques (IFORD) effectuée le 14 juin 2024 à Yaoundé, le nouveau Recteur de l’Université de Yaoundé II, Pr. Richard Laurent Omgba a émis le vœu de poursuivre le partenariat qui existe entre les deux institutions. Pour cette première visite de travail au siège de l’IFORD et son campus le nouveau recteur de l’Université de Yaoundé II était bien accompagne par ses collaborateurs et le staff du prestigieux institut Sous régional. C’est à 15h15 que le nouveau recteur de l’Université de Yaoundé II a franchi le seuil du portail du siège de l’IFORD, situé en pleine quartier administratif dans la capitale du Cameroun, à Yaoundé. Il a été accueilli par le Directeur Exécutif dudit institut. Une journée de travail certes brève mais avec plusieurs enjeux au menu pour les deux institutions qui forment de nombreux étudiants camerounais et étrangers. Prenant la parole pour ouvrir cette rencontre de travail et d’échanges, le Directeur Exécutif par intérim de l’IFORD, Monsieur Nganawara Didier a tout d’abord félicité le nouveau patron de l’Université de Yaoundé II pour sa nomination et sa visite de travail qui vient rehausser le fructueux partenariat qui se poursuit entre les deux grands instituts. Didier Nganawara dit : « Permettez-moi Pr Richard Laurent Omgba puisqu’il s’agit de vous, d’adresser une fois de plus à mon nom propre et au nom de tout le personnel, les étudiants, les doctorants et toute la grande famille de l’IFORD, les vives félicitations pour votre nomination en tant que Recteur de l’Université de Yaoundé. C’est l’Université de rattachement académique et scientifique de l’institut de formation et de recherche démographique. Nos deux institutions sont unies par les liens de coopération académique scientifique et d’une confiance mutuelle que la relance déterminée de nos relations a permis de faire prospérer. Je suis heureux de pouvoir poursuivre avec vous cette coopération. » Vers un partenariat sain  Au cours de cette réunion, le Pr. Richard Laurent Omgba était accompagné lui aussi par une forte délégation. Dans son propos liminaire le tout nouveau Recteur de l’Université de Yaoundé II située dans l’arrondissement de Soa, a souligné l’importance de cette rencontre de travail. « Je suis venu avec ce bon monde pour que nous puissions échanger sincèrement et rebâtir les bases de notre coopération parce qu’il m’a semblé que cette coopération était devenue tumultueuse. Qu’elle n’était plus tout à fait saine.  Et, donc j’estime que cette situation ne devrait pas perdurer. Ce n’est pas à tort que nos Chefs d’Etat ont décidé de créer cette institution. Ce n’est pas à tort que nos Chefs d’Etat ont estimé que cet institut devrait être attaché à une université. C’était pour crédibiliser davantage cette formation et garantir l’académicité des diplômes qui sont ici. » évoque le Pr Richard Laurent Omgba.  « Vous avez des formations qui sont faites ici. Vous avez des enseignants de l’Université qui vous sont affectés. Cela traduit la volonté de conduire ce partenariat. Mais cela n’enlève rien à votre autonomie, à votre statut si particulier. Vous êtes dans notre université, une institution tout à fait particulière et nous n’entendons pas détruire ce partenariat. Nous n’avons pas l’intention de gérer votre budget, de prendre des décisions. Mais, nous avons le devoir de vous accompagner dans le volet académique… » ajoute-t-il. Pr. Omgba a également indiqué : « Je voudrai qu’après cette réunion. Que nous puissions mettre en place un comité chargé d’évaluer les situations et de nous proposer des bases d’une collaboration saine. » L’IFORD une école d’élites Après la réunion au siège de l’IFORD, les deux délégations se sont déportées vers le campus dudit institut à Ngoa-Ekelle. Le nouveau patron de l’Université de Yaoundé II s’est entretenu avec les étudiants. Au cours de ces échanges, les doléances ont été soumises à la tutelle académique, celle-ci a instruit à la Direction Exécutive de mettre sur pied une association dédiée aux anciens étudiants de l’IFORD. « Quel que soit les lieux et la position qu’ils occupent, ils peuvent venir vous aider ou alors se préoccuper du cas des cadets » dit-t-il. Une fois de plus pour enrichir les échanges,  le Directeur Exécutif par intérim de l’IFORD a pris la parole pour souligner quelques points clés. Il dit :« Au moment où les désirs d’accueil, d’enseignements, de ressources humaines et matérielles se multiplient aux portes de nos institutions académiques, des nouvelles générations adoptent que nous puissions émerger notre académique plus forte et plus sûre notamment sur le plan de la formation, de la recherche et de l’emploi capable de défendre les valeurs et d’incarner un nouveau modèle de développement durable au service de la vie. L’université de Yaoundé II et l’IFORD ont la responsabilité d’y travailler ensemble. Les partenariats de long terme qui nous lient dans les domaines de la formation, de la recherche et de l’appui technique y contribuent fortement. » A propos de l’IFORD L’IFORD, école de grande renommée créé en 1971. L’IFORD est devenu un organisme interétatique qui s’est illustré dans la formation des plusieurs démographes africains et cet institut est composé de 26 États africains.  L’IFORD a son siège à Yaoundé, au Cameroun, au sein de l’université de Yaoundé II. Ses étudiants doivent avoir des licences dans les domaines suivants : démographie, géographie, sociologie, anthropologie, sciences économiques, mathématiques, statistiques ou tout autre diplôme jugé équivalent par la direction des études de l’institut. Ils sont sélectionnés par un concours d’entrée annuel organisé dans chaque pays membres.   Ayouba Nsangou

Pour cette édition 2023-2024 du concours mondial de la Huawei ICT, trois étudiants Camerounais se sont démarqués parmi les meilleurs lors de la finale qui s’est tenue à Shenzhen en Chine. C’est la ville de Shenzhen en Chine qui a abrite la finale mondiale du concours 2023-2024 de la « Huawei ICT competition ». Selon les organisateurs de ce concours porté par l’entreprise Huawei, firme chinoise et numéro un mondial en technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC), plus de 170.000 étudiants issus de plus de 2.000 universités et collèges de 80 pays et régions participants ont pris part à cette competition. Et au finish, c’est un total de 160 équipes, regroupant 470 candidats de 49 pays et régions différents, qui ont eu le privilège d’atteindre la finale mondiale après avoir navigué avec succès à travers les compétitions nationales et régionales qui se sont déroulées en début d’année.  Le Cameroun au sommet mondial Une fois de plus les étudiants camerounais font parler d’eux avec un prestigieux prix glané lors de ce concours mondial qui réunit plusieurs génies des TIC. Ils étaient trois étudiants camerounais à avoir remporté le 1er prix dans la catégorie « Network Track » face à plusieurs autres étudiants bien aguerris. Ces étudiants des grandes écoles du Cameroun qui sont : SUP’PTIC et l’Université de Buea ont su braver toutes les épreuves du concours final pour en fin glaner ce prix. Les trois étudiants connus sous les noms de Arabo Youssoupha Youssoupha, Etoua Kamaha Yann Amstrong et Nguepi Gnetedem Paterson ont porté la team Cameroun sous le feu des projecteurs tout en faisant une fois encore la fierté du vert, rouge et jaune. Dans une interview, l’un des représentants camerounais a souligné l’importance de ce concours qui réunit les meilleurs et emmène plusieurs à travailler ardument. Paterson Nguepi Gnetedem, a indiqué que : « le Huawei ICT Competition est une plateforme qui permet aux jeunes talents de présenter leur savoir-faire, d’apprendre, de s’inspirer et d’inspirer ». Axé sur le thème « Connection, Glory, Future » Ces trois représentants issus des grandes écoles et universités qui sont enrôlées dans le programme du « Huawei ICT competition » ont par leur victoire démontré la qualité des enseignements et le professionnalisme qui leur ai inculque au quotidien ainsi que les bienfaits dudit programme qui a mis sur pied depuis son lancement au Cameroun, des formations approfondies pour les enseignants en TIC tout comme aux étudiants. Les ambassadeurs du Cameroun dans cette compétition, qui représentaient l’équipe « Network Track » du Cameroun, ont réalisé un exploit. L’équipe cloud du Cameroun quant à elle, a obtenu le troisième prix lors de cette grande finale mondiale en Chine dans sa catégorie cloud track. Elle était constituée de deux étudiants de l’Université de Buea : Azefack Junior et Kouete Tepe Kenneth et Nde Tsapi Steve-Roland étudiant à l’école nationale supérieure polytechnique de l’Université de Douala. Les représentants de la team Cameroun tout comme les autres participants à ce concours ont rivalisé d’adresse dans plusieurs catégories. Parmi ces catégories il ya : « Network Track », « Cloud Track », « Computing Track » ou encore « Innovation Track ». Huawei ICT en vitrine à Shenzhen Ce concours annuel de la firme chinoise apparait comme une opportunité inouïe aux jeunes étudiants qui rêvent challenger des génies des TIC et qui veulent se frotter aux technologies de l’heure. D’après Monsieur Peng Honghua, Président du Département de la Stratégie et du Développement commercial des TIC à Huawei, a déclaré : « Les TIC sont la pierre angulaire du monde intelligent. À travers le Concours TIC de Huawei, nous visons à offrir aux étudiants une plateforme mondiale leur permettant de rivaliser et d’échanger des idées. » En plus du concours, Huawei a également accueilli le Sommet sur l’Accélération de la Transformation Éducative par les TIC, où 24 instructeurs ont reçu le titre de « L’Instructeur le Plus Précieux au Niveau Mondial de l’Académie Huawei ICT. » Cette reconnaissance témoigne de leurs contributions inestimables au développement des talents et les positionne en tant que modèles à suivre pour les générations futures. A propos du concours Huawei ICT Le Concours Huawei ICT est devenu un événement annuel incontournable dans le calendrier universitaire, offrant une plateforme mondiale aux étudiants des universités et des collèges pour présenter leurs compétences et échanger des idées. Depuis sa création en 2015, le concours a permis aux étudiants d’améliorer leurs connaissances en TIC, leurs compétences pratiques et leurs capacités d’innovation en utilisant des technologies de pointe et des plateformes. L’objectif ultime du concours est de stimuler le développement technologique et de favoriser l’inclusion numérique à l’échelle mondiale. Chaque année, le Concours Huawei ICT continue d’inspirer et de donner du pouvoir à la prochaine génération de leaders numériques, contribuant à une société plus connectée et inclusive. Elise Kenimbeni

Close to 30 online journalists and bloggers have bettered their skills in safety and protection in the course of sensitive and complex coverages. Douala, the economic city of Cameroon, hosted a three-day training workshop that brought together close to 30 online journalists and bloggers from the 27th to the 31st of May 2024. Organized by the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa, UNCHRD-CA, in partnership with the Cameroon Association of Bloggers (ABC), the Douala workshop came in as a continuation process of the training session held in Ebolowa, South region from February 27-29, 2024. The same cohort of online journalists and bloggers upskilled on reporting human rights stories in Ebolowa, were this time around subjected to an intensive training that mainly focused on safety and protection online and off-line as many engage themselves in the coverage of sensitive events such as conflicts and crises that upsurge some regions of Cameroon. Stakes of the training workshop One of the key recommendations of the training workshop held in Ebolowa, South region of Cameroon from the 27th to the 29th of February 2024, was to equip online journalists and bloggers as new members of the network of Human Rights on safety and protection besides some old members who have not received this training. As stated by the UNCHRD-CA that has created since 2015 this network over 80 journalists today, the overall objective of the Douala workshop is to reduce safety and security incidents involving members of the human rights reporters’ network to very minimal levels while enhancing protection. Speaking to the participants, Human Rights officer at UNCHRD-CA, Kiven Fonyuy said: “Some two months ago we trained online journalists and bloggers on reporting on human rights stories, and during this training in Ebolowa, one of the main recommendations was to equip them with protection skills when they are covering sensitive events. We also understood that as new members of the Human Rights Journalists network, they need to master safety skills when they are covering events with a complex connotation.” Mainstreaming protection of media professionals The close to 30 participants whose skills were sharpened in human rights reporting were granted several tips and tools necessary for their protection in the course of duty. Mr. Dimitte, one of the trainers from the UNCHRD-CA had an interactive session with participants on the protection challenges faced by media professionals and they examined the causes, consequences, and ideas for strengthening their protection. Another key presentation that was highlighted during the training was that animated by Mr. Kiven Fonyuy on the: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats linked to coverage of sensitive events. This session was a collective assessment of issues that are worth reporting and the added value it could bring for both these online journalists and bloggers who find themselves in sensitive areas. Apart from the fact that participants were given rudiments on human rights reporting during crises, they were equally granted some techniques to adopt and that will forge them when faced with hindrances. Fredric Takang, a veteran Journalist working with BBC Africa in Cameroon shared some best practices with his peers during this workshop. He mostly focused on a practical case study that emanates from the current conflict plaguing the North-West and South-West regions, and where he covers many human rights stories. The intensive training session was also spiced with some issues experienced on the field by the correspondent of the renowned media outlet and his peers who brought to the limelight some problems encountered on the field while on coverage in some complex situations. Participants at the workshop also had an interesting session on a topic that many ignored its existence, that is the UN Security Council Resolution 2222 of 2015 granting protection of journalists/civilians in conflict situations. Thanks to this session, many upgraded their knowledge of the “dos and don’ts” of media professionals. This resolution adopted in May 2015 by the United Nations Security Council emphasizes the protection of journalists and focuses on the need to combat impunity for attacks against journalists, enhance reporting on violence against journalists, and improve international coordination to strengthen their protection. Tackling hate speech On day three of the workshop, the Cameroon Association of Bloggers (ABC) dedicated a session on hate speech. Donald Tchengang, member of ABC spotlighted the causes and consequences of hate speech in our society and the key role to be played by media professionals. He shared some viral messages that are posted on social networks, and which often trigger many tribal conflicts between people. As a trained digital expert, Donald Tchengang said media professionals especially those working online can combat hate speeches with interesting content. It was once more the occasion to reiterate the crucial role that the media plays in fragile and complex situations, especially during sensitive periods such as the upcoming 2025 elections in Cameroon. Online journalists and bloggers who are today positioned at the forefront with the advent of digitalization were called on to put in place some programs, frame and reshape their reporting in a bid to actively contribute in halting hate speech which is common nowadays on social networks. Media professionals Equipped for future challenges With the numerous sessions and in-depth training that were granted to the participants, they were just like in the previous workshop gathered in subgroups to brainstorm on how to pitch stories from a human rights angle and compile best practices that show their abilities to self-protection. At the end of the workshop, Franklin Kiven Fonyuy expressed satisfaction after an intensive training which was marked by active participation, questions, and answers. “During this three-day training workshop, we gave them all the different avenues for protection that are available to them as journalists and then we also worked on developing their skills while covering complex events, and how to handle these complex events from a human rights perspective. We also worked with them in such a way that they could tap from the experience of some veteran journalists. I think this kind

Humanitarian Association, SEKTEURA has launched a new project to educate and empower children and young people during school breaks in Yaounde, Cameroon.   The newly launched project dubbed in French: “Vacances Responsables et Citoyennes”, is a holiday training program recently in Yaounde, Cameroon by the international association SEKTEURA. As described by members of the international association SEKTEURA, it is a holiday responsible and citizenship program that brings together close to 30 children and young people of the Essos neighborhood in the Yaounde 5 sub-division.   The key objective of this project set in motion is to fight against idleness during holiday periods and help children brace up challenges for back to school, as humanitarian association SEKTEURA strives for the well-being of underprivileged children and vulnerable families. Parents and children targeted for this maiden project are registered in the “Realengo” Prize initiative that seeks to compensate yearly with packs of gifts best pupils and students of the Essos neighborhood. According to Pascal Modo, Coordinator in charge of Programmes at SEKTEURA, this laudable initiative aims to educate young people on some social ills that plague society; to tackle drug consumption in the youth milieu, and empower them in income-generating activities. Pascal Modo equally outlined the fact that children taking an active part in this project were schooled on the scourge of drug consumption; they were initiated to the drafting of curriculum vitae and applications for holiday internships and are continuously assisted by the staff of the association. He said several other activities were set up by SEKTEURA, yet as holidays unfold, children will also be trained in singing and other recreational activities such as football. To launch the project dubbed: “Vacances Responsables et Citoyennes”, top on the agenda was the educative talk on drug consumption organized on May 3, 2024, at “Ecole maternelle Essos Marche”, with the main speaker, Jean-Claude Messomo. The more than two-hour educative talk was addressed mainly to parents. They were better informed on the different types of drugs consumed by young people nowadays; the way many get in touch with drugs; the negative impacts of drug consumption and how to sensitize young people who consume it in their surroundings. This session was also an open opportunity to give tips to parents in order to guide their children not to fall prey and to advocate for more repressive measures that will greatly help to eradicate the scourge in households. Speaking to his audience, Jean-Claude Messomo who is a former drug consumer and today promoter of an agency fighting against drug consumption said, that once a child is already addicted to drugs, there is no need to protect him/her. He cautioned parents on the attitudes most of them adopt in protecting their children which to him is a form of encouragement. Jean-Claude Messomo, promoter of the agency known in French as “Actions Contre les Drogues” insisted on the fact that a child who consumes drugs has to face some difficulties that will boost his or her psychological transformation. Moreover, in an interview granted at the end of the educative talk, Mr. Messomo seized the occasion once again to advise young Cameroonians not to destroy their future with drugs. As a victim, he freely confessed that he went through all types of traumas in life and even in jail and today regrets it. At the end of the session, parents in a cross-interview praised the initiative of SEKTEURA and expressed the will for more educative talks. Basile Mengo, an expert in the domain of health and parent who took part in the session emphasized the need to tackle this illness around school campuses, drinking spots, and other friendly sites where drug traffickers have laid their nests. Apart from the educative talk held with parents, the staff of SEKTEURA also organized on May 4, 2024, a session with children. They were deeply sensitized to the issue and the impacts that drug consumption could have on their lives were highlighted. Another key activity covered in the course of this project is the training workshop on some income-generating items. The children and young people of SEKTEURA were gathered on Saturday 18th of May 2024 on the same site in a bid to upgrade their skills in manufacturing soap, vinegar, menthol, and bleaching water. For more than 5 hours, close to 25 children and young people brought together for this exercise received basic notions and skills to manufacture these items. As indicated by the team of SEKTEURA, this entrepreneurial activity was put in place as a means to help children prepare for their back-to-school 2024-2025. In building skills to manufacture these products, some of these youths will be able to sell them and gain some money to curb their educational needs. Brad-Ephraim Djoussa, was one of the participants of this workshop. To him, this training has helped in order to put into practice a course he learned in school and he will be able to develop a lucrative activity during holidays. The 15 years-old student of “Premiere C” in the francophone sub-system of education said though the training workshop was insightful and he learned how to manufacture all the four products mentioned, he is more interested in manufacturing bleaching water and menthol which can be easily sold out daily. To sharpen the skills of these children and young people, Mrs. Wandji Chantal Epse Njomou, promoter of local development association, ADECASS in its French acronym, was convened by SEKTEURA. The expert expressed her satisfaction as the participants easily assimilated the lessons and showed concern during the practical sessions. She said with these four products, the participants can earn money during these three months’ holiday period. Mrs. Wandji Chantal Epse Njoumou went further to outline the necessity to upskill young people during holidays. She made mention of several lucrative avenues that should be explored for the development of the environment and the country at large. In less than three weeks, “Vacances Responsables et Citoyennes” has proven to be an impactful project that comes in to reinforce