Alumni Chapter of Cameroon
This project in Cameroon aims to offer fundamental leadership and entrepreneurship training to young individuals in orphanages and vulnerable circumstances. The project aims to support underprivileged youth residing in 10 orphanages across all 10 regions of Cameroon. Particularly focusing on areas affected by violent extremism like the North West, South West, Far North, and East Regions, while other regions witness a rise in displaced individuals from these conflict-affected areas.
During the annual break from June to August, students often lack opportunities for skill development and engaging activities that promote positive mindsets and community involvement. This absence of constructive engagement can lead to concerning behaviors among young people, such as alcohol and drug use, prostitution, and other risky actions that may influence others. Additionally, amidst sociopolitical conflicts in Anglophone Cameroon, the Boko Haram Insurgency in the North, and security issues in the East, many young Cameroonians are at risk of exposure to radicalization and violent extremism through peers and social media. Teenage orphans, in particular, are vulnerable to these ideologies, viewing them as a source of power and a means to establish their identity.
The project will bring together 50 vulnerable adolescents from 10 orphanages across 10 regions of Cameroon, affected by conflicts and humanitarian crises (IDPs), with 50 YALI alumni in a four-day skills development workshop.
Overall Project Objective
To promote social inclusion of vulnerable youth and prevent their radicalization and gender-based violence through education, dialogue, capacity building, civic engagement and mentorship. And equally support them with back to school kits.
Project Objectives
- Contribute to raising awareness among Cameroonian youth about the dangers of violent extremism and other forms of violence.
- Reconnect young people with life and opportunities by improving their self-confidence and engaging them in sports, arts, and other activities that interest them. Alongside this, teach them about healthy relationships, respect, teamwork, and enhance their understanding of gender equality.
- Combat gender-based violence by providing training on recognizing, preventing, and reporting such cases.
- Empower at-risk youth by fostering a sense of security, belonging, and purpose. This will be achieved by nurturing a community bond, enhancing their talents and skills, providing back-to-school kits, and connecting them with a YALI Alumni mentor.
Let us join forces to make this project a success!
For questions about the project, contact the Cameroonian chapter at cameroonyalialumni@gmail.com or +237 6 97 91 68 95.
