As part of activities in the build-up to the commemoration of the 59th edition of the National Youth Day in Cameroon, Local Youth Corner (LOYOC) Cameroon successfully carried out an impactful awareness and youth engagement campaign in Idenau on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. The initiative aimed to create awareness, empower young people, and promote active youth participation in peacebuilding to ensure a violent-free community.
The awareness campaign targeted young people, community leaders, and youth groups such as; Brother’s Keeper Idenau, Youths United, Debuncha Youths Association, Manyu Youths Idenau, NOWAPA Bakingili, Distinguished Ladies Association, and Oroko Youths Idenau.
Key Highlights of the Campaign
Youth leadership and civic engagement emphasize the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes and community development. We encouraged youths to take up leadership roles and contribute to the growth of their communities.
Youths are urged to embrace vocational training and skill development to combat high unemployment in the region. We informed them about opportunities to learn practical skills and acquire knowledge to start their businesses and become self-reliant.
The campaign left a lasting impression on the youths of Idenau. According to Claris Bessem, member of the Distinguished Ladies Association, the campaign served as an eye opener to her as she learned about the activities of Local Youth Corner (LOYOC) Cameroon vis-à-vis youth empowerment and capacity building as well as the opportunities available to young people. ‘I now feel motivated to engage in community initiatives and contribute to the development of my community’ she said.
Agwe Marvin, a member of Brother’s Keeper Idenau, expressed satisfaction and enthusiasm about becoming a peace ambassador. He aims to preach peace to his peers and encourage them to be law-abiding citizens.
He stated, “Peace is very important because it allows us to conduct our business effectively and take care of our families. “When there is no peace, business cannot thrive.’ He said.
The organisations efforts were also commended by community leaders and local administrators, who expressed gratitude for the organization’s commitment to youth development and pledged continued support for such initiatives.
As Local Youth Corner (LOYOC) Cameroon continues to champion youth empowerment across Cameroon, the organization remains committed to creating platforms for young people to thrive. As activities ramp up for Youth Day celebrations. LOYOC aims to harness collective action and the potential of Cameroon’s youth to promote peaceful, violence-free communities. Through awareness and sensitization campaigns this is possible.
Binsinla Desire
Communications Fellow, LOYOC Cameroon