South West receiv the Advocacy Project for Peace Education in Youth Settings in Cameroon

Advocacy Project for Peace Education in Youth Settings in Cameroon

From the 17 to 18 of September 2025, at PRESMICC Hall and Synod Office Hall, took place a workshop about Advocacy Project for Peace Education in Youth Settings in Cameroon, step to sensitization and lobbying campaign in the South West region. The general objective was Young leaders and key actors are committed to developing a common strategy to promote peace in their communities and at the national level. Over 100 youths participate at this campaign.

The Buea Council Mayor was represented by his Deputy Mayor. She welcomed all to the city of Buea and reiterated the essence of living together in peace to ensure the growth of the city.

The participants were briefly welcomed by the PCC National Peace Coordinator, Rev. Mrs Sobe Florence Ebango. “Peace is a gift we all long for, and today’s gathering is a step towards building it in our communities and in our region. The confidence placed in us is a reminder that Peace is not built by one person alone, but by many hands and hearts working together”. Additional welcome words came in from Mr. Ikome Neal Mbella from the regional delegation of the ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education. “Peace begins with a smile” were his opening words. He indicated the challenging times with regards to peace especially in the North and Southwest Regions and the need for young persons to get lucrative activities that could offer them opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment. In this light, he indicated numerous opportunities for the youths at the regional delegation of the ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education.

Group of youths of the South West Region coming from all the six Divisions namely; Fako, Lebialem, Manyu, Meme, Kupe-Muanenguba and Ndian, there presenting the advocacy paper on behalf of the others

Key outcomes from the Advocacy for Peace Education Project in the South West Region

• The youth acquired Peace Education skills with many testifying that they have embraced Non-violent communication, active listening and de-escalation and are ready not only to use in their personal lives but to restitute to their peers.
• An advocacy paper was produced and presented to key stakeholders
• Key stakeholders within the region understood better the concerns of young persons and clarified some areas they did not understand especially in the area of unemployment.
• Networking opportunities. Youths from different Divisions connected with like-minded youth advocates and other stakeholders thus expanding their horizon.
• Over 50 youth filled forms to have their names registered in the data bank of the National Employment Fund and MINJEC. This will facilitate easy reach to this youths when job opportunities are available.
• More persons both youth and stakeholders had knowledge on the concept of Peace Education.
• 5 spaces for vocational training was offered by the CEO of Hope of Africa to 5 female youth as a testament to their vision of uplifting vulnerable girls and women in poverty alleviation.

The youths of the South West region pledge to act as peace ambassadors by: speaking out against violence, adopting good moral and ethical behaviors. empowering ourselves through skills acquisition, creating peace clubs and advocating for peace, engaging in peaceful community activities, participating and contributing in local development.

For ending ceremony, the Governor indicated that it is from this goal the country’s National Development Strategic for the period 2020 – 2030 was developed which constitute the long term for the economic and social development in achieving the country’s vision of emergence by 2035. He called on all to ensure peace reign so as to achieve this vision “It is obvious that we cannot achieve this goal if peace does not reign”. He reminded all that despite our differences in approach to conflict resolution, peace reminds primordial to social cohesion and community development “Peace reminds a priceless asset”. He called on the participants to champion peace within their divisions and put into full use the knowledge they have acquired while in the two-days training

Consolidation and Capitalization

It is important to capitalize on the efforts and gains of the workshop by sustaining the created youth groups in the Divisions. Youths need constant follow up and push to ensure they stay to the course. These youths should stay in connection with the PCC Peace Office and should be furnished with information with regards to employment, scholarship, and training opportunities. Further refresher training in peace should be enhanced to ensure restitution at community level.