Held on 11–12 December 2025 in Bafoussam

“Building a Shared Future through Peace Education”

As part of the implementation of the advocacy project for peace education among youth in Cameroon, awareness-raising campaigns were conducted throughout the year 2025 in the South-West and East Regions. A similar activity was also organized in the West Region on 11 and 12 December 2025.

This campaign aimed to:
• Disseminate the results of the action research among young people and stakeholders;
• Collect the views of young people and key actors on actions to be undertaken in relation to local realities;
• Update the action research findings by taking into account changes in the local, national, and international context;
• Encourage stakeholders to formulate messages addressed to decision-makers and to establish an action plan;
• Motivate institutional and traditional stakeholders to commit to and implement initiatives proposed by young people in favor of peace education;
• Monitor, evaluate, capitalize on, and communicate the progress of the project.

The activity was held in the banquet hall of the West Club in Bafoussam and took place over two well-structured days.

DAY ONE – 11 DECEMBER 2025

The first day began with the registration of participants from the eight divisions of the region, followed by opening speeches. The Project Coordinator retraced the journey of the peace education awareness caravan. This was followed by the address of the National Coordinator of the Service Civil pour la Paix (SCP) Cameroon, who presented the context of the advocacy project and highlighted the importance of civil society organizations in strengthening social cohesion in Cameroon.

The representative of the Regional Delegate of MINJEC-West commended the work carried out, particularly in the context of post-electoral tensions. After this opening sequence, the delegations introduced themselves.

Discussions began with an introduction to the concept of peace education through a brainstorming session. Fourteen participants indicated that they had previously heard of peace education, notably through organizations such as AJP CEDES, AGIAMUNDO, DMJ, and within family settings.

Clarifications were made on the difference between peace and peace education. Participants were then presented with life situations likely to generate conflict. Individually, in pairs, and in plenary, they shared their reactions and perspectives.

Peace education, as used by SCP, is primarily practical. Techniques presented included nonviolent communication (developed by Marshall Rosenberg), active listening, and the establishment and respect of community rules. Emphasis was placed on conflict de-escalation.

The presentation of action research findings on youth violence in Cameroon followed. Data collected between 2022 and 2023 were presented, with special focus on the West Region. The public restitution organized in 2023 with MINJEC facilitated the launch of the awareness caravan.

After a break, group work sessions were organized. Young people discussed challenges to peace, actors involved, recommendations, and commitments as peace ambassadors. Eight groups were formed: formal education, non-formal education, informal sector, faith communities, formal professional sector, family environment, girls’ environment, internally displaced persons, and refugees.

The day ended with presentations of group results, highlighting types of violence, perpetrators, causes, locations, recommendations, and youth commitments.

DAY TWO – 12 DECEMBER 2025

The second day took place in a warm atmosphere. Guests included mayors, decentralized state services, and administrative authorities. The Governor’s representative was welcomed, followed by a visual theater depicting youth life experiences.

The session opened with the agenda presentation in French and English, the national anthem, and an interfaith prayer.

Speeches followed, including those of the SCP National Coordinator, the representative of AJP CEDES, and the Project Coordinator, who recalled the outcomes of the previous day and the action research results.

Youth representatives from the eight divisions presented a six-page declaration containing recommendations addressed to authorities, teachers, parents, law enforcement agencies, religious leaders, the media, international organizations, and NGOs.

Plenary discussions addressed issues such as youth access to information, employability, participation in governance, employment programs, education staffing, agricultural inputs, and training opportunities.

Responses highlighted mechanisms such as the National Youth Observatory at MINJEC, youth councils, youth deputies, and the Emploi Jeune platform www.emploijeune.cm.

In conclusion, the Governor’s representative encouraged young people to seek reliable information and urged follow-up of activities. Awareness campaigns will continue in other regions, with a national advocacy initiative led by youth from all ten regions.

The activity ended with a group photo, interviews, and a convivial reception.

MBIANDJEU TCHAPDA Mathias .