The first anniversary was celebrated on December 9 2020 at the Yaounde Multipurpose Sport Complex. Presided by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education in the presence of the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Marie Therese Abena Ondoua, the UN Development Programme Deputy Resident Representative Alasane Ba, the president of the National Youth Council, Fadimatou Iyaowa, a host of administrative officials, parliamentarians, representatives of the private sector, the objective of the commemoration ceremony was to make a balancesheet of the implementation of Youth Connekt Cameroon since its was launch a year ago and also identify prospects for the 2021 financial year.
Given this objective, the commemoration ceremony was marked by three main activities includes the launching of the WE-Connekt training at the Centre for the Promotion of Women and the Family at Nkoldongo, the official launching of the Youth Connekt Cameroon set up by the Puene Foundation, the organization of a hangout and the handing over of awards to Youth Connekt Cameroon Ambassadors and young people who have distinguished themselves since the launching of the initiative a year ago.
As concerning the WE-Connekt activity, it was put in place to reinforced and strengthen the civic; entrepreneurial and life capacities of young girls within the Youth Connekt Cameroon Framework.
The Youth Connekt Cameroon digital platform presented to the public by the head of the Puene Foundation, Puene Francois alias mamy nyanga, Youth Connekt ambassador is framework where youth can get information about business opportunities.
According Puene Francois this platform called Nano credit will enable youths to share and exchange information on opportunities as well connect to stakeholders of Youth Connekt. The female business tycoon added that youths registered with the platform can obtain small grants to start up a business.
The special hangout organized during the commemoration ceremony was an opportunity for young people to meet with several Government, parliamentarians, local elected officials and Youth Connekt Ambassadors. As such youths from the different regions through various virtual platforms and media asked questions on issues related to the implication of stakeholders in the implementation of Youth Connekt Cameroon.
Speaking during the Minister of Youths Affairs and Civic Education Mounouna Fotsou gave run down initiatives put in place by various stakeholders through the Youth Connekt. Could be cited is the Youth Entrepreneurship Innovation Challenge, the Young Women Empowerment Programme spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme, the Youth Connekt Masters Class, the Nano credit digital platform and various projects implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education.
While thanking the various stakeholders, he beckoned them to maintain their engagement. He further encourage youths to to take hold of this ideal opportunity in order to emerge from poverty.
Launched for the first time in 2012 in Rwanda, Youth Connekt is a joint UN-Government initiative that aims at connecting young people to various socioeconomic and political opportunities, with the aim of maximizing their empowerment and facilitating their full participation in development.
Launched in Cameroon on December 2019, the initiative has brought together various stakeholders who have put in place programmes that have an enormous impact on the implementation of youths projects implemented by government structures.
