Draft:Cameroon National Youth Council
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 Logo of the Cameroon National Youth Council | |
| Formation | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Type | Youth Council |
| Headquarters | Yaoundé, Cameroon |
National President | Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou |
Key people | Past Presidents: Abdoulaye Abdou Razack (2009–2013), Jean Marc Afesi Mbafor (2013–2018) Vice-President No.1: Gael Brice Sop |
Parent organization | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (Cameroon) |
| Affiliations | Commonwealth Youth Council, Pan African Youth Union, Jeunesse de la Francophonie (RIJF) |
| Website | www.cnjcnyc.cm |
The Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC), created in 2009 by the Head of State, H.E. President Paul Biya, serves as the representative body for over 14,000 youth organizations in Cameroon. It is a national forum for consultation, expression, coordination, dialogue, and action among youth organizations in the country. The CNYC plays a crucial role in advocating for the active participation of young people in national development and decision-making processes, while also working to foster civic responsibility and youth empowerment.
History
[edit]The Cameroon National Youth Council was established in 2009 by the Head of State H.E. Paul Biya to bridge the gap between young people and the government. The council provides a formal platform for young people to engage in socio-economic and political processes. Its creation was part of a larger governmental effort to encourage the active participation of Cameroonian youth in national development and address the growing concerns about youth marginalization in decision-making spheres.
Since its creation, the CNYC has become a focal point for youth activities and dialogue. Through its vast network of subdivisional, divisional, regional, and national offices, the CNYC operates at all administrative levels to ensure grassroots involvement.
The CNYC boasts a comprehensive network comprising:
- 360 subdivisional offices (totaling 3600 executive members),
- 58 divisional offices (totaling 580 executive members),
- 10 regional offices (totaling 100 executive members), and
- A national office with 13 members.
This structure, supported by thematic networks and commissions, includes a total of 4293 executive members. The CNYC is also supported by 13 volunteers at the national level. Since its establishment, the council has organized 11 major events and numerous smaller events across Cameroon, reaching over 12,375 youths.
Mission and Objectives
[edit]The mission of the Cameroon National Youth Council is to promote youth participation in all aspects of national development and to ensure that the voice of young people is heard in decision-making processes. The CNYC works to:
- Bridge the gap between the youth, government, and national and international organizations.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among youth associations and the government.
- Empower the youth by providing resources, training, and support for entrepreneurship and skills development.
- Represent the interests and concerns of young Cameroonians on national and international platforms.
- Advocate for policies that promote youth development and integrate youth perspectives into governmental programs.
The CNYC is also involved in promoting national integration, peace, and social cohesion among the country's diverse youth population, aligning with national priorities of stability and unity.
Mandates of Cameroon National Youth Council
[edit]Since its inception, the Cameroon National Youth Council has operated under four distinct mandates, each led by a different president, contributing to the growth and progress of the council by building on the achievements of their predecessors.
First Mandate (2009–2013): Abdoulaye Abdou Razack
[edit]The first mandate, under the leadership of Abdoulaye Abdou Razack, focused on the promotion of youth participation in decision-making processes and enhancing educational opportunities for young people. During this period, the CNYC concentrated on:
- Conducting leadership and civic engagement workshops for young people.
- Collaborating with local schools to provide educational resources and scholarships for underprivileged youth.
- Advocating for youth representation in national policy-making processes and governance structures.
Second Mandate (2013–2018): Jean Marc Afesi Mbafor
[edit]Under the second mandate, led by Jean Marc Afesi Mbafor, the focus shifted towards peacebuilding, national integration, and fostering social cohesion among youth. Major activities during this period included:
- Organizing peace rallies and cultural exchange events aimed at promoting unity and dialogue among youths from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
- Strengthening regional cooperation through collaboration with youth-led organizations in neighboring countries.
- Launching national campaigns to promote social cohesion and nation-building.
Third Mandate (2018–2022): Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou
[edit]The third mandate, led by Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou, continued the efforts of the previous mandates while introducing programs to address the emerging challenges of youth unemployment and conflict. Key initiatives included:
- Hosting peace dialogues and intercultural exchange programs to foster understanding and cooperation among youth.
- Initiating community-based projects that encouraged collaboration between youths from different regions and cultural backgrounds.
- Collaborating with national and international organizations to implement conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives.
Fourth Mandate (2022 - Present): Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou
[edit]The fourth mandate, also under the leadership of Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou, is currently focused on preparing the youth for the challenges of the digital age. This mandate has placed a significant emphasis on:
- Launching a digital skills training program to equip young people with the necessary skills for the evolving job market.
- Creating an online platform for youth-led projects to promote collaboration, innovation, and resource-sharing.
- Advocating for increased investment in youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and start-up incubation programs.
Structure and Leadership
[edit]The CNYC operates through a decentralized structure with offices at subdivisional, divisional, regional, and national levels. This ensures that youth representation reaches every part of Cameroon. The main components of the CNYC's structure include:
- National Executive Bureau: Oversees the council's activities and implements policies at the national level.
- Regional Councils: Responsible for coordinating youth activities in Cameroon's ten regions.
- Divisional and Subdivisional Councils: Engage with grassroots youth organizations and oversee youth activities in their respective areas.
Leadership at each level is elected democratically by the youth associations. The national president and executive members are responsible for coordinating all activities and working with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education to implement youth-focused policies.
Key Programs and Initiatives
[edit]The CNYC runs a wide range of programs aimed at youth development, empowerment, and national integration. Some of the key programs include:
- Youth Entrepreneurship Program: Offers training, mentorship, and financial support to young entrepreneurs, helping them launch and scale their businesses.
- National Volunteer Service: Encourages young Cameroonians to participate in community development and civic engagement through volunteerism.
- Civic Education Campaigns: These campaigns raise awareness about civic duties and responsibilities, helping to foster informed and active youth participation in national governance.
The council is also responsible for organizing events around the annual National Youth Day, which celebrates the contributions of young people to Cameroonian society.
International Memberships
[edit]The Cameroon National Youth Council is a member of several international youth networks that extend its influence beyond Cameroon. These international memberships include:
- Commonwealth Youth Council – The CNYC is part of this network which aims to provide a collective platform for youth from Commonwealth nations to collaborate on social, economic, and political issues. The CYC engages youth leaders in key areas such as leadership, democracy, and development. (Source[1])
- Pan African Youth Union – The CNYC collaborates with this continental youth organization that focuses on promoting African unity and youth empowerment through a shared commitment to addressing key issues like peace, security, and development on the continent. (Source[2])
- Jeunesse de la Francophonie (RIJF) – The CNYC is an active member of this international network for youth in French-speaking countries, advocating for the inclusion of Francophone youth in global and regional decision-making processes, and providing opportunities for young people to contribute to the Francophone community. (Source,[3] Source[4])
Through these memberships, the CNYC fosters international collaboration, learning, and exchange among youth leaders from different regions of the world.
Challenges and Criticisms
[edit]While the CNYC has played an essential role in empowering Cameroonian youth, it has also faced significant challenges and criticisms over the years.
Budget Constraints
[edit]One of the major challenges faced by the CNYC is its limited financial resources. Despite its wide network and numerous initiatives, the CNYC often struggles to secure sufficient funding to carry out its activities effectively. The lack of an adequate budget has limited the council's ability to implement large-scale projects and expand its reach, particularly in rural areas. The council has repeatedly called for increased government and international funding to support its work, but financial constraints remain a persistent issue.
Accusations of Being an Arm of the Government
[edit]The CNYC has also faced accusations of being an extension of the government rather than an independent body representing the true interests of the youth. Critics argue that the council is overly influenced by the government, particularly given that its creation was initiated by the Head of State, H.E. Paul Biya. Some youth organizations and activists believe that the CNYC primarily serves the interests of the government rather than acting as a neutral representative of young people. These criticisms have led to calls for greater independence and transparency in the council's operations and leadership.
Impact
[edit]Since its establishment, the CNYC has had a significant impact on youth development in Cameroon. Its programs have created opportunities for young people in various sectors, promoted entrepreneurship, and encouraged youth participation in civic and political processes. The CNYC's role in organizing the annual National Youth Day has also strengthened the visibility of youth contributions to national development. Despite its challenges, the CNYC continues to be a key institution for youth representation in Cameroon.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC)". YourCommonwealth.
- ^ "Pan African Youth Union".
- ^ "Portail de l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)". Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
- ^ "La jeunesse au cœur de la francophonie - Portail jeunesse". jeunesse.francophonie.org.
- "Foundation of the CNYC." Cameroon National Youth Council
- "Cameroon National Youth Council Overview." Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education
- "Cameroon National Youth Council." Osidimbea CM