Cameroon has implemented several impactful programs to support and empower its young population. The Special Youth Triennial Plan, coordinated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, focuses on socio-economic empowerment through initiatives like the Cameroon National Youth Council, Multipurpose Youth Empowerment Centres, and employment-focused projects. Other notable efforts include the Reacher's Foundation's career support and scholarship programs, as well as the Boris Bison Youth Empowerment Incubator, which advocates for the UN Sustainable Development Goals and mentors youth-led startups. These diverse initiatives are playing a vital role in shaping the future of Cameroonian youth by fostering education, employment, and community engagement.
Youth mentoring in Cameroon is grounded in the principles of social learning theory, which suggests that young people learn behaviours and attitudes through observation and interaction with others. The mentor-mentee relationship provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn new skills, gain perspective, and develop positive social norms. Additionally, the concept of self-efficacy, which refers to a person's belief in their ability to succeed, plays a significant role in mentoring relationships. Mentors help build self-efficacy by providing guidance, support, and opportunities for young people to succeed.
In Cameroon Youth mentoring focuses on education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Many mentoring programs aim to improve academic performance and reduce dropout rates by providing young people with the support and resources they need to succeed in school. Other programs focus on developing leadership skills, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting personal growth and development.
Mentoring Outcome:
The results of youth mentoring in Cameroon have been overwhelmingly positive. Studies have shown that mentoring relationships can lead to improved academic performance, increased self-esteem, reduced risky behavior, and improved interpersonal skills. Many young people who have participated in mentoring programs report feeling more confident, motivated, and better equipped to navigate the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood.
Despite the many benefits of youth mentoring in Cameroon, there are still areas where improvement is needed. One of the biggest challenges is the limited number of mentors available. Many mentoring programs struggle to recruit and retain enough mentors to meet the demand. Additionally, there is a need for more research on the effectiveness of mentoring programs and the specific factors that contribute to their success.
We call all Youth Organizations in Cameroon to join us to make a difference and advance the accessibility of quality Youth Mentoring through our digital mentoring platform Mentoring For Youth powered by Mentoring Lab Training and Development , aims to improve the accessibility of youth mentoring across the globe. This platform recognizes the importance of mentoring in the globe and wants to bring mentoring to youth conveniently , with us nothing should be a barrier to find support, and guidance for your life journey.
1. Cameroon Youths and Children's Paliance (CYCP)
2. Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) Cameroon
3. The Girl Effect Cameroon organization