Empowering Youth for Inclusive Governance in Yaoundé IV: Humanees’ VoiceYouthFem Initiative Thrives Under the WYDE Civic Engagement Project, implemented by ALDA.
The “VoiceYouthFem” project, titled “Unleashing the Initiative Power of Youth from Neighborhood Committees for Inclusive Local Governance in Yaoundé IV,” is an ambitious initiative aimed at strengthening the involvement of young men and women in local governance in Yaoundé IV, Cameroon. Led by the Humanees association, this project demonstrates the organisation’s ongoing commitment to social innovation and inclusion, particularly in local governance processes.
Project Background and Objectives
Located in the Mfoundi department of the Centre region, the Yaoundé IV District is the operational area for the VoiceYouthFem project. This initiative focuses on empowering young people in Neighborhood Committees (CDQs) to play a central role in local governance. In response to the current low levels of youth and female participation in decision-making processes, the project aims to:
- Encourage the participation of young people and women: By motivating CDQ members to identify their priority needs and develop a participatory action plan.
- Create a space for dialogue: By facilitating exchanges between local actors to promote synergy in action.
- Assessment and planning: By evaluating the civic engagement of young people and women and developing concrete action plans for the CDQs.
The association Humanees, founded in 2018 by young Cameroonians passionate about the well-being of society, has become a major catalyst for local governance and human development. Registered with the Mfoundi Prefecture in Cameroon, Humanees is committed to promoting education, health, peace, and sanitation, as well as human development. With its inclusive approach, Humanees has recognised the potential of young people and women to become key players in local governance and human development.
As part of the European Commission’s Youth and Women in Democracy Initiative (WYDE Civic Enagagement), Humanees, in partnership with CAPS and the Yaoundé IV District, responded to the WYDE Civic Engagement – Cluster 1 call for projects launched by ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy. The “VoiceYouthFem” project aims to unleash the potential of young people (both men and women) in Neighborhood Committees for inclusive local governance in Yaoundé IV, further demonstrating Humanees’ commitment to innovation and inclusion.
On July 17 and 18, 2024, the project reached an important milestone with the organisation of a citizen forum, which marked the official launch of VoiceYouthFem. This event brought together 87 participants, including 63 members from 22 Neighborhood Committees, 9 municipal councilors, and representatives from the City Hall, Sub-Prefecture, Ministry of Youth, and traditional chiefs.
The forum began with a ceremonial phase where Humanees representatives presented the project, followed by official speeches. Participants then took part in working sessions that included presentations, plenary discussions, and group workshops. These sessions allowed for the diagnosis of major problems faced by the neighborhoods, such as poor sanitation, insecurity, lack of communication with the City Hall, and drug use.
At the end of the two-day forum, several action plans were developed to address the identified issues. Proposals included initiatives to improve sanitation, enhance security, and facilitate communication between the CDQs and the City Hall. These action plans aim to strengthen active citizenship and sustainable development within the neighborhoods of Yaoundé IV.
The forum also strengthened social cohesion among participants, while increasing their capacity to contribute meaningfully to local governance.
The VoiceYouthFem project is supported by the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education of Cameroon, represented by Ms. Mountayi Lise at the official launch. The City Hall of Yaoundé IV designated a point of contact to facilitate communication and provided human and material resources for the forum. Municipal councilors and traditional chiefs also played an active role, illustrating the collective commitment of local authorities.
The next step will involve the implementation and monitoring of the action plans developed during the forum. Local authorities have expressed their commitment to supporting these initiatives to improve the living conditions of the residents of Yaoundé IV.In conclusion, the VoiceYouthFem project marks a significant step forward in promoting inclusive local governance, where young people play a central role. Through a participatory and collaborative approach, this project paves the way for a future where every citizen, regardless of age or gender, can contribute to the development of their community.
