In 2023, I embarked on a transformative journey as a Rotary Peace Fellow at the Makerere University Rotary Peace Center in Uganda. This fellowship was more than just a learning opportunity; it was the chance to turn my long-held vision for peacebuilding into a focused project—my Social Change Initiative (SCI). The SCI aimed to address a critical challenge I had witnessed throughout my peacebuilding career in Cameroon: the exclusion of youth from leadership and peace processes, despite being the most impacted by conflict.
My motivation for this work is deeply rooted in my personal and professional experiences. Since 2011, I have been involved in various peace and development initiatives, beginning with the Boyo Students’ Association (BOSTAS), where we promoted peace education and supported students in navigating their futures. As I co-founded Unity Foundation Cameroon (UFC) in 2016, I became even more aware of how young people were disproportionately affected by ongoing conflicts yet lacked the platforms and skills to engage in decision-making. I saw the potential in youth and the barriers that prevented them from taking active roles in leadership. This became the driving force behind my SCI; to empower young people to lead peace efforts and shape their futures.
My SCI, Enhancing Youth Leadership at Local and National Levels for Sustainable Peace in Cameroon, trained 39 young people and community leaders in the conflict-affected Bum Subdivision. The initiative focused on providing practical skills in conflict prevention, leadership, and civic engagement, equipping participants to lead peace initiatives in their communities and influence democratic processes. Alongside the training, we engaged local media and conducted community sensitization to highlight the critical role of youth in politics and peacebuilding.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship availed the tools and support to make this vision a reality. The program’s unique blend of on-site and online learning has equipped me with advanced skills in conflict transformation, intercultural dialogue, and community mediation. Beyond the training, Rotary’s global network of peacebuilders, mentors, and Rotarians supported me in overcoming the significant challenges I faced, such as roadblocks set up by Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) and limited funding. Their commitment and belief in my work fuelled my determination to push forward despite these obstacles.
As I prepare to present the results of my SCI at Makerere University in October 2024, I am more committed than ever to continuing my work with Unity Foundation Cameroon and the Community Vision Group. Through these organizations, I will build on the foundations laid by the SCI, expanding efforts to empower youth, foster civic engagement, and contribute to sustainable peace and development in Cameroon.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship has been a life-changing experience. It sharpened my peacebuilding skills and deepened my resolve to create lasting change by empowering young people. I believe that youth empowerment is the key to achieving sustainable peace, and I am committed to advancing this mission in the future.
