By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Youths who participated in the Community Service Days from December 2024 to March 2025 in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon have stressed the importance of individual contributions to community growth and development.
The initiative, organized by the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, along with it implementing partner, Local Youth Corner Cameroon, involved clean-up campaigns across 13 divisions of the two regions. The program aimed to encourage youth involvement in peacebuilding and raise awareness about issues such as child protection and environmental sustainability.
A participant from Menchum Division reflected on her experience, stating, “I learned a lot during this event as I got to listen and share with my peers about the importance of cleanliness and social cohesion. Coming from a community like Menchum, which has experienced significant religious and cultural conflicts, organizing this event and successfully bringing together participants from both sides was worth celebrating.”
Another youth commented on the transformation of Mobile Bridge: “Cleaning up Mobile Bridge was a rewarding experience. It was great to see the area change from littered to clean and inviting. More people should get involved in such activities.”
Participants also expressed a newfound understanding of the impact of individual action. One noted, “Many participants shared concerns about town hygiene but did not act. During today’s event, they enthusiastically participated in the clean-up. I learned that it takes one person to inspire a crowd.”
The clean-up efforts included significant locations such as the Koke Water Catchment, a primary drinking water source for over 1,000 people daily in Buea. One participant remarked, “Cleaning Koke Water Catchment was an experience I haven’t had in a long time. Keeping it clean contributes to the hygiene and well-being of the community.”
The first phase of the service days saw a total of 274 participants across four divisions: Mezam, Momo, Meme, and Bui. In Mezam, 61 participants cleaned areas in Bamenda, including Ghana Street, Cow Street, and Mobile Bridge.
Momo Division had 73 participants who focused on Mbon Motor Park, the main market, and the Mbengwi district hospital. Bui Division saw 80 participants clean locations such as Abawa roundabout and Market Mensai, while Meme Division had 61 participants clean the Kumba High Court.
The second phase, held in early February 2025, involved 227 participants. In Fako Division, 46 youths cleaned the Koke Water Catchment, clearing grass and removing mold and plastic waste. Menchum Division had 71 participants cleaning Wum Council Street, while Donga Mantung saw 84 participants prepare the Nkambe Grandstand for youth day celebrations. In Ndian Division, 26 participants cleaned the Bamusso Council Hall.
The final phase, which took place in early March 2025, attracted approximately 343 participants. On March 2, 2025, 46 youths in Ngoketunjia cleaned the Ndop City Council, focusing on removing non-degradable waste around the Mayor’s office. The following day, over 116 participants in Boyo Division cleaned the road from Baingo to Njinikijem.
In Kupe-Manenguba Division, 51 participants cleaned key locations in Bangem on March 10, while 104 youths in Lebialem cleaned the Alou Health Center on March 5. Additionally, 26 participants in Manyu engaged in clean-up efforts in conflict-damaged areas and refugee settlements on March 10.
This initiative not only improved community cleanliness but also fostered a sense of pride and unity among participants, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in peacebuilding efforts.
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