By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Cameroon youth-led NGO Local Youth Corner has evaluated the 2024 edition of the “Na We We Sports Jamboree,” highlighting key successes. The evaluation took place on Friday, January 17, in Yaoundé during a press briefing chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Christian Achaleke Leke, in the presence of partners.
During the press conference, Achaleke Leke expressed gratitude to partners and the government for their support during the 2024 edition of the sports jamboree, which was held in Bafoussam, West Region of Cameroon.
He revealed that a total of 5,637 people participated, including 3,067 males and 2,570 females. Among them, 2,531 were internally displaced persons, 76 were people living with disabilities, and over 3,106 communities engaged. Of the participants, 4,321 were under the age of 35, while more than 1,216 were over 35.
Thanks to the partners, Achaleke Leke noted that this year’s innovative camping platform enabled the registration of 51 youths on the electoral list. In collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 1,300 youths received HIV and eye screenings. Additionally, sexual and reproductive health services reached over 2,000 people, with other health-related discussions also taking place.
A total of 150 children received back-to-school kits, and 1,000 trees were planted in the city of Bafoussam. Cleanup campaigns were conducted in schools, offices, and markets. The initiative also fostered eating and living together, as over 5,000 people were fed on the first and closing days of the sports jamboree.
Naomi Dalmonte, Deputy Representative of UNFPA, praised the initiative, noting that the sexual and reproductive health services were successfully implemented, with participation numbers increasing each edition. She added that family planning and other screenings have also seen growth in recent years. Dalmonte stressed that the initiative promotes socializing and networking among youths, aided by performances from artists during the jamboree.
Anna Ojong from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stated that “Na We We” resonates with the community, effectively promoting peace and social cohesion initiatives. She remarked that the jamboree provides young people with networking opportunities, aligning with UNDP’s agenda, and called it a platform that should be encouraged.
Armelle Carole of Olam Agric mentioned that the company decided to partner with Local Youth Corner because healthy youths are essential for active participation in their activities.
Despite the successes, Local Youth Corner acknowledged the various challenges faced, but expressed gratitude to partners for their support. They are now focused on lessons learned and preparation for the 2025 edition, which will be announced in the coming days.
The NA-WE-WE Sports Jamboree is an annual youth-led initiative leveraging sports and recreational activities to foster social cohesion, moral, civic, and entrepreneurial rearmament, and promote healthy living among displaced persons and host communities.
Targeting youth aged 15- 35, it adopts an innovative sports approach inspired by global tools for peace and development, creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and community building.
Since its inception, the Jamboree has rotated across Cameroon’s regions: Douala (2022), Yaoundé (2023), and Bafoussam (2024). The last edition, under the Distinguished Patronage of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, mobilized 500 athletes across four disciplines (football, handball, basketball, and dancing).
It engaged over 3 million people through social media, offered free medical screenings to 5,000 people, and distributed educational materials and amenities to over 150 youths. Notable highlights included community sensitization, solidarity matches with eminent personalities, health awareness campaigns.
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