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Hope for a Better Future (H4BF) is thrilled to report the success of our recent stakeholder meeting held on July 17, 2024, at the Nkambe Community Hall in Donga Mantung Division. This significant event brought together key community leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders to discuss the forthcoming Youth4Climate Project, which aims to address the urgent need for clean and sustainable energy in the region.
Context and Objectives: Since the onset of the Anglophone crisis in 2016, Donga Mantung Division has been without electricity, forcing households to rely on harmful and unsustainable energy sources such as kerosene lamps and wood fuel. These alternatives not only contribute to climate change but also pose severe health and safety risks. The primary objective of this meeting was to introduce the Youth4Climate Project to the stakeholders, ensuring community participation, leveraging local knowledge, and fostering cooperation and support for the project.
Meeting Highlights: The meeting was well-attended, with notable participants including the Divisional Officer for Nkambe Sub Division, the First Deputy Mayor of Nkambe, The Sub Divisional Youth Council President, The Women Forum President, representatives from, The Fon of Nkambe, the Divisional Delegate of Water Resources and Energy (MINEE), and the Divisional Delegate of Environment, Nature Protection, and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED).
Presentations and Discussions: Mr. Nfor Paulinus Ngah from H4BF provided an overview of the organization’s mission, vision, and activities, followed by a detailed presentation of the Youth4Climate Project. The project, titled “Empowering Youth, Providing Clean Energy,” aims to train young entrepreneurs as solar technicians, establish green energy centers in target communities, and distribute solar lamps and eco-friendly cookstoves. This initiative, in partnership with Clems Tech and HOBEFI, and funded by JAC Trust and Youth4Climate (UNDP Italy), seeks to address the current energy crisis and promote sustainable living.
The presentation highlighted the negative impacts of the current unsustainable energy sources, such as greenhouse gas emissions, respiratory health problems, and safety risks. The project’s holistic approach includes training beneficiaries on climate change, sustainable resource management, and product safety, ensuring long-term sustainability through skills development and business establishment.
Stakeholder Feedback: The feedback from the stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive. Madam Mimba Judith emphasized the importance of including girls in the training and as beneficiaries. Madam Hajara Danjuma expressed full support from the Nkambe Council and proposed a partnership with H4BF for future initiatives. HRH Tangong Patrick Ndi described the project as a lifetime opportunity for the youths of Donga Mantung and promised the support of the community. Representatives of MINEE Mr. Oscar Asemeh and MINEPDED, Madam Kakou Justise also expressed joy and full support, noting that the project aligns with their objectives.
Community Involvement and Next Steps: The meeting included an interactive Q&A session where stakeholders actively participated and posed questions about the project. Additionally, brochures about the Hope For a Better Future Vocational Training Institute (HOBEFI) were distributed, generating significant interest in the vocational training opportunities offered by the institute.
In his closing remarks, the Divisional Officer for Nkambe, Mr. Boukar expressed great satisfaction with the project, noting its alignment with the Cameroonian government’s efforts to empower youths and combat climate change. He promised his full support for H4BF’s future projects and encouraged the organization to bring more initiatives to Nkambe.
Conclusion: The meeting concluded with group photos, interviews, refreshments, and the departure of attendees. This successful stakeholder meeting marks a significant step forward in our efforts to provide clean energy solutions and empower the youth in Donga Mantung. We look forward to continued collaboration and making a lasting impact in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Youth4Climate Project and other initiatives by Hope for a Better Future (H4BF).
#SustainableEnergy #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityDevelopment #H4BF #GreenEnergy #ClimateAction