Community News

12/06/2025

Day 2 at Youth FESTAC: Shaping Stories with Clay
At first, it looked like just mud. But in the hands of children and youths during this session, it became something more. A connection to culture, a spark of creativity, a voice.
Guided by Mrs. Younyui Irene, young participants explored the ancient craft of clay molding, not just to create pots, but to rediscover a piece of who they are. As they shaped the pots with their fingers, they were also shaping their sense of heritage.
For Souhila, one of the youth, the session was more than fun. “It felt therapeutic,” she said, proudly cradling her small pot. “I will use it to grow a plant”.
In a world racing forward, today was a reminder that our roots matter. Through clay, laughter, and learning, these young hearts connected with a timeless art and with themselves.

12/06/2025

“Powering Change: Girls in Science Take on Solar Energy at Youth FESTAC”
Day 2 of the Youth FESTAC workshop sessions sparked something powerful, the curiosity, confidence, and creativity of over 30 young girls stepping into the world of science and innovation.
In a transformative “Girls in Science” session led by Engr. Nick Fonchi, participants explored the magic and meaning of renewable energy, with a spotlight on solar power. It wasn’t just theory, it was real, relevant, and revolutionary.
With power failure being a daily reality in many communities, the girls quickly connected to the potential of solar energy as a cleaner, more reliable solution. Through simple experiments and honest conversations, they learned how sunlight can power not only homes but futures.
“I’ve learned so much that I can apply at home,” shared Deh Telcy Zou, a participant. “Solar energy doesn’t pollute, and it could help with the power cuts we’ve been facing.”
Engr. Fonchi didn’t just teach he inspired. “We want girls to see themselves as future engineers, creators, and change makers,” he said. “Science belongs to everyone and so does innovation.”
This session is part of YOP’s broader mission to close the gender gap in STEM by giving girls the tools and mentorship they need to lead. This session didn’t just teach science , it planted seeds of possibility.

12/06/2025

Youth FESTAC 2025 Day One Kicked Off!

Day One of the Youth Festival of Arts and Culture (Youth FESTAC) 2025 has kicked off with vibrant energy, as over fifty children and youth converge at the Bamenda Franco Alliance Hall for a three days of cultural celebration, learning, and personal growth.
We started strong with this year’s powerful theme: “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress.” This session has sparked deep conversations about how young people can shape a future where children’s rights are fully respected, protected, and resourced.
We then moved into a trauma healing session, which offered a safe and welcoming space for participants to reflect and share.
“As a junior parliamentarian, advocating for children’s rights has been one of my top priorities. I was skeptical at first about applying, but when I got accepted, I was thrilled. Today’s trauma healing session was close to my heart. The environment was so open and I felt heard. During the trauma healing, I was able to speak about my experiences and for the first time, I feel a kind of peace.” shared Samjeh Lourdes, a 17-year-old participant.
Coming up soon is our first cultural craft highlight , the bottle dance masterclass, where participants will celebrate African heritage through music and movement.
“I’m excited for what’s to come. I’m here to learn, grow, and connect with vibrant youth. Thank you, Youth Outreach Programme!” Samjeh Lourdes added.

Join us on Saturday to celebrate the Day of the African Child in style!

30/04/2025

Free registration is on-going for athletes, dance groups and fashion designers.

The Youth Festival of Arts and Culture is an independent CSO initiative to celebrate the International Day of the African Child!

01/03/2025

YouthFESTAC 2025 Short Story Competition


Youth Outreach Programme is proud to launch an exciting new initiative for the 2025 Youth Festival of Arts and Culture: the first-ever “Tales from my community” a short story competition for young writers. The contest aims to promote creativity in our young people, while encouraging young writers to reflect on happenings in their communities! They are invited to write about the challenges faced in their communities in short-story format.
Theme, ‘The day I feared most in my life…’ or “Le jour le plus redouté de ma vie..”.
Who is eligible?
All natural persons between 11 to 15 years (children’s category) and 16 to 20 years (youth category) residing in Cameroon may submit an entry.
Terms and Conditions

• Entry is free
• Stories should be between 300 – 500 words (Children’s category)
• Stories should be between 1,000 to 1,500 words (youth category)
• All stories must be submitted as a word document. Font: Times New Roman. Font Size: 12 Spacing: 1.5
• Participants must submit only ONE story
• The setting of the story should take place in Cameroon
• The stories must be original, unpublished, not have won a prize in another contest or be pending a decision in other contests or competitions.
• Entries can be in English or French
• Story must have conflict.
• Once selected, the winner will be contacted by email or telephone
• Copyright remains with the author but Youth Outreach Programme reserves the right to be the first to publish winning stories. The right to use the winning story to further publicize this award is also retained.
• Submission of a written piece implies the author’s acceptance of the rules and conditions.
• Contestants must guarantee that there are no third-party rights to the story and bear total responsibility made by any parties.
• Stories can be submitted in English or in French
• Stories judged to be AI generated will be trashed
• In addition to prize money, winners will receive certificates and highly commended entries will be published in Cultura the annual magazine of YouthFESTAC and on YOP’s website.
• Highly commended stories will be published in a collection of short stories.
• Prizes and certificates will be handed on June 16 (Day of the African Child) during YouthFESTAC!
Cover page of submission

Title of story:
Name of writer
Date of birth
S*x:
Telephone number:
Email (if applicable)
Prizes

Children’s Category
1st Prize: Sango Prize 50.000Frs
2nd Prize: 30.000Frs
3rd Prize 20.000Frs
Youth Category
1st Prize: Bate Bessong - BB Prize 50.000Frs
2nd Prize: 30.000Frs
3rd Prize: 20.000Frs
Submission Deadline
All stories MUST be submitted by email by May 6, 2025 by midnight
Email: [email protected]

Or in person at: Youth Outreach Programme
Nangah Building – Ring Way Street, Bamenda

23/10/2024

08/09/2024

LiveSafe PlaySafe: Empowering Children Through Sports!
Its Thursday morning, the weather in Bamenda 1 is friendly, no rain! Young people can be seen making their way to the playground of College of Commerce! It’s another session of LiveSafe PlaySafe; The initiative, of Youth Outreach Programme, is making a profound impact in the lives of children through the power of sports, offering a safe and an engaging environment for the youth to play, learn, and grow. This morning 150 young people have shown up for the session. 90 boys and 63 girls converge from various corners of the village to have fun!
In a community where daily challenges can often overshadow opportunities, LiveSafe PlaySafe shines as a beacon of hope. This program focuses on the well-being of children, recognizing that they are the foundation of any thriving society. By providing a space where they can safely engage in physical activities, the program is helping to counter the economic and social challenges that often hinder their development.
Participants like 18-year-old Shekina Glory highlight the program’s impact in her life. “My name is Shekina Glory, I am 18 years old. I am happy to be here, where we live safely and play safely thanks to Youth Outreach Programme. I love being a part of this program because we get to interact with other friends, meet new people and play safely. LiveSafe PlaySafe!” For Shekina, the program is more than just a chance to play; it’s an opportunity to connect with others and build lasting relationships in a safe environment.
Fifteen-year-old Mumeh James shares a similar sentiment. “I am 15 years old and I love to play football. I love the program LiveSafe PlaySafe because I get to safely play football with my friends and I will love to keep coming here,” he says. For Mumeh, the joy of playing football with friends in a safe setting is a key reason he values the program.
For 12-year-old Nkainbi Rita Abonwi, LiveSafe PlaySafe has been a life-changing experience as it has opened doors she never imagined, giving her the chance to pursue new dreams. “I am grateful for this program because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I have never played football before but thanks to this program, at least I can do something now. I thank God and I pray that I go higher in the sporting field,” she says.
With over 90 children participating in various sports and physical activities twice a week, LiveSafe PlaySafe is more than just a playground it’s a platform for personal growth. The program emphasizes essential values like teamwork, honesty, and respect, preparing these children not just as athletes, but as future leaders and contributors to society.
LiveSafe PlaySafe is not just about sports; it’s about giving children the hope and tools they need to shape their own destinies. As the program continues to touch more lives, it reminds us that through unity, resilience, and determination, the future of children can indeed be bright.

LiveSafe PlaySafe is a youth development activity that focuses on growing young football players as both an athlete and a person.

30/08/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Soaeb Khalifa, Adoun Sonia, Vero Kindzeka, Manka Belinda

07/02/2024

June 16 is the Day of the African Child. To celebrate who we are, our rich cultures and heritage Youth Outreach Programme invites young people to join in proudly showcasing their commitment to our roots! YouthFESTAC 2024