BLAS in Africa at the International Youths Workshop in Yaoundé

Crédit photo: BLAS in Africa

From the 7th to the 12th August 2018, the National Museum in Yaoundé hosted the International Youth Workshop, commonly known as the Salon International de la Jeunesse (SIJ). On the schedule, youth associations’ stands were presenting what they do, their achievements and their projects. It was with a great joy that we witnessed how dynamic and innovative is the Cameroonian youth communities. Wonderful thoughts were showed up about agriculture, craft art and high tech innovations, social actions for the nature and climate change, psychological support, education, cultural customs and more. 

BLAS in Africa took the opportunity to talk about its activities, to share its vision and aspiration of an inclusive education according to actual situations and real needs, by building partnerships with other associations. The way people were amazed by our work was really encouraging. One of the programs that dragged the most attention was DFC (Design For Change); a program meant to encourage children to transform their environment and be leaders through the concept of heroes. Doposcuola also gained much interest among visitors, as some of them were really interested in sending their children to this evening class program. Because of the high distance between visitors’ homes and the place where the program is carried out for the moment, BLAS in Africa is thinking about a second place. Others were also interested by our training programs which are actually attractive as far as the subject and the cost are correctly invested. So we promise to keep them in touch for the next training sessions.

These five days we spent at the workshop were so interesting, with the discussions we had. Indeed the workshop has been international, with associations coming from abroad. We then discussed with some associations from Chad, Central African Republic and also from DR Congo. With these associations, we thought on how to expand BLAS in Africa’s activities in these neighbouring countries. 

Crédit photo: BLAS in Africa

One of the most emotional moments was the visit of the Minister of Youth and Civic Education in our stand. It has been an honour for us to present to him our programs and activities. For sure, this workshop will not be fruitless. Actually, we felt it when many visitors asked for becoming volunteers in BLAS in Africa.

At the end of the workshop, a charter was signed by the associations who took part in order to create “RIO Jeunesse”, the International Network of Youth Organisations. We hope to see much more workshops organised like that one, to promote youth’s initiatives. We can’t wait to attend the next International Youth Workshop session.

Annie ZEBAZE