Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
The idea behind the community service days was to foster community spirit by bringing young leaders together to work towards a common goal for their community.
“I am satisfied to have taken part in the clean-up activity in Bamenda, as it felt great to give back to the community and see the immediate impact of our work,” one of the participants said.
The launch of the community service days took place in the North West region between December 20 and 23. Through clean-up campaigns, the young leaders in Mezam, Momo, Bui, and other divisions led community actions to make their environments clean. The initiative targeted high traffic areas like market squares, health facilities, bridges, streets, and other public spaces.
According to the organizers, the activity which was to strengthen the capacity of young leaders from the 12 divisions of the North West and South West regions, trained through the Training of Trainers (ToT) program equally focused on peace building actions to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts, as well as engage the community in sustainable waste management practices.
“The clean-up campaign did not only promote community engagement and collaboration for peace building in Mbengwi, but also addressed immediate environmental concerns,” says Blessing ANWI SAKEH, focal person for MOMO Division, in the North West region.
In Meme Division of the South West region, the campaign took place on December 27 at the Kumba High Court premises. It was very inclusive.
“We had both people with disabilities and people without disabilities,” says Kome Stephanny Ebude, focal person for Meme.
”Many at times, people organize community initiatives but never consider persons with disabilities thus this activity gave persons with disability the opportunity to show their ability in their disability.”
In both regions, hundreds of young people participated in the different clean-up campaigns organized within the framework of the community service days of LOYOC. they left empowered with community team spirit, and informed on peace building effirts.
“I would definitely participate again in the future,” a participant in Mezam said, adding that “I think more people should get involved in such activities”.
The event ended with a call for LOYOC to plan follow-up events to maintain engagement and encourage on-going community involvement.
