Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
The fourth edition of this annual youth-led event features a range of activities, including sports tournaments, health consultations, and community sensitization.
The initiative, launched by Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC), uses sports as a tool for peacebuilding, social inclusion, and community empowerment.
Christian Achaleke, Executive Director of LOYOC, emphasized the inclusive nature of the event, saying, “In the NA-WE-WE competition, everybody wins.”
Achaleke highlighted the importance of sensitization, stating that they have components “for sensitization, hoping to include sensitization about elections and GBV.”
The event’s approach to building social cohesion is simple yet effective, as Achaleke explained, “We work together, we play together, and we eat together.”
The event has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the UN Human Rights office.
Dr. Ordy Betga, UN Human Rights representative, expressed pride in partnering with the initiative, saying.
“We are proud to partner with this initiative because it creates a society where people can come together and enjoy the same rights, communicate with each other without discrimination.”
Local authorities have also welcomed the event, with Messe Peng, Mayor’s representative, stating, “We are very proud to have this activity in Bertoua because it portrays the spirit of living together.”
The event’s impact on refugees is significant, according to Mahamat Moustapha, a refugee participant, who said, “It gives visibility to the refugee population that we are.”
The NA-WE-WE Sports Jamboree is also a platform for youth empowerment, as Ngozo Rodrigue, youth representative, noted.
“This is an event that has come to give us hope and show us that young people can do better.”
Parents are also benefiting from the event, with some using the opportunity to sensitize their children on important issues, such as education and illegal mining activities.
Rodrigue added, “We will use this opportunity to sensitize our children to embrace education and shun illegal mining activities.”
About the Competition and Past Editions
The NA-WE-WE Sports Jamboree is an annual event that brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to promote social cohesion, peace, and development.
Since its inception, the competition has successfully engaged thousands of participants, providing a platform for dialogue, peer learning, and conflict resolution.
Past editions have featured a range of activities, including sports tournaments, health consultations, and community sensitization, with a focus on promoting peaceful coexistence and social inclusion.
LOYOC’s ambition extends beyond Bertoua, with Achaleke expressing their wish to “do the 10 regions of the country.”
