The first panel of the day focused on the theme “Youth Participation, Health and Well-being”, highlighting the role of sectoral ministries in supporting, protecting, and promoting the holistic development of young people in Cameroon.
The session was moderated by Prof. ONGOLO ZOGO and BOLIVAR, who set the stage by emphasizing that “active youth participation cannot be effective without a supportive environment that guarantees health, well-being, and social inclusion.”
Contribution of the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education (MINSEP)
The first presentation was delivered by the representative of MINSEP, who outlined the Ministry’s actions aimed at strengthening youth participation through sports and physical education.
He recalled that, in addition to contributing to the revision of the National Youth Policy, the Ministry promotes values education, citizenship, and discipline among young people through sports.
According to him:
“Sport is a powerful tool for education, social integration, and the promotion of civic values among young people.”
Key actions presented included:
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the pursuit of sporting excellence;
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training young people in sports-related professions and supporting their socio-economic and professional integration;
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the organization of championships to identify and nurture talent;
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the international promotion of young Cameroonian athletes;
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the transfer of funds to Decentralized Local Authorities for the construction of sports infrastructure benefiting youth.
Intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MINTSS)
Speaking on behalf of MINTSS, ADJIA Abdouraman presented the Ministry’s missions and actions carried out in favor of young people.
She highlighted Programmes 420, 421, and 422, which include initiatives related to youth participation, health, and well-being.
She also emphasized:
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the promotion of decent work for all;
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the promotion of workplace hygiene and safety;
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the fight against HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections;
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social protection measures, including those targeting young workers entering the labour market.
She stated:
“Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for young people is an investment in their future and in social stability.”
Contribution of the Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE)
The representative of MINSANTE continued the discussions by addressing youth health as a fundamental condition for active participation in national life.
He outlined several priority actions:
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the promotion of health for all;
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the care of young people living with HIV;
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support for youth entrepreneurship in the health sector, including facilitation of access to credit;
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the mobilization of young volunteers for awareness campaigns on well-being and disease prevention;
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the fight against drug abuse and risky behaviors;
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the reduction of infant mortality;
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the strengthening of mental health services, an increasingly important issue among young people.
He affirmed that:
“A healthy youth is a youth capable of fully participating in national development.”
The Role of MINJEC in Youth Participation and Well-being
The representative of MINJEC presented the Ministry’s broad range of actions in the areas of youth participation, health, and well-being.
These include:
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the supervision of youth associations and movements through the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNJC), Municipal Youth Councils (CMJ), and Regional Youth Councils (CRJ);
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youth socio-economic integration programmes;
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civic and moral education initiatives;
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youth training programmes;
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the implementation of the Biometric Youth Card;
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education on responsible sexuality;
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awareness campaigns on various youth-related issues;
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the training, recruitment, and promotion of volunteers;
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the promotion of youth entrepreneurship.
He concluded by noting:
“Youth participation is not decreed; it is built through guidance, training, empowerment, and the creation of concrete opportunities.”
This panel clearly demonstrated the importance of a multisectoral approach, where sports, health, labour, social protection, and institutional support work together to ensure active, responsible, and fulfilled participation of young Cameroonians.
