Civic Leadership Programme Trains the Next Generation of Voices
Twenty-five young Cameroonians have graduated from the latest cohort of the CAbyYouths Civic Leadership Programme — a transformative eight-week journey that prepares young people to participate meaningfully in community governance, policy advocacy, and civic life.
The programme, which ran from April to June 2024, brought together participants from five regions — including university students, young professionals, and community organisers — for weekly seminars, field visits, and leadership simulations.
Programme Curriculum
The curriculum was designed in collaboration with political scientists, civil society practitioners, and former graduates now active in civic roles. Key modules included:
- Understanding Cameroon's governance structures and decentralisation framework
- Effective advocacy and campaign strategy
- Public speaking and community dialogue facilitation
- Budget monitoring and civic accountability tools
- Youth rights, gender equity, and inclusive leadership
- Engaging with media and digital communication for social change
A New Generation of Advocates
Graduates have already begun putting their training to work. Two participants have joined local council youth committees; one has launched a community petition on road safety that has gathered over 1,200 signatures; another has started a weekly civic education segment on a community radio station in Bafoussam.
"CABY did not teach me what to think," said one graduate. "They taught me how to think, how to speak, and how to act. That is the most powerful thing anyone has ever given me."
Applications for the 2025 cohort will open in February. Learn more about the Civic Leadership Programme.