TABASKI 2026: CNYC STRENGTHENS SOCIAL SOLIDARITY AND YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN CAMEROON

Yaoundé, May 27, 2026 – As part of the celebration of Tabaski 2026, the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC), under the leadership of its National President, Mrs. Fadimatou IYAWA OUSMANOU, organized an important day of solidarity, sharing, and civic engagement in support of vulnerable communities in the city of Yaoundé.

Implemented under the framework of the Youth Gathering and Food Distribution Cameroon Program, the initiative brought together several partner organizations committed to humanitarian action, peacebuilding, social cohesion, and youth development. Among the key partners were NAMYO, the Afro-Arab Youth Council, and AIDA, all of whom joined the CNYC in delivering this impactful social intervention.

The first phase of the activities took place at the Etoudi Mosque in Yaoundé, where CNYC officials, partner representatives, youth leaders, and volunteers came together to provide meaningful support to vulnerable families during this important celebration of sharing and fraternity. On this occasion, more than 600 food packages containing essential household and food items were distributed to beneficiaries, including elderly persons, widows, underprivileged families, and other socially disadvantaged groups facing economic hardship.

Beyond the material assistance provided, the initiative aimed to promote the values of solidarity, compassion, generosity, and social cohesion that define the spirit of Tabaski. It also reflected the commitment of the Cameroon National Youth Council to strengthening youth civic engagement and encouraging greater participation of young people in social development initiatives within their communities.

Addressing participants during the ceremony, the National President of the CNYC, Mrs. Fadimatou IYAWA OUSMANOU, emphasized that religious celebrations provide valuable opportunities to bring communities together, strengthen bonds of fraternity, and extend support to those most in need.

She highlighted that young people have a vital role to play in promoting peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development across the country. According to her, youth-led solidarity initiatives not only contribute to improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations but also help strengthen the foundations of a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient society.

The National President further expressed her appreciation to all partner organizations that supported the initiative and commended the strong commitment demonstrated by the many young volunteers involved in its planning and implementation. She encouraged young Cameroonians to make solidarity a daily commitment and to continue serving as responsible agents of positive change within their respective communities.

Following the humanitarian outreach, activities continued with a youth dialogue and orientation session held in Bastos. The meeting brought together members of the National Executive Bureau, representatives of the Centre Regional Bureau, and delegates from various divisional branches of the Cameroon National Youth Council.

The session provided a valuable platform for dialogue, networking, and experience sharing among youth leaders. It also served as an opportunity to present various national and international cooperation opportunities in areas such as entrepreneurship, vocational training, leadership development, employability, international mobility, community engagement, and civic participation.

Participants were further sensitized on the importance of capacity building, networking, and collaboration among youth organizations as essential tools for increasing their impact within local communities and contributing more effectively to national development efforts.

During the discussions, the National Treasurer of the CNYC, Mr. Glen Forcha, introduced the partner organizations and outlined potential areas of collaboration that could benefit young people across Cameroon. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning, skills development, and staying informed about opportunities that can contribute to economic empowerment, professional growth, and social advancement.

The discussions also enabled participants to exchange views on some of the key challenges facing young people in Cameroon, particularly in the areas of employment, entrepreneurship financing, access to training opportunities, and participation in decision-making processes. Several recommendations were formulated to strengthen youth contributions to local and national development initiatives.

Through this dual initiative combining humanitarian assistance and dialogue with youth leaders, the Cameroon National Youth Council once again reaffirmed its commitment to promoting active youth participation, social responsibility, leadership, and national cohesion.

The Council remains convinced that Cameroon’s sustainable development depends largely on a generation of young people who are empowered, responsible, united, and actively engaged in building a better future for all.

The Cameroon National Youth Council extends its sincere appreciation to all partner organizations, administrative and religious authorities, volunteers, and every individual who contributed to the success of this initiative. The Council further encourages young people throughout the country to continue promoting the values of peace, tolerance, solidarity, and social cohesion that form the foundation of a united, prosperous, and forward-looking Cameroon.

About the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC)

The Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC) is the umbrella body responsible for representing, consulting, and promoting youth participation in Cameroon. It works to advance citizenship, leadership, entrepreneurship, community engagement, youth empowerment, and national cohesion while serving as a platform for dialogue between young people and public and private institutions.