Consultation Program

The consultation program is a strategic initiative designed to engage young Cameroonians both locally and in the diaspora to contribute to the revision and enhancement of the National Youth Policy. This program aims to gather insights, opinions, and suggestions from various youth demographics to inform a comprehensive analysis of the current youth situation and develop actionable strategies to address their needs.

Objectives

• Data Collection: Gather factual information from young people across all ten regions of Cameroon and the diaspora to support the situational analysis of the youth sector.
• Youth Involvement: Enable young people to voice their opinions on their circumstances in key areas and propose viable solutions to identified challenges.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collect feedback and suggestions from organizations involved in youth development to enrich the situational analysis document.

Methodology

Quantitative Approach:

• Online Questionnaire: Distributed to young Cameroonians aged 15-35, both residents and diaspora, to reach a wide audience using digital platforms. A public communication campaign will be deployed to encourage participation, supplemented by physical forms available at local youth centers (CMPJ).
• Marketing Strategy: Utilize digital marketing to promote the questionnaire on social media and various youth networks.

Qualitative Approach:

• Consultation Workshops: Conducted in 360 districts, 58 departments, and 10 regions to facilitate in-depth discussions among young people. These workshops will also include meetings with youth associations and socio-professional groups.
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Organized with youth in seven regions and the diaspora (Africa, Europe, and America) to capture diverse perspectives, particularly from specific demographics such as urban and rural youth, different age groups, and vulnerable populations.
• Semi-Structured Interviews: Conducted with multisectoral stakeholders to map youth support services across the country.

Program Structure

Calendrier des Consultations (Consultation Calendar):

• Scheduling: Consultations will be held concurrently at local, departmental, and regional levels, alongside online sessions and webinars targeting the diaspora.
• Frequency: Weekly meetings with youth networks and associations, facilitated by MINJEC and the CNJC President, with the presence of key stakeholders.

Modalités de Participation (Participation Modalities):

• In-Person Meetings: Workshops and FGDs will be held in youth centers (CMPJ) and other suitable locations, ensuring a comfortable environment for participants.
• Virtual Engagement: Use of platforms like Zoom and an online portal to facilitate participation from those unable to attend in person.

Portail de Discussion en Ligne (Online Discussion Portal):

• Real-Time Interaction: A platform for online engagement where participants can ask questions and contribute to discussions during consultations.

Inclusivity Measures

• Targeted Groups: Special focus on engaging marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as youth in the informal sector, internally displaced persons, and young women, to ensure their voices are heard.
• Diverse Profiles: Efforts to engage a wide range of profiles based on socio-demographic factors, including age, gender, geographic location, and socio-economic status.

Communication and Promotion

• Daily Announcements: Regular updates on consultation agendas through daily notices and information campaigns.
• Media Coverage: Collaborations with national media outlets like CRTV to cover significant events and highlight key discussions.

Reporting and Feedback

• Documentation: All consultations will be documented, with findings compiled into a comprehensive report.
• Feedback Loop: Ensure participants receive updates on how their input has influenced policy development.

This program of consultations represents a significant effort to create an inclusive and participatory process that reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of Cameroon’s youth, guiding the evolution of the National Youth Policy.