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Situation of Youth Employment in Cameroon and the Challenges with
KOME Blaise TARDZENYUY, Ph.D.
According to him youth employment situation in Cameroon is characterized by various challenges that hinder the socio-economic potential of young people.
KOME Blaise TARDZENYUY is a youth development consultant with a diverse educational background and extensive experience in the field of youth and social development, rural development, and agricultural policy analysis. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology, specialized in Development Studies & Public Policy, from the University of Dschang in Cameroon. He also has a Master's degree and a Bachelor's degree in the same field from the same institution. Additionally, he holds a professional master's degree in International Relations and Management of Community Institutions from the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC). He has also pursued academic certification in Civic Engagement Leadership from the University of Georgia in the USA.
Dr. Kome has over 15 years of experience supporting and leading programs aimed at poverty reduction, inclusive and sustainable development. He has a diverse background, having worked in government, NGOs, academia, and international organizations. He has held senior technical and management positions in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education in Cameroon. He has also worked as an Assisting Lecturer in several universities.
Dr. Kome's passion for community development led him to co-found an organization called Enough for All Organization (EFAO) in 2006. Within this organization, he has occupied technical positions in project execution. Additionally, he has worked as an International Consultant with the United Nations World Food Program in West Africa.
Overall, Dr. Kome Blaise TARDZENYUY is a dedicated and experienced professional who has made significant contributions to the field of youth and social development, rural development, and agricultural policy analysis in Cameroon and beyond.
Some of these challenges he identified as a consultant include:
- High Unemployment Rate: Cameroon faces a high youth unemployment rate, with limited employment and income-generating opportunities 1 This is exacerbated by a lack of market-driven and demand-oriented skills, leading to a skills mismatch in the labor market. Additionally, public policies in the youth employment sector are few and poorly managed.
- Inadequate Education Facilities & Opportunities: Many young people in Cameroon lack access to education facilities, 21st-century curricula, and infrastructure. Gender inequalities, family disruptions, and economic hardships also contribute to the inability of many youths to acquire relevant knowledge Limited access to vocational training and education further hampers their ability to learn a trade and transition smoothly from school to work.
- Entrepreneurship Lapses: The entrepreneurial spirit and related skills among Cameroonian youths are lacking. Regulatory and fiscal policies, such as high taxes, fees, and bribes levied on youth start-ups and informal businesses, hinder entrepreneurship Limited private sector engagement and inflexible policies and regulations regarding the informal sector also contribute to the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs.
- Limited Opportunities for Civic Participation: The youth development sphere in Cameroon lacks youth-friendly safe spaces, playgrounds, and facilities managed by youths themselves. This includes sports facilities, recreational centers, youth centers, women's centers, libraries, and reading rooms Youth involvement in community processes, decision-making, and political participation is limited, affecting intergenerational dialogue.
- Health Challenges: Teenage pregnancy is prevalent in both rural and urban communities, particularly in areas affected by forced displacements. Lack of access to healthcare, expensive treatment costs, and limited stakeholder engagement contribute to low sexual and reproductive health rights among young people Mental health disorders also affect many youths, with limited access to mental health and psychosocial support.
- Lack of Access to Resources: Social and cultural norms hinder youth engagement in productive sectors like agriculture by limiting their access to resources, including land. Limited access to finance, infrastructure, technology-related facilities, and digital resources, coupled with low internet connectivity, hampers youth participation in digital innovations and job opportunities 1.
- Forceful Displacements and Human Rights Violations: Ongoing wars in certain regions of Cameroon disproportionately affect adolescents, young men, and women. They become victims of violence, leading to health consequences such as unwanted pregnancies and fistula. The children born from rape often face victimization and stigmatization within their communities.
Term of Reference for a Youth Connect Summit in Cameroon
A Youth Connect Summit in Cameroon can serve as a platform to address the challenges faced by young people and develop actionable solutions. The summit can involve various stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), youth-led associations, and government entities. Here are some potential actions that could be developed through these partnerships:
- Skills Development and Job Placement: CSOs and youth-led associations can collaborate with vocational training institutions and businesses to provide market-driven skills training and job placement opportunities for young people. This can include apprenticeship programs, workforce development initiatives, and entrepreneurship training.
- Policy Advocacy and Implementation: CSOs and youth-led associations can advocate for the development and implementation of youth-friendly policies in the areas of education, employment, entrepreneurship, and civic participation. They can engage with decision-makers and decision-making avenues to ensure that the voices of young people are heard and their needs are addressed.
- Access to Finance and Resources: CSOs and youth-led associations can work towards improving access to finance for young entrepreneurs and providing resources such as land, infrastructure, and technology-related facilities. This can involve partnerships with financial institutions, government agencies, and private sector entities.
- Youth Empowerment and Civic Engagement: The summit can focus on empowering young people through capacity-building programs, leadership development initiatives, and the establishment of youth-led platforms for civic engagement. This can include the creation of youth councils, advisory boards, and parliaments with increased control, financial resources, and direct contact with decision-makers.
- Health and Well-being: CSOs and youth-led associations can collaborate with healthcare providers, government agencies, and international organizations to improve access to healthcare, sexual and reproductive health rights, and mental health and psychosocial support for young people. Comprehensive sexuality education programs can also be developed and implemented.
- Digital Innovation and Job Opportunities: Partnerships can be formed to enhance digital literacy among young people and provide access to digital resources and job opportunities. This can involve collaborations with technology companies, internet service providers, and educational institutions.
- Addressing Displacements and Human Rights Violations: The summit can address the challenges faced by young people affected by forceful displacements and human rights violations. This can include providing support services, counseling, and advocacy for their rights and well-being.
By implementing these actions, the Youth Connect Summit in Cameroon can contribute to addressing the challenges faced by young people and creating a more favorable environment for their socio-economic development.
