📸 Cutting of the symbolic ribbon for the opening of the "Youth Village".
📸 Ceremony
As part of the celebrations for the 59th edition of the Fête de la Jeunesse (Youth Festival), which is being held under the banner of patriotic commitment and the promotion of young talent, the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (MINJEC) is presiding over the opening ceremony of the Village Jeunesse (Youth Village), a real crossroads for innovation, sharing and expressing the potential of Cameroon's youth.
The event, chaired by Mounouna Foutsou, Minister for Youth and Civic Education, in the presence of her distinguished guests, marks the kick-off of the Onzaine de la Jeunesse theme days. A dynamic space dedicated to the promotion of youth entrepreneurship, civic education and national cohesion, echoing the aspirations of a youth resolutely focused on Cameroon's emergence.
📸 Context
The Youth Village opening ceremony is part of the celebrations for the 59th Youth Day, an emblematic event that aims to promote civic commitment, patriotism and national integration among young Cameroonians. This year's event is taking place against a backdrop of major challenges relating to social cohesion, the civic participation of young people, the fight against violent extremism, and the need to reinforce the values of peace, solidarity and living together.
In an environment where young people represent an essential lever for sustainable development, the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (MINJEC), through the Onzaine de la Jeunesse (Youth Week), intends to create spaces for exchange, training and the promotion of youth-led initiatives. The Youth Village, in particular, is designed as a framework for dynamic interaction between young people, public institutions, development partners and civil society players. It aims to stimulate creativity, entrepreneurial innovation and leadership among young people in key areas such as civic education, entrepreneurship, culture, sport and volunteering.
The opening ceremony, presided over by Mr Mounouna Foutsou, Minister for Youth and Civic Education, marks the official launch of the themed activities that will mark the Onzaine de la Jeunesse. It symbolises the commitment of the public authorities to support young people in their quest for empowerment, responsibility and active participation in building an exemplary, emerging and prosperous Cameroon.
📸 Focus: What is the "Onzaine de la Jeunesse"?
The Onzaine de la Jeunesse is an 11-day period of intensive activities, dedicated to celebrating, expressing and enhancing the potential of Cameroon's youth. Introduced in 2018, this initiative aims to broaden the traditional framework of Youth Day beyond the simple 11 February parade, by offering a rich and diverse programme focusing on civic education, patriotism, entrepreneurship, culture, sport and volunteering. This year, the Onzaine de la Jeunesse will become "Youth Month" in February 2025, the major innovation of the 59th Fête de la Jeunesse.
Coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (MINJEC), the Onzaine is organised around a series of theme days that address major issues relating to the training of young people, their involvement in socio-political and economic life, and the promotion of republican values such as peace, solidarity, active citizenship and harmonious living together.
Each day is devoted to a specific theme - education for citizenship, volunteering, entrepreneurship, diaspora, cultural and sporting excellence, etc. - with a variety of activities: conferences, training workshops, exhibitions, sports competitions, exchanges with public decision-makers, innovation forums and spaces for intergenerational dialogue.
The Onzaine de la Jeunesse is not just a festive occasion; it represents a real lever for commitment and empowerment of young Cameroonians. It is a platform for expressing their aspirations, a laboratory of ideas for future projects and a strategic framework for strengthening their active participation in the construction of an exemplary, resilient and emergence-oriented Cameroon.
🎯 Opening of the Youth Village, 2025 edition 🎯
The esplanade of the National Museum in Yaoundé is already buzzing to the rhythm of the Youth Village opening ceremony, presided over by Mounouna Foutsou, Minister of Youth and Civic Education, surrounded by a host of VIPs and dynamic young people.
The mood is one of discovery and inspiration:
✨ Interactive exhibition stands unveil innovative projects led by talented young people;
✨ Training workshops are in full swing, offering enriching sessions on leadership, entrepreneurship and active citizenship ;
✨ The discussion forums encourage fascinating discussions between young people, decision-makers and institutional partners;
✨ Cultural and artistic performances amaze audiences, celebrating the richness and diversity of our heritage.
The Youth Village is up and running, a symbol of committed young people resolutely looking to the future. Here, every idea comes to life, every voice counts and every talent shines through.
This handshake marks the end of the Youth Village's virtual and face-to-face opening. It was an opportunity to explore and discover the creativity and know-how of Cameroon's young people.
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