In pursuant of one of its missions of empowering youth through sports, youth-led organization Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC) has launched its traditional ‘Na-We-We’ Sports Jamboree in Bertoua, East Region of the country.
This year’s edition of the sports fiesta that aims to foster social cohesion among refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their host communities kicked off on Saturday August 2, 2025 under the distinguished patronage of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC), Mounouna Foutsou.
After successes in Douala, Yaounde and Bafoussam, the jamboree is running its fourth edition under the theme: “Uniting through Sports: Building Social Cohesion Among Refugees, IDPs, and Host Communities”.
The City Mayor of Bertoua Jean Marie Ndimbele was represented at the opening ceremony by Richard Messe Peng one of his deputies in the presence of Bengal Zachee Robert, the Secretary General in MINJEC who represented the Minister. Also present during the kickoff were Nama Rosine Director General of Source Bonis that is the official sponsor of the ongoing edition, Ordy Betga representative of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa and Boom Joseph representing the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Cameroon.
Creating safe spaces for dialogue, peer learning
Through handball, dance, football and basketball, LOYOC is looking forward to create safe spaces for dialogue and peer learning, provide free medical screenings to vulnerable populations, raise awareness on social issues such as gender-based violence and electoral participation, and distribute food and educational materials.
With the forthcoming October 12 presidential election, the jamboree will focus on promoting youth participation in electoral processes.
Speaking after the official launching of the exercise, LOYOC’s Executive Director Achaleke Christian Leke disclosed that there are about 300 athletes coming from among refugees from neighboring Central African Republic, IDPs from the Anglophone crisis and the Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North Region, and local communities.
He further stated that the games are adopting a pedagogic approach, as everyone, be it from the first or last team, takes something home.
“Yesterday we had a camp fire. We roasted maize together, we ate together and you could not know who is who. And this is the spirit of Na-We-We,” he added, stressing LOYOC’s strive to instill the entrepreneurial and living together spirit in youth. This, he said, is in line with President Paul Biya’s drive for social cohesion.
For youths elsewhere in Cameroon, Achaleke recommended watching the games and sensitization on TV while waiting for their turn, as LOYOC plans to make a tour of all the ten regions of the nation.
The jamboree, according to data from the organizers, has been a big success since its initial launching in the Littoral region.
Through the initiative, LOYOC has reached out to 3,863 IDPs; mobilized 1,500 athletes; amassed up to 300,000 physical engagements and 2,000,000 media engagements; registered over 200 youths on the electoral list; and provided food and medical assistance to several thousands more.
While appreciating the support of its current partners, LOYOC is calling on more potential partners to help them push their dream forward.
Unlike the previous editions that ran for two months, the fourth edition of the jamboree in Bertoua has been reduced to one month due to the forthcoming presidential election. It will span August 31, 2025.
