In a renewed demonstration of its commitment to education and youth development, UBA Cameroon has donated 500 books in English and French to the library of Collège du Levant in Douala IV under the Read Africa Program, a flagship literacy initiative of the UBA Foundation.
The donation, presented during a ceremony attended by executives of the bank, aims to strengthen the school’s library resources and encourage a culture of reading among students at a time when digital distractions are increasingly competing for the attention of young people.
Welcoming the initiative, Victor Koum, Principal of Collège du Levant, described the donation as both timely and impactful. “This donation is extremely important. Today, many children are reading less, and even adults are gradually moving away from books. These books will help our students discover the wealth of knowledge hidden in literature. Reading broadens the mind, strengthens critical thinking, and must become a lifelong culture.”
With an enrolment of approximately 750 students, the school sees the donation as a valuable contribution to academic excellence and personal development. According to the principal, the initiative comes at a critical moment. “Mobile phones and social media have significantly changed our relationship with books. This gesture by UBA will help rekindle students’ interest in reading and encourage them to see books as a source of knowledge, inspiration and opportunity.”
Investing in the leaders of tomorrow
The donation forms part of UBA Cameroon’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda and aligns with the broader vision of the UBA Foundation to improve access to education across Africa.
Launched in 2011, the Read Africa Program was created to revive the reading culture among young Africans by providing secondary schools libraries with books written by African authors. The books are distributed in English, French and Portuguese, giving students access to diverse African perspectives, stories and experiences.
Speaking during the event, Fointama Beizia emphasized the transformative power of reading and its role in shaping future leaders.
“Read Africa reflects our desire to encourage young Africans to embrace reading. Through books, young people are exposed to new ideas, cultures and opportunities that broaden their horizons. We want to inspire the next generation to develop a lasting love for reading”. He added that reading plays a vital role in developing creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills.
“Reading changes the way people think. It develops critical thinking, stimulates innovation and empowers young people to create value for society. We want students to go beyond classroom learning, explore new ideas through reading and ultimately excel in their personal and professional lives.”
Expanding impact across Cameroon
The Read Africa Program has continued to leave a meaningful footprint across Cameroon. Earlier in March 2026, Alfred Saker College also benefited from the initiative.
To date, more than 10 schools across the country have received support through the program, with over 20,000 books donated to school libraries. Beneficiary institutions span several regions, including the Centre, Littoral, North, West, South and South-West regions.
Through sustained investments in education, literacy and youth empowerment, UBA Cameroon continues to contribute to building a future where more young people have access to the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
As the latest beneficiaries at Collège du Levant begin turning the pages of their new books, the message behind the donation is clear: every book opened is a door to new possibilities, and every reader empowered is a future leader in the making.
