YOUTHS, A BACKBONE IN NATION BUILDING

The youths are the backbone of the nation and the largest and most dynamic group of the population. They are an essential link in Cameroons’ development efforts for they bear the responsibility of steering tomorrows Cameroon which must remain one and indivisible in achieving its development through values that constitute the cement of national unity and good citizenship.

Over the years, the youths have played a vital role in fostering democracy and spearheading movements aimed at improving on the development of Cameroon. Conscious of this fact, the Soci-political leaders have always put the youths at the lamplight of the society when it comes to nation building. They have been part and parcel of the decision making arena and have in numerous ways triggered the outcome of decisions.

The number of young people between the age of 15 and 35 has increased dramatically in the last years. In Cameroon young people constitute over 70% of the population. This has prompted the increase in the number of policies and institutions tasked with fostering and ensuring the implementation of youth programs whose effectiveness on the field has remain a booster to most young people who have benefited from several direct employment or aids in kind and in cash.

President Paul Biya has time without number address the youths as “le fer de lance de la nation” which is a naught shell signifies they are the future of tomorrows’ Cameroon. To ensure that a prosperous future is envisaged, the government have put in place some strong laws, policies and institutions on youth development, which have been adopted by many African countries as the base of their own policies.

Through the Ministry of Youth Affaires and Civic Education, the country has been effective in adopting and implementing progressive youth policies. There has been an effective political will to successfully monitor and implement these laws and policies. The monitoring and evaluation of institutions concerned with Youth policy implementation has also been intensified. To train youth to be patriotic and development oriented, the Cameroon government has created sub programs and institutions that have greatly contributed in rallying and maximizing youth energy and creativity for nation building. The National Youth Council, is a glaring example.

Cynthia Efopa