YAOUNDE YOUTH ENGAGE IN PEACE MESSAGING

https://sweetartfrika.blogspot.com/2017/10/yaounde-youth-engage-in-peace-messaging.html

All about the CARAVAN OF PEACE "NO TO TERROR"

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      The “No To Terror” caravan was launched in 2015 uses art as an innovative means in the fight against terrorism and violence in all its forms in Cameroon.

Thanks to this project, certain youths have become conscious of the major role they have to play in the fight against terrorism and violence in general: many have taken the engagement to promote peace and tolerance through one of the caravan’s major activity called “Say Something about Peace”.  In this activity, the visitor directly takes an engagement to promote peace by accepting to have his/her portrait made because afterwards they are expected to have to affirm this engagement in a phrase on their portraits. 

Considering the itinerant nature of the caravan, it often organizes an exchange with the youths of every locality that it visits. This exchange, usually under the theme “My Vulnerability, My Strength” aims at guiding youths in identifying instances in which they are vulnerable to violence and terrorism so as to encourage them to transform these vulnerabilities in to a potential strength against their challenges.

Furthermore the use of art as an innovative tool in the fight against terrorism in the country has motivated youths to use their talents at the service of the society. the “No to terror” caravan has greatly contributed in changing the mentality of the nation’s  authorities about the capacity of the civil society to contribute in the fight against extremism. As time went on, this has been materialized with the content of the speeches of government authorities during the caravan’s numerous exhibitions in Ngaoundere, Buea, Foumban, Bandjoun, Yaounde, … We have also benefited from the  invitation of the Minister of  Youths and Civic Education to exhibit during the International Youth Day, 2015. Some Governors have even expressed the desire of duplicating the illustrative roll-ups of the Caravan so as to continue the sensitization in their respective localities even in our absence. Civil society organizations operating in the domain of peace in Cameroon have often invited the “No to terror” caravan  to strategic events like the Cameroon Youth Forum , amongst others. The Caravan is mostly used in such events as an eradication and sensitization tool against violent extremism

Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the “No to terror” Caravan still has a long way to go in the fight against terrorism in Cameroon considering the fact that some parts of the country have not yet been exposed to this sensitization campaign.

The “No to Terror” caravan is an itinerant exhibition of illustrative drawings and slogans used for the sensitization of the general population so as to encourage tolerance and the construction of a sustainable peace in Cameroon and beyond. Looking at the present context of insecurity within the country and the world at large, the caravan can be considered as a tool in the fight against insecurity. It is thus in this light that the caravan seeks to;

• Sensitize youths on their role in the fight against terrorism and the construction of peace in the continent.

• Make Cameroonian and central African youths, ambassadors of peace in the continent.

• Sensitize African youths on the risks of their enrolment and their instrumentalization by armed groups.

The caravan is made up of three main spaces:

• Reception and Exchange: Discussion with the population of the host locality about their perception and vision about peace.

• Exhibition:  Here the public is led to visit the 20 illustrative messages of the caravan that are printed on roll-ups (2m x 0,85m). Each roll-up is made up a slogan, illustrative drawings, as well as poetic texts related to current issues.

• Expression Space: This is where visitors are guided by the artists of the caravan to draw, paint, and write their messages about the promotion of peace and tolerance.

The “No To Terror” caravan benefited from  the technical support of a local NGO called the World Dynamics of Young People (WDYP) and of the financial support of the Civil Service for Peace ( Brot fur die Welt) for the production of materials (e.g Roll-ups, Comic Strips, T-Shirts…). The caravan’s exhibitions at specific localities within the country are usually funded by the host; though it may happen that she takes care of her activities based on funds gotten from the sales of her gadgets like, T-Shirts, Comic Strips etc.

Since its creation in May 11 2015; the caravan has visited six of the ten regions of Cameroon. So far, the caravan has carried out 32 exhibitions, and about 10,000 youths have been reached  in Cameroon. Considering the fact that Cameroon is Africa in miniature, youths from different ethnic groups and religion have been exposed to this campaign thanks to the itinerant nature of the caravan which has been to extremely risky zones (the caravan exhibited in the Adamawa Region from July 17 to 21 2015 during the Cameroon Youth Forum , often organized by the Zenu Network; a local NGO). The concept is open to everyone, as female youths have shown much interest in the project.

One of the particuliarities of the caravan resides in her Free Style workshop which is made up of two main activities; “Say Something about Peace” and “Pimp the Little Boy for Change”. Through these fun activities, we ensure that visitors leave their impressions about the construction of a peaceful world. These impressions are collected, archived and used when necessary, as they are considered as elements that measure the impact of the caravan on the population.

In order to ensure the sustainability of the project, necessary modalities are being taken so that the roll-ups of the caravan are duplicated where need be, so that the sensitization may continue even in the absence of the caravan. ( For instance, the duplication of roll-ups are being negotiated for the Buea Council in the South West region and a local NGO in the West region, precisely in Foumban called AJP CEDES (Association des Jeunes pour la Promotion de la Culture, L’Education,, le Developpement Economique et Social). There equally exist three platforms on the internet dedicated to the “No to Terror” caravan. These platforms include; two Facebook pages where the creation of one is thanks to the caravan’s collaboration with the ISD (Institute of Strategic Dialogue). The third platform is the caravan’s blog. Also, materials like T-Shirts, comic strips, stickers and the roll-ups are produced with the aim of educating the population and to ensure the sustainability of the project.

• Since May 2015, we successfully braved the taboo on the public expression on radicalism, extremism and the enrolment of youths in armed groups in Cameroon through the “No To Terror” Caravan and other cartoon projects. Consequently, the Cameroonian minister of Youths and Civic Education officially invited the caravan to take part in the celebration of the International Youth Day, in august 2015. This year, during the International Youth Exhibition which took place from august 12-16 2016, the Minister of Youth and Civic Education suggested that the caravan integrates a national program on the civic education of youths. As a result of the Caravan’s participation at another event dubbed FESCARHY (International Festival of Caricature and  Humor of Yaounde ) Cedric Kenfack was the special guest of the 8:30 pm  news on CRTV (Cameroon Radio Television) 

• The innovative and fun nature of  “No To Terror” Caravan  has greatly seduced Cameroonian Youths as the project permits them  to freely express themselves on the construction of a peaceful society. Also, Cedric Kenfack the Leader of the team has greatly inspired youths from other parts of Africa working in the peace domain as they now seek for collaboration.  Some of these Youths are those he met being part of the first promotion of YALI-Dakar, Senegal (Young African Leaders Initiatives). It was in this light that Cedric Kenfack was last invited as a speaker at Djibouti to share his experience during the GCTF (Global Counterterrorism Forum) Horn of Africa Working Group Symposium on Youth and CVE (Counter Violent Extremism)

• The fight against terrorism in the world appears to be long and difficult. Acknowledging an artist like those of this Campaign will incite other artist to engage themselves in the promotion of society’s development and the construction of peace in the world.

…

The “No To Terror” caravan actively took part in the 2nd edition of the International Youth Exhibition that began on Tuesday the 9th and ended on Saturday the 13th of August 2016 at the esplanade of the national museum, in Yaounde. This five days event was an initiative of the NGO, ACADER, in collaboration with the Cameroon National Youth Council.

Just like the more than 50 youth associations and organizations that answered present to this event, the “No To Terror” caravan was called upon to specifically animate the “Peace and Security” thematic village, amongst others such as the numeric, scientific and numerical… thematic villages.

The caravan’s thematic village was one of those that were highly visited as it greatly impressed some visitors who confessed that it was their first encounter with the caravan. The “Peace and Security” thematic village attracted many who got carried away with the fun at the “Free Style” workshop; particularly with activities that involved the ‘Little boy for change’ and the ‘say something about peace’ where many left inspiring messages on how they intend appropriating peace and tolerance as a way of life.




The activities of the caravan at this year’s International Youth Exhibition did not leave the Minister of Youths and Civic Education indifferent. During his visit of the exhibitions of the event, Mr. Mounouna Fousso expressed satisfaction on what the caravan has done so far, and he equally expressed the desire to collaborate with the caravan’s team in the promotion of peace in Cameroon. The caravan’s fun-fever took hold of the minister as he participated in the “Free Style” workshop, just as all visitors should.
The presence of the “No To Terror” caravan at the 2nd edition of this year’s International Youth Exhibition did not only enlighten the event as it brought many visitors, especially the youths to reflect on the indispensable role they have to play in the fight against terrorism and violence as a whole in Cameroon. On this note, one may say that the caravan achieved her goal of being visible and attracting partners that will help promote her sensitization work in the untouched regions of the country and even beyond.

“Je Dessine La Paix” FESCARHY, 2016

Art was at the center of this year’s International Festival of Caricature and Humour of Yaoundé (FESCARHY) as it was under the theme “Je Dessine la Paix”. The “No Terror” Caravan was thus under the spotlight of the 17th edition of this three days event which was organized at the open air in front of the City Hall, precisely on the independence ground.
This event that took place from the 18th to the 20th of August 2016 appeared to be a fortunate opportunity for the caravan to carry out her sensitization work on participants of all age groups who made it for the event. The caravan also got to ensure that many took an engagement and actively participated in the promotion of peace and tolerance via the free style workshop, tagged T-shirts, as well as the Golden Cloth for Peace of the festival.

Some of the personalities who graced the event with their presence, and actively took part in the activities of the caravan’s free style workshop include; the representative of the Minister of Arts and Culture, amongst others.

The general public at the festival commended the mission of the caravan and were glad to promote the initiative by actively participating in her activities such as ‘pimp the little boy for change’. The caravan appeared to be an attraction site for participants and the media, at the festival whose closure was extended to Sunday the 21th of August at the demand of the public.

International youth Day 2016:

Journée internationale de la Jeunesse 2016:
Après le forum de la Jeunesse Camerounaise à Buéa, la Caravane de la Paix "Non À La Terreur" est invitée à participer au  deuxième Salon International De la Jeunesse qui se tiendra à l'esplanade du musée national, à Yaoundé, du 09 au 13 août 2016. La nouveauté lors de ce deploiement sera qu'Au delà de sa formule classique, la Caravane fera un grand arrêt sur la restitution des résultats de l'étude sur "l'enrolement des jeunes dans les groupes armés au cameroun". Un atelier d'échange sera également donné sur le thème " ma vulnérabilité, ma force". Nous comptons engager directement 200 jeunes à la promotion de paix à travers notre atelier " Say Something About Peace". Retrouvez nous au village thématique Paix, sécurité et Droits de l'homme. Plein de Fun: Dessins, peinture, BD, portraits, etc.

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After the Cameroon Youth Forum in Buea, the "No To Terror" caravan is invited to take part in the second edition of the International Youth Exhibition in Yaounde, from the 9th to the 13th August 2016 at the esplanade of the National Museum. Beyond the classical activities of the caravan during this event, emphasis would be on the results of the study on the "Enrolment of Youths in Armed Groups in Cameroon". It is to this effect that an exchange would be held in the course of the event on the theme " My Vulnerability, My Strength ". We hope to ensure that more than 200 youths directly engage themselves to the promotion of peace via our workshop dubbed " Say Something About Peace ". Join us at the " Security and Human Rights" thematic village... Come ready for plenty of fun: in drawing, painting, hilarious and educative comic strips, portraits,...etc

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A Report of the “No To Terror” Caravan’s Participation at the Cameroon Youth Forum (CYF) Buea. (Monday 18^th- Friday 22^nd July 2016)

The ‘’No To Terror’’ caravan team took part in the 8^th edition of the Cameroon Youth Forum in Buea. This event that was organized by the Zenu Network was from Monday 18^th to Friday 22^nd July, 2o16. The five days event that was attended by close to 300 participants was under the theme; ‘’Youths and Security Challenges”. Based on the pertinence of the theme of this forum, the caravan was at the center of the activities of the event.

Major Activities/Achievements of the Caravan during the Forum

An exchange with participants on the theme; ‘’My Vulnerability, My Strength’’. This exchange that took place on the second day of the event was based on a cartoon projection which presented a group of three friends with different dreams. As these youths grew mature, they encountered a number of challenges which pushed them into doubting their abilities to achieve their dreams… This short presentation was aimed at guiding the youths in identifying their vulnerabilities and transforming them into potential strengths. Though a good number of the youths were reticent to the activity, some were able to open up. Among such youths was this Muslim girl who denounced the fact that she was being stigmatized at school by her teachers and class mates. Through  this medium of exchange that was done in collaboration with the World Dynamics of Young People (WDYP), the Zenu Network and the Regional Delegation of the Ministry of Youths and Civic Education, youths saw the importance of being tolerant towards one another and to adopt a positive and peaceful  attitude even when everything seems bad.

Furthermore, the caravan made youths to individually engage themselves for peace. This was done via the ‘’Say Something about Peace’’ workshop. This activity that was actually initiated for the first time in Buea required that interested participants pay 500fcfa each to have their portraits made, then they were expected to directly engage themselves in ensuring that peace reigns wherever they find themselves.  Close to fifty (50) youths adhered to this activity, though many were only interested in having their portraits made and nothing else. It is worth noting that the money paid for the portraits were handed to the local artists of Buea so as to encourage their efforts.

In addition to the above, the “No To Terror” caravan provided a platform for youths to showcase their talents and equally to expose their plights. Firstly, thanks to the caravan, local artists and other participants were able to proof their worth in art work and in the fight against insecurity in the country and beyond via inspiring messages. On the other hand, some youths felt they could express their plights and frustrations through the “Free Style” workshop of the caravan. For instance, a youth from the Far North Region of the country called Hassansiti Nichola described the state of his village ‘Kolofata’ in painting. The sight of his artwork touched the team emotionally that we decided to write an article about him; which is due to be published.

The team of the caravan also did an all-round communication of the event via the social media and the traditional media. The event was constantly being communicated upon on Facebook as well as on the website of the caravan. The caravan also gave an interview to the regional station of the CRTV on what the project is all about and how it has been achieving it objective of making youths conscious of the role they have to play in the fight against insecurity in the country and beyond.

In all, the “No To Terror” team was quite united and worked consciously in the course of the mission at the Cameroon Youth Forum (CYF) in Buea. Consequently, one can say that the mission was successful as the youths were sensitized on the need to consider values like peace and tolerance in every situation. The team was also able to get the contacts of talented youths in the discipline of art, as well as the contacts of potential partners before the forum officially ended on Friday 22^nd 2016.