Quarterly Report: January-March 2023

The first quarter of 2023 was devoted to the Foundation's continued work through various programs and initiatives. Much of the focus has been on promoting women's empowerment, and assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees. This report provides a summary overview of our activities and projects during this quarter.

ACTIVITIES

1. Resumption of training at the YEC after the Christmas break.

After a short break for the Christmas holidays, the Youth Empowerment Center (YEC) resumed training for its project participants. These are young boys and girls, victims of the ongoing armed conflict in the North West and South West regions of the country, and who were recruited into the Foundation's 'Relief and Hope' program in October 2022. First the trainers drafted and built consensus on the time-table on what will be taught to trainees through the quarter for effectiveness and better follow-up on both trainers and trainees. The time-table was designed to ensure that trainees receive comprehensive training that covers all the necessary skills required in their respective vocational fields of interest. The time-table is divided into two sections: the morning session and the afternoon session. In the morning session, trainees receive theoretical lessons, while in the afternoon session, they receive practical training. This approach ensures that trainees have a good understanding of the theoretical concepts before they begin to apply them practically. The trainers have also introduced a system of regular assessments to evaluate the progress of trainees. Trainees are assessed on both theoretical and practical aspects of their training. This approach enables trainers to identify areas where trainees may be struggling and provide additional support and guidance where necessary. The Foundation management noted significant development of new skills by the trainees through observation and interviews with both trainers and trainees at the YEC. The information was then analyzed and summarized to provide an overview of the resumption of training at the YEC.

2. Trainee evaluations in cutting, sewing, drawing and marking a traditional outfit locally called "tanchiki"

The evaluation process was conducted in February over a period of 11 days, during which all the trainees were assessed in their ability to cut, sew, draw, and mark a traditional outfit. The evaluation was done through practical tests, where each trainee was given a piece of fabric to cut, sew, draw, and mark according to the design provided. The evaluation criteria included accuracy in measurements, neatness of cutting and sewing, creativity in drawing and marking, and adherence to the design provided and it was on a Ten. The trainees were also evaluated based on their ability to work under pressure, as well as their time management and communication skills. All the trainees demonstrated good marking skills, with clear and accurate markings on the fabric. The evaluation results showed that the trainees had acquired good skills in cutting, sewing, drawing, and marking the traditional outfit. They had also demonstrated good time management skills, ability to work under pressure, and good communication skills.

3. Inspirational Visits

The Foundation management has instituted regular "inspirational visits" to provide the trainees with opportunities to interact with professionals and other individuals that can inspire and encourage them as they seek to rebuild their lives and families. These visits are usually accompanied by structured conversations with openings for the trainees to ask questions and guidance of their guests. They are intended to facilitate the process of trainees dealing with the trauma experienced while in the conflict zones or as IDPs in Yaounde. The last quarter's inspirational visitors included:

• Mr Peter Ngu Tayong, Head coach TCLD and his PA Mr. Essoh Ewane
• Dr. Ndah Grimbald, Dean of the BMS Faculty, ICT University Cameroon
• Madam Tchonko Becky Bissong, journalist and CRTV Anchor lady
• Mr. Tandi Timia, Executive Director of GATEWAY AFRICA

4. Monthly "inspirational speakers"

The 'inspirational speakers series' was designed by the Foundation management to facilitate more structured and thematically focused exchanges between the trainees and professionals who excel in their respective fields. The YEC hosted an inspirational speaker for each month of the first quarter of 2023.

• Dr Mutah Jude, program officer, National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Washington DC

Dr. Mutah Jude was at TFF on March 30, 2023, and gave an inspiring one-hour talk to the trainees and trainers on resilience in conflict environments, underscoring the importance of perseverance, hard work, and dedication in achieving success in life. During the talk, Dr. Jude also committed to support the Youth Empowerment Center in its mission of providing opportunities and resources to young people. He emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and supporting organizations that are making a positive impact on the lives of people, especially 'the most vulnerable among us.'

• Barrister Terence Njeuh Njeick, Practicing Lawyer in Cameroon, based in Bamenda, North West Region.

In February, Barrister Terence Njeick of Bamenda visited the foundation and gave a talk on the framework of vocational training in Cameroon. He encouraged the trainees and trainers, and congratulated the ED for the work the foundation is doing in helping the IDP girls through vocational training. He also stated that his services would be available to provide legal assistance to the trainees whenever needed, to enable them engage in whatever businesses they intend to engage in upon graduation.

• Dr. Clementine Mofor, on "digit all-technology and innovation"

On March 8, which celebrates the International Women's Day, Dr. Clementine Mofor was invited to share insights and highlights on the important role of technology and innovation in promoting gender equality. The event was a reminder that gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also an economic and social necessity for the development of society. This particular event was held to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in various fields and to raise awareness about gender equality. The theme for the event was "Digit ALL – Technology and Innovation"

The event began with a welcome speech by the Executive Director of the Youth Empowerment Center, Professor Elizabeth Tamajong, who highlighted the importance of gender equality and the role of women in the development of society. Overall, the Women's Day celebration at the Youth Empowerment Center was a huge success. The event provided a platform for women to share their experiences and aspirations for better engagement in all sectors of life, including technology.

The Executive Director of The Fomunyoh Foundation Prof. Elizabeth Tamanjong, also used the opportunity to send out a message to all the women at TFF to recognize their contributions to society. In a concise, yet impactful, message, the Executive Director extended her warm wishes to all the women in the organization and across the globe, acknowledging their immense strength, resilience, and contributions to society. She highlighted the significant strides that women have made in the areas of education, healthcare, politics, and leadership, despite the various challenges and barriers they face and have had to overcome. The Executive Director also recognized the role of male champions who support and empower women, urging them to continue to be allies and advocates for gender equality. She emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable society that provides equal opportunities and support to all, regardless of gender. She then concluded by saying women should celebrate responsively.

• Ms Tsiaguh Bernice, ( Intern at TFF) on "Digital safety as an engine for digital empowerment"

On the 29^th of March, still in line with the Women's day celebration, Miss Tsiaguh Bernice presented a talk to the trainees and trainers on "Digital safety as an engine for digital empowerment". The presentation focused on the importance of digital safety and how it is key to digital empowerment. According to one of the trainees, 'the presentation was informative and very thought-provoking.' The trainees and trainers of the YEC left the presentation with a better understanding of how to protect themselves and others in the digital age, and how digital engagement and safety can help them achieve their personal and professional goals. However, as stated by Ms. Tsiaguh, 'without digital safety, individuals may not feel comfortable using technology or may face barriers to accessing it, which can hinder digital empowerment'.

5. TFF Project Development Outreach

On behalf of the Foundation, senior adviser Mr. Tanjoh Fridrick visited Foumbot in the West Region and Souza in the Littoral region in January, for field trips within IDP communities. In each locality, Mr. Tanjoh met with the mayor and other community leaders, and discussed the possibility of a TFF-designed Socio-Economic Empowerment (SEE) initiative as well as the other international days commemorative projects. He also conducted brief field study discussions to gather information that will aid in the successful design and implementation of the project. Each meeting began with an introduction and a brief presentation on the project goals, objectives, and expected outcomes. He also discussed the potential scope, including the various components of the project, capacity building, Farm input support scheme, trauma healing and social reinsertion. The mayor and other community leaders provided valuable insights and suggestions on how best to implement the project, given the cultural and social context of each locality. He, along with community leaders, visited various sites within each of the two towns, and gathered relevant data on the current socio-economic state of the IDPs, identified areas where the project could have the most significant impact, and determined the resources required to execute the project successfully.

The findings of the study indicate that the IDPs are facing significant socio-economic challenges. The majority of them are living in overcrowded conditions, with many families sharing small rooms or makeshift shelters. Access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water is limited, with many IDPs relying on inadequate facilities and services. The study also found that the IDPs are facing significant economic challenges, with many of them unable to find employment or engage in income-generating activities. This has led to high levels of poverty and food insecurity, with many families struggling to meet their basic needs.

Overall, the outreach visits to Foumbot and Souza were very successful. The mayors and other community leaders were very receptive and discussions with them productive. Mr. Tanjoy collected valuable insights that will enrich program design and successful execution of the project. The team used the information gathered during the visit to design a comprehensive project plan and submit it to the TFF organization for approval. The project is expected to commence in the coming months, and the team is confident that it will contribute significantly to the sustainable development efforts in these communities that now host sizable IDP populations.

6. TFF Development Partner Outreach

This past quarter, the Executive Director, accompanied by the senior adviser, paid courtesy calls to three senior members of the diplomatic community based in Cameroon, notably senior officials of the British High Commission, the European Union Commission and the US embassy. They plan to make these visits regularly in order to explore opportunities for partnership and technical assistance support as the Foundation continues to receive demands for its services and support at the grassroots level and in many impacted communities across the country.

Along those lines, TFF signed Partnership agreements with other national organizations, notably DRELA, GATEWAY AFRICA, MSDP, and the RED FEATHER AWARDS ASSOCIATION. These partnerships are geared towards leveraging the strengths of TFF and each of these organizations to fundraise and subsequently deliver more effective and efficient aid to people in need

7. Zoom Connect to YEC

'Zoom Connect' is a feature designed by TFF management to allow YEC trainees to familiarize themselves with different aspects of social media communication (which has become the norm in the 21^st century) by engaging important international personalities who empathize with their situation but are not physically present in Cameroon.

• Pioneer 'Zoom Connect' chat with TFF President Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh

In January, the President of the Fomunyoh Foundation held a zoom conference call with the Trainees, trainers and staff to encourage and motivate them in their efforts. He congratulated the Executive Director on her leadership, dedication and good work. The Executive Director had started the chat by welcoming everyone and expressing gratitude to the President for taking time out of his busy schedule to join the meeting. The President then commended the staff and trainers for their hard work and encouraged them to do all in their power to meet the high expectations we all have of them. The President's words of encouragement and appreciation was well received by the attendees. The conference also provided an opportunity for the Foundation's staff and trainers to connect with the President and receive guidance on how to move forward with the Foundation's mission. The conference ended on a positive note with everyone looking forward to the continued success and more impact on lives in the new year.

• Zoom connect chat with Ms. Christina Fomunyoh

In March, the YEC held another 'Zoom Connect' chat for the trainers and trainees, this time with Ms. Christina Fomunyoh, a student in senior year at the Penn. State University in the United States of America. It was an opportunity for the daughter of the Foundation president to meet electronically, and be introduced to each one at the YEC in Yaounde. Ms. Christina thanked and congratulated the executive director on the good work of the foundation and her personal commitment to alleviate the wellbeing of the program participants. The meeting started with a warm welcome from Ms. Christina Fomunyoh, who expressed her gratitude for the trainers and trainees who had shown interest in the Foundation's training program. She explained that the Fomunyoh Foundation was committed to empowering young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. The trainers and trainees then introduced themselves, sharing their names and their reasons for joining the program. The trainees were from diverse backgrounds and had different career aspirations, but all shared a common desire to learn and grow. After the introductions, Ms. Christina again congratulated the executive director for the good work and promised a donate a recently won Miss Africa award at Penn State University to activities of the YEC.

Prepared by
Intern: Tsiaguh Bernice Manian.
Supervised by the ED: Prof. Mrs. Elizabeth Vukeh