This project was coordinated by John Bogne from Cameroon, YMCA Change Agent Cohort 5, 2022-2023.
It was part of the 2023/2024 partnership between World YMCA and Enhesa, a global leader in environmental, health, and safety intelligence, which aimed to strengthen community impact, support sustainability initiatives, and nurture the next generation of youth leaders in sustainability. All the Enhesa/World YMCA projects focussed on supporting young people and underserved communities to develop skills and capabilities that will help them on their employment journey. Enhesa employees from around the world mentored and coached YMCA Change Agents as they designed and launched innovative community projects tackling pressing social and environmental challenges in their communities.
So this is the story of John’s project, a youth-led project tackling the climate crisis in Cameroon by empowering young people to lead local change. Through practical training and expert guidance, the initiative equips 50 participants to develop grassroots solutions in climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem protection, and civic engagement. It positions youth not only as beneficiaries, but as local climate leaders in their communities.
Context and Background
Cameroon is increasingly affected by floods, droughts, and food insecurity, with young people among the most vulnerable. Many aged 15 to 35 lack access to climate education, economic opportunities, and platforms for engagement. Most live below the cost of living and work in the informal sector or pursue their studies with limited means. Despite their motivation, these youth are often excluded from decision-making processes. This project addresses that gap by providing knowledge, mentorship, and practical tools to support climate action tailored to their realities.
Project Introduction
Launched in late March 2025 by Cameroon YMCA, the project combines a national online webinar with an in-person workshop in Douala. It targets youth from urban and peri-urban areas impacted by climate change. Activities focus on sustainable agriculture, waste management, and community resilience, supported by World YMCA, Enhesa, and local partners. The project blends traditional knowledge with international frameworks to build youth capacity for collective environmental action.
Project Objectives
The main goals are to train 50 young people on local climate challenges and responses, to create a sustainable network linking youth and experts, and to foster partnerships with NGOs and institutions that support youth-led initiatives. By combining training, mentorship, and collaborative project design, the project aims to activate long-term youth engagement and leadership, particularly among students, informal workers, and rural-urban migrants.
Planned Activities
The program begins with a national webinar featuring expert presentations, discussions, and a climate knowledge quiz. This is followed by a hands-on training workshop in Douala, covering agroecological practices, waste reduction, and coastal protection. Participants will engage in a project pitching session, co-creation labs, and a mentorship program. A digital platform will support ongoing learning, collaboration, and follow-up. A monitoring system will track engagement, project development, and knowledge retention.
Expected Impact and Alignment with Global Goals
The project will train 50 youth and support the development of 3 to 5 youth-led initiatives such as awareness campaigns or community gardens. A 70% engagement rate is expected six months after completion. The digital platform will expand reach and sustain momentum. These outcomes contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships), and align with YMCA Vision 2030 goals for a Sustainable Planet and Just World.
Target Population
The initiative focuses on Cameroonian youth aged 15 to 35 from low-income households in flood- and drought-prone areas. Most are students, unemployed, or informal workers, earning below XAF 75,000/month—half the cost of living in Douala. With limited access to education or formal networks, they are often excluded from climate conversations. This project equips them with the skills, tools, and networks to lead community-based climate responses.
Methodology and Implementation Strategy
The program uses a hybrid model combining in-person and digital delivery. It is based on the “Youth Climate Champions” curriculum, co-developed by World YMCA and Enhesa, and adapted to the Cameroonian context. Implementation follows four phases: preparation, training, mentorship, and evaluation. Tools like quizzes, participant journals, and project tracking will be used to assess impact and adjust activities based on feedback.
Sustainability, Scalability, and Replication
The project is built for long-term impact. Its modular training and mentorship model can be replicated in rural or urban settings across Cameroon. Local partnerships will help establish climate clubs, support micro-projects, and maintain mentor involvement beyond the initial phase. Digital tools will ensure continued peer learning and project visibility.
Budget and Funding Needs
The budget includes costs for training materials, equipment, facilitator fees, participant travel, and digital platform development. While Cameroon YMCA and its partners will provide staff and venues, additional funding is essential to ensure access for disadvantaged youth and high-quality project delivery.
Organizational Capacity
Cameroon YMCA has led several youth-centered environmental and educational projects, including the Clean Sustainable Project and the Candle Light Project in partnership with World YMCA. The organization has a strong track record in training, youth mobilization, and climate action. This project builds on that experience to support youth as effective climate leaders in their communities.
