Visionary Reports

They received their certificates on August 28 after completing one year of training in auto mechanics.

On August 28, 16 refugees residing in Douala graduated from the Cami Toyota Auto Mechanic Training Centre in Bonaberi, following a year of professional training. This program, sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in partnership with Cami Toyota, aimed to equip refugees with skills that will enable them to secure gainful employment. The initiative reflects a shift from humanitarian aid to long-term development, promoting self-reliance among vulnerable populations. According to the UNHCR Representative in Douala, Maria Chiara Massetti, strengthening the independence, skills, and capabilities of refugees supports their local integration and inclusion in national development efforts. She emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating how humanitarian actions can evolve into empowering solutions. “This is a clear example of socio-economic inclusion and local integration, showing how we transition from humanitarian assistance to development,” she stated. “The project strengthens refugee independence by building skills and capacity, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society. It’s about empowering vulnerable populations to participate in national development.”The Deputy Regional Director of the National Employment Fund (NEF), Ntone Emmanuel, highlighted NEF’s core mission of promoting employment across Cameroon through intermediation, project financing, vocational training, and job placement. He expressed NEF’s commitment to assist those remaining in Cameroon by registering them and facilitating their integration into the job market, especially as technical skills are in high demand.

One of the graduates, Tangishaka Christian from Rwanda, expressed optimism about his future. “Thanks to my automobile mechanics certificate, I now have the opportunity to look for a good job. I’d like to work in a garage, but more importantly, I want to start my own business. That way, I’ll have more opportunities and clients.”Similarly, Ousmane Sylla from the Central African Republic plans to establish his own business. “I have never worked for someone else, so I prefer to create my own company. That has been my goal all along—starting my own business and even opening a training center to help other refugees and Cameroonians gain professional skills.”

By Gina Esong