The fourth edition of the “1 Geste 1 Sourire” (One Gesture, One Smile) solidarity campaign has officially been launched in Douala, with organisers unveiling a week-long programme aimed at promoting the socio-professional integration of vulnerable youth into Cameroon’s industrial and port sectors. During a press briefing on Monday, July 6, promoter Grâce Engome, founder of Matila Media Group, said the initiative seeks to provide sustainable employment opportunities for unqualified and out-of-school youth through practical exposure to careers in logistics, maritime transport and industry.
Held under the theme, “Young People Put to the Test in Industrial-Port Professions for Successful Socio-Professional Integration,” the campaign runs from July 6 to 13 under the joint patronage of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Technological Development. It follows the success of the previous edition organised in Kribi.According to the organisers, the programme supports the objectives of Cameroon’s Growth and Employment Strategy Paper (GESP) and Vision 2035 by addressing youth unemployment, particularly among out-of-school youths, people from low-income rural communities and persons living with disabilities.”We no longer train for the sake of training. We train for integration. The company becomes our classroom,” Grâce Engome told journalists.Activities include the identification of untrained youth, career guidance sessions, company immersion visits, community assistance through food donations, a solidarity walk, outreach to inmates at New Bell Prison and a closing football match accompanied by support for school dropouts.Registration is taking place at the Akwa Town Hall and the Littoral Regional Delegation of Social Affairs, while online registration is also available through the organising committee.By linking training directly with employment opportunities at the Port of Douala and surrounding industrial zone, the initiative aims to equip young people with marketable skills while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on quality education, decent work and reduced inequalities.
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