The municipal executive of Douala III Subdivision hosted a professional integration session on Monday, August 17, 2026, aimed at guiding local youth toward career success. Marking the official closing ceremony of the council’s annual holiday internship program, the event provided Mayor Valentin Epoupa Bossambo an opportunity to engage directly with student interns on moral, civic, and entrepreneurial development. The initiative is central to the local government’s strategy to tackle youth unemployment and streamline the transition from education to the workforce. Addressing the over 400 student representatives as part of a broader cohort of 1,000 summer interns mayor Bossambo took on an instructional role in the council chamber. He delivered what he described as a session on “civic and entrepreneurial moral rearmament,” equipping students with essential tools to navigate the job market or pursue self-employment. Through this program, Douala III is addressing a systemic issue affecting young job seekers across Cameroon: the challenge of finding suitable employment post-graduation. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS), 14.8% of university graduates aged 25 to 35 are unemployed, compared to just 3% of their less-educated peers who often work in precarious conditions a stark reflection of the ongoing mismatch between education and job market needs. To bridge this gap, Mayor Bossambo announced the creation of a municipal database to track and support former holiday interns. Starting next year, interns will be placed in roles directly aligned with their field of study. For aspiring entrepreneurs, the mayor outlined key procedures for securing funding and navigating available government support initiatives.
However, technical skills alone are not enough. The mayor emphasised that sustainable career success requires strong ethical grounding, urging participants to embody patriotism, respect for public service, and corporate values. By fostering civic responsibility and professional discipline, the council hopes to steer young people away from youth delinquency and toward meaningful, long-term careers.
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