U.S. Ambassador Launches New Project to Train Local Associations and Strengthen Community Resilience in the Far North Region of Cameroon
Maroua, Cameroon – On February 16, 2022, the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon, Christopher J. Lamora, launched the Community Resilience Support Program, or PARC-Cameroon project, in Maroua. The U.S. government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is investing 9.6 billion francs CFA ($16 million) over five years to train and strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) to counter the marginalization of women and youth in the region.
In his remarks, Ambassador Lamora explained that “in Phase I, our implementing partners FHI 360 and The Center for the Promotion of Human Rights and Development in Africa (CPHDA), will work in ten communities in three divisions – Mayo Sava, Maya Tsanaga, and Diamaré. In Phase 2, the project will expand to ten more communities and the Logone-and-Chari division.” Local administrative authorities, notably the Governor of the Far North Region, Midjiyawa Bakari, traditional leaders, and members of civil society attended the launch.
Governor Bakari thanked the U.S. Government for the project, which will help communities facing insecurity because of terrorist attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State-West Africa.
Prior to today’s official launch, PARC-Cameroon started in March 2022 with the recruitment of local associations as partners which will be trained to empower Cameroonians to meet their needs through improved access to services and greater advocacy capacity. For Phase I, CSOs selected to work on the project are: the Far North Consortium for Resilience (CREN), the Local actions for participatory and auto-development (ALDEPA), the Network of Animators for Community Education (RESAEC), the Public Concern association, the Association of Youth and Women of Mora (AJEFMO), the Women’s Organization for the Education of Girls (OFEF), the Young Actives of Mayo-Tsanaga (JAMAT), the Circle of think thank and Support for Development Actions (CRAAD), the Support Center for Self-Promotion and Sustainable Development (CAPROD), the Optional Center for Economic and Social Promotion and Regeneration – Africa Sector (COPRESSA), and the Higher Islamic Council of Cameroon (CSIS).
The U.S. government will continue to partner with the government of Cameroon, the private sector, and civil society to bring about positive social change in local communities.
For more information on USAID’s activities in Cameroon, visit: https://www.usaid.gov/cameroon