By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Beneficiaries of the Project, “Secondary Education and Skills Development Project (SESDP)” have praised the initiative for its transformative skills development training. Their remarks came on January 30, as they showcased the skills they acquired through the program.
SESDP funds targeted training through the Skills Development Facility (SDF), which includes two activity windows: one for small and medium-sized enterprises and another for social economy organizations, artisans, and community structures.
According to SESDP, these training programs directly address market needs and local value chains, with the skills development needs articulated by the beneficiary organizations selected through SDF’s Financial Support Selection and Action Platform.
Speaking to the media, beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the project’s impact on their lives. Fabiola Kinga Bomki, youth undergoing formation in Staff at BMB New Africa training institution, noted that she has learn numerous designs related to staffing and emphasized the importance of environmental care and health.
“After this training, I am going to face life squarely,” she said. Kinga Bomki added that challenges exist in her field, as it has traditionally been dominated by men, but she is determined to succeed. She expressed hope that more funding should be allocated to train more youths, especially women.
Raïsa Mbah, head of Inter-Voluntary Dynamic Women for Sustainable Development NGO, shared her satisfaction with the training, which she said has enabled members to acquire practical skills in clothing, hygiene, and social security among others.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries at IFPCIS-CAM who graduated from training in apiculture, entrepreneurship, and confectionery expressed their appreciation for the skills they gained.
Sidonie Diane Betsa, a beneficiary, described how they learned to manage bees and set up hives effectively. Despite facing challenges, she stated that they gained significant practical and theoretical knowledge during the training. She highlighted the need for support as they transition to practical work, mentioning the necessity of equipment and materials to launch their endeavors.
Sophie Mbenoun, General Coordinator of SESDP, reported that the project had trained 1,126 workers to date, with a target of 7,400 workers overall. “This is just the beginning,” she said, noting that the first phase of the project will conclude in mid-March 2026.
She remains optimistic that the goal will be met, particularly with a focus on including women in the initiative. Initially aimed at training 30 percent of women, the project has now reached 40 percent, and Mbenoun anticipates achieving 50 percent by the end of the process.
Mboutchouang Appolinaire, SDF Manager noted the positive feedback overall. He mentioned the importance of ensuring the right participants are involved in trainings and maintaining a quality environment for learning, including appropriate facilities for writing and adequate spacing. Satisfaction surveys are also conducted to monitor training quality.
The media outreach program recently took place at three sites: Nat Technology, BMB New Africa, and IFPCIS-CAM. Its purpose was to highlight the tangible impact of SESDP-funded training, celebrate beneficiaries and their skill development journeys, showcase Cameroon-World Bank cooperation in support of inclusive development, and raise public awareness about the importance of job-oriented vocational training.
SESDP, implemented by the Cameroonian government with World Bank support, aims to strengthen human capital and enhance the employability of young people and adults.
