The Council of Mengang, in Nyong-et-Mfoumou Division of Cameroon’s Centre Region, has received Plan International Cameroon’s 2025 COGES Best Performance Award.
End of Award Ceremony photo of Mengang & Plan Officials, some traditional authorities, health personnel and some sponsored pupils.
The award was presented on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, during a ceremony at the Esplanade of Mengang Council Hall, held under the patronage of the Governor of the Centre Region, Naseri Paul Bea, in partnership with Plan International. The distinction recognises Mengang as a model council in the management of community development projects.
According to Mohamed Ibrahim Bah, Plan International’s Interim Country Director, the council was selected based on three criteria: management and community participation, financial management concerning transparency in accounting for funds received and spent, proper archiving and availability of records and compliance with procurement procedures, Community participation, which focuses on the enthusiasm and direct involvement of local residents.
He said projects were carried out through a participatory process involving mayors, sector ministries, traditional authorities, COGESs and communities. Speaking, Mayor Gabriel Bievenou, the partnership between Mengang Council and Plan International has blossomed in areas like [water?], topography, education and healthcare.
Field assessments identified real needs. “The funding for the development of water points, distribution of school kits, and construction and rehabilitation of classrooms and Integrated Health Centres.”
“The council was also commended for combining funds received from Plan International with locally mobilised resources in the same bank account, while securing additional support from the Ministry of Public Health.
The impact is particularly evident at the Integrated Health Centre, which was once in a poor state, with women giving birth on unstable tables. Following its rehabilitation, monthly consultations have increased from 18 to more than 50, while deliveries have risen from 13 to more than 30.
Thousands of solar lamps have also been distributed to women, health centres, schools and pupils, including residents to move safely at night, when most births occur. In education, all Class 6 pupils preparing for the Common Entrance Examination received manuals in English, French and Mathematics, as well as workbooks.
The prize money was also used to equip a school laboratory with three computers, a printer and an inverter, while a motorcycle was provided for field supervision. Mayor Avia Gabriel Bievenou attributed the achievement to discipline and local ownership.
“The means available, whether from the State of Cameroon or from the partnership, require transparency in management and enthusiasm in order to have tangible results,” he said. “We took it seriously and we are proud to say that this is the first time to consolidate these partnerships and to do even more projects with Plan International.”
While expressing appreciation for the support received, community members and beneficiaries called for the partnership to continue. Secure Anatole Mebele, Senior Project Manager at Plan International Cameroon, said community ownership remained central to the success of the partnership.
“Communities themselves decide the project, they participate, they contribute, they own the process, they own the project,” he said.
She said Plan International’s role was to strengthen the capacity of councils and communities to drive their own development. The ceremony ended with a visit to the Integrated Health Centre and a symbolic cocktail.
By Solange Tigwi
