Local Youth Corner (LOYOC), under the HOPE Project funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), successfully conducted a two-day training aimed at empowering young mediators and peace champions in Buea on August 19-20, 2025. This initiative sought to equip over 10 youth peace actors with essential skills in electoral mediation, dialogue facilitation, and community-based peacebuilding.

The training brought together 11 participants, including youth empowerment animators from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC). The focus was on enhancing competencies in conflict analysis, non-violent communication, and gender-responsive mediation. Participants were engaged in interactive sessions that encouraged practical application of concepts learned.

The overall objective was to strengthen youth capacities to prevent, mitigate, and transform election-related conflicts through mediation and dialogue.

Key Achievements

• Knowledge Improvement: Participants demonstrated a significant increase in their understanding of mediation techniques, with average scores rising from 89% in pre-tests to 99% in post-tests.
• Network Formation: The training culminated in the establishment of the Young Mediator Network (YOMNET), aimed at fostering collaboration among mediators.
• Action Plan Development: Participants created an action plan for electoral mediation, emphasizing gender-responsive strategies and inclusivity.

This training marks a significant step towards fostering a culture of peace and dialogue in the electoral landscape. By empowering young leaders with the necessary skills and tools, LOYOC is contributing to a more inclusive and peaceful electoral process in the region. The commitment to gender inclusivity and community engagement is pivotal in ensuring a stable and harmonious environment as elections approach.