Local Youth Corner Cameroon, with funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), is proud to announce the launch of a new campaign aimed at promoting social cohesion and creating violence-free environments in schools across the region. This initiative responds to rising concerns about social disunity, gender-based violence, bullying, and other forms of violence within educational settings.

Background and Context

In light of increasing incidents of violence and intolerance in schools, this campaign seeks to sensitize students, teachers, and the broader school community on the importance of peaceful coexistence, respect, and constructive dialogue. Through a series of sensitization activities including seminars, workshops, and interactive sessions, the project aims to foster mutual understanding among diverse student groups and encourage positive behavioral change.

Campaign Objectives

The key objectives of this campaign include:

• Promote Social Cohesion: Foster collaboration among students from different backgrounds to build inclusive school communities.
• Combat Violence in Schools: Raise awareness about the dangers of violence and provide effective strategies to mitigate it.
• Educate Students and Teachers: Increase understanding of peaceful conflict resolution, tolerance, and mutual respect.
• Provide Practical Tools: Equip stakeholders with knowledge and resources to create a violence-free school environment.
• Strengthen Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage parents, local authorities, and community leaders in promoting peace within schools.

Key Activities

The campaign will implement several key activities, including:

1. Arts and Crafts: Students will have the opportunity to express their thoughts, vision and feelings about peace, tolerance, and respect. Using various mediums (e.g., pencils, crayons, markers, paints) to bring their ideas to live, either on papers or canvas.
2. Storytelling: Stories should revolve around the theme of social cohesion, tolerance, and the prevention of violence in schools. All stories must be original and creative.
   
3. Essay Writing: Participants must write an essay addressing the theme of social cohesion and violence-free schools. Under the theme: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Promoting Social Cohesion and Violence-Free Schools. All essays must be original and plagiarism-free.
4. Miss and Mister: A beauty pageant and talent competition that celebrates students who embody the ideals of social cohesion, peace, and respect. Participants will be judged on their intelligence, talent and beauty.

Sensitization

This initiative aims to raise awareness and educate students about critical issues such as drug abuse, hate speech, and cybercrime within schools. It also promotes the establishment of love clubs, fostering healthy relationships and emotional support, while advocating against violence.

Training Sessions

These training sessions focus on essential life skills, including financial literacy, which empowers students to manage money effectively; conflict management, which equips them with strategies to resolve disputes peacefully; and fostering positive student-teacher relationships to enhance the learning environment.

Join Us in Fostering Peaceful Schools

This campaign represents a significant step towards creating inclusive and harmonious learning environments in our schools. By promoting social cohesion and reducing violence, we aim to empower students and educators alike.

We invite all stakeholders—students, teachers, parents, and community leaders—to support this initiative and join us in fostering a culture of peace and respect in our educational institutions. Together, we can build a brighter, violence-free future for our youth.