REPAIR @10: Celebrating a Decade of Impact and Mobilizing Youth for Cameroon’s Democratic Future
Ten years ago, the Rebuilding Peace through Actions with Inclusive Reach (REPAIR) program was launched with a simple but ambitious vision: to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to become active contributors to peace, democracy, and development in their communities. A decade later, that vision has grown into one of Cameroon’s most impactful youth leadership initiatives.
In October 2024, NewSETA brought together over 250 REPAIR alumni, partners, experts, and stakeholders for the REPAIR Convention, held under the theme “REPAIR @10: Celebrating a Decade of Impact and Advocating the Future.” The Convention served as both a celebration of ten years of achievements and a platform for shaping the next chapter of youth leadership and democratic participation in Cameroon.
Bringing Together a Movement of Changemakers
The Convention marked the first large-scale reunion of REPAIR alumni from multiple cohorts, creating a unique opportunity for reflection, networking, and collaboration.
Participants shared experiences, celebrated successes, and reflected on the collective impact they have created over the past decade. The event highlighted the diversity of the REPAIR network, bringing together entrepreneurs, civil society leaders, educators, policy advocates, humanitarian actors, and community organizers united by a common commitment to building a more peaceful and democratic society.
Throughout the Convention, speakers and panelists emphasized the critical role young people must play in addressing national challenges and shaping Cameroon’s future. Discussions focused on leadership, civic responsibility, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and youth participation in decision-making processes.
A Decade of Empowering Young Leaders
Since its launch in 2015, REPAIR has trained and mentored more than 400 young leaders from across Cameroon and some African countries, equipping them with practical skills in leadership, peacebuilding, democratic governance, civic engagement, and community organizing.
What makes REPAIR unique is its emphasis on action. Every participant is required to organize a Pass It On (PIO) activity within their community, sharing the knowledge and skills acquired during the training with others. Through this model, more than 360 community-based workshops have been implemented across Cameroon, reaching over 10,000 young people and extending the program’s impact far beyond the training sessions.
Over the years, REPAIR alumni have gone on to establish organizations, launch community initiatives, lead advocacy campaigns, secure international fellowships, and contribute to governance and development efforts within their communities. Their achievements demonstrate the transformative power of investing in youth leadership.
Preparing youth for the future of democracy
Held ahead of Cameroon’s 2025 and 2026 national elections, the REPAIR Convention provided a platform for young leaders to explore their role in strengthening democratic participation, promoting civic responsibility, and fostering peaceful engagement within their communities. The discussions culminated in a renewed commitment from REPAIR alumni to advance civic education and active citizenship across the country.
The Convention also highlighted the long-term impact of the REPAIR training series through inspiring alumni stories. Alumni shared how the leadership skills, networks, mentorship, and opportunities gained through REPAIR enabled them to launch organizations, lead community initiatives, and drive change in diverse sectors.
One of the Convention’s most significant outcomes was the launch of the Ballot Buddies Initiative, a nationwide effort aimed at mobilizing REPAIR alumni in all ten regions of Cameroon to promote voter education, encourage voter registration, and support informed participation in the electoral process. By establishing regional teams and structures for collaboration, the initiative transformed the REPAIR alumni network into a coordinated force for civic engagement and democratic participation.
As REPAIR marks ten years of impact, it has evolved from a leadership training program into a growing national network of changemakers committed to peacebuilding, democratic governance, and community development. With initiatives like Ballot Buddies and an active alumni community, REPAIR is helping shape a new generation of leaders ready to contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive, and democratic Cameroon.
