Buea: Local Youth Corner trains entertainers on using arts for social cohesion, community dialogue.

The workshop was organised by non-governmental organisation, Local Youth Corner Cameroon. The event took place Thursday April 25 in Buea.

The masterclass was held under the theme: “Leveraging Entertainment as a Tool for Social Cohesion and Community Dialogue”.

It brought together key figures in the arts and entertainment industry, civil society activists and diplomats. During the session, experts exchange views on ways of ensuring that arts remain a force for good in our society. 

The workshop was attended by entertainers including Mr Leo, Laura Onyama and X-Maleya amongst others.

LOYOC Cameroon Executive Director, Christian Achaleke, said the event was part of his organisation’s drive to provide a platform for entertainers to reflect on how their influence and credibility can serve as a tool towards resolving social issues in the country.

Addressing participants during the masterclass, Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E Lorraine Anderson encouraged participants to think out of the box as they look to turn their ideas into projects. 

On the issues of funding, she challenged them to be innovative in their ideas to attract funding from the right partners. The diplomat expressed her willingness to intervene when needed. 

“If you have a project or idea and develop it, funding will come because funding comes from innovative ideas, even if I cannot fund your projects; I know many ambassadors and international organisations that I can recommend to fund them,” she told participants.

Taking the cue, celebrated singer, Mr Leo, encouraged participants to be committed to whatever endeavour they engage in and continuously train themselves. 

While thanking LOYOC Cameroon for such a platform for people to connect and network, he encouraged all to try to connect and network with others for greater impact.

One of the members of X-Maleya group, on his part, encouraged artists to use the attention they have to promote development and denounce injustice, gender-based violence, incest and other social ills. 

He challenged them to identify a social course they can advocate and use the platforms and popularity they have to advocate such causes.

Speaking to the press, the Executive Director of LOYOC Cameroon, said the workshop had as aim to engage entertainers in a conversation on how they can utilise their platforms and influence to advance sustainable development and peace initiatives.

He insisted that bringing together filmmakers, actors, musicians, and other entertainment industry professionals, was to foster dialogue that explores the intersection between entertainment, societal change, and the promotion of peacebuilding efforts in Cameroon and beyond.

The power of storytelling through film, music, comedy and other forms of entertainment, he said, can inspire action and promote social cohesion by addressing social issues such as poverty, inequality, gender-based violence, and environmental degradation.

“Such power can also contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by examining how the entertainment industry can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability and in promoting dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation in conflict-affected communities, contributing to lasting peace and stability,” added Achaleke.

The workshop had slots for panel discussions, keynote presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, allowing participants to hear from industry experts, thought leaders, and entertainers who have successfully leveraged their platforms for social impact. 

By harnessing the influence and creativity of entertainers, Achaleke said it would amplify messages of sustainability, peace, and social justice to diverse audiences around the world by empowering entertainers to become catalysts for positive change and active contributors to the achievement of sustainable development and peace in Cameroon and beyond.