Bamenda: Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation prepares students for job market.

The boot-camp was organised by the Small Business Entrepreneurship Centre of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation.

The training was facilitated by Kum Desmond, Assistant at the foundation and other personalities.

The students and young graduates were drilled on several modules, including job application, interview strategies, CV and cover letter writing, and other skills to improve on their overall performance.

According to Kum Desmond, Assistant at the foundation, the training was aimed at equipping the students and young graduates to be the best among the thousands who are currently in search of jobs.

"The boot camp training is an initiative that we put in place to build the skills of young graduates to ensure that while they leave school, they are competitive to integrate the job market, because we all know the challenges as young people in getting jobs in Cameroon. So, this programme actually comes in as a response to equip young graduates with the right skills to be able to succeed in their career, and whatever they want to do in future," Kum said.

Kum also revealed that some of the challenges faced by young people in getting jobs is the lack information and skills. He added that he is impressed with the turnout and the positive response gotten from the trainees.

Trainees appreciate, promise to standout

According to a student who preferred to be called Immaculate, the opportunities are actually there, but very difficult to get.

"The job market is vast, and difficult to get a job, though there are many opportunities. Creating networks, and putting outstanding profiles on social media are some of the things I learned, which will help me in future. I can now create a good CV on LinkedIn and others," Immaculate said.

More job preparedness boot-camps ahead 

While expressing satisfaction after the training, Kum Desmond also said the programme, which started more than a year ago, will continue to sharpen the skills of graduates and youth all over the country.

He added that they will take the programme to other higher institutions in the North West Region before the end of 2024.

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, it should be said, was established to catalyse Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation, public health and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all.

The foundation works in partnership with local governments, policy-makers, private enterprises, civil society organisations as well as development partners, to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners in addition to improving individual livelihoods.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No 3139 of Wednesday June 12, 2024