Bamenda: Child Care Dev't Initiative graduates young aspiring IT engineers.

The students explained that their invention is affordable, eco-friendly, and designed to reduce the dangers linked to non-renewable energy sources. They also took time to guide parents and stakeholders on how to check the capacity of solar systems before buying them.

The event was attended by the North West Regional Assembly president, Prof Fru Angwafo; Public Independent Conciliator, Tamfu Simon Fai; Djounang Marcelius, Head of Division for Economics, Social and Cultural Affairs at the Governor’s office, representative of the Governor, and mayors.

The Director General of CCDI, Dr. Alfred Kudi, said the programme was inspired by the ongoing crisis in the region. 

“We are looking for ways in which we can remedy the situation where they can have something doing as far as their survival is concerned,” he explained. 

Despite facing challenges such as limited funds, lack of training space, and insufficient equipment, Dr. Kudi maintained that the team remains committed. 

“We are just begging that anyone whom God touches his/her heart should help us let’s realise this vision,” he added.

Trainees praise CCDI for initiative 

One of the young innovators, aspiring female engineer Faith Nova Angwi, shared her personal experience. She praised Dr. Kudi for creating a programme that has strengthened teamwork among the youths. 

“The programme has taught me to be independent and also to be innovative,” she testified.

The Mayor of Benakuma Council, Ihimbru Solomon, was also present at the event. He encouraged an extension of the programme to his municipality.

“If you teach the learners how to acquire skills at an early stage of life, you have given them the best rather than giving them gold and silver because they can squander the gold and silver and become useless,” Mayor Ihimbru said. 

He stressed that such knowledge empowers children to survive even in difficult times like the current crisis in the North West and South West.

The North West Public Independent Conciliator, Tamfu Simon Fai, praised CCDI’s efforts, describing the initiative as, “a bridge that can connect the children, to heal their wounds, rejuvenate their mindset and help them to build a more peaceful and prosperous community”.

 “This initiative offers solutions that traditional methods cannot, by giving our youths professional education. At such tender ages we are not just giving them jobs, we are giving them and ourselves an opportunity for a peaceful future,” he added. 

After observing the different presentations, the President of the North West Regional Assembly, Prof Fru Angwafor, cautioned against students blaming China for Cameroon’s economic difficulties. 

He said such narratives encourage division and are not beneficial for the region. In his words: “Your culture is not China, your culture is you to impose yourself to your world”.  

He, nevertheless, congratulated CCDI for aligning with the Regional Assembly’s values of youth engagement, moral rearmament, and economic growth. 

Prof Agwafor assured the young engineers that through North West Development and Investment Fund, NOWEDIF, the Regional Assembly would support their projects. 

“NOWEDIF will help your structure the call for capital,” he affirmed.

The event ended with excitement and hope as parents, local authorities, and stakeholders applauded the determination of the young aspiring engineers. 

With the right support, many believe these innovative ideas could go beyond Bamenda and contribute to solving Cameroon’s growing energy and employment challenges.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3560 of Wednesday September 10, 2025