Graduation ceremony of the first set of the KOMNAMITES Vocational Assistance Program trainees

Tue 19th, Apr 2022, 12:34

The KOMNAMITES Vocational Assistance Program is the initiative of young Kom adults in the USA who have voluntarily donated finances to support the internally displaced girls and boys from Kom affected by the ongoing socio-political crisis in English Cameroons since 2017. Vocational training as per this program is the instructional courses that focus on the skills required for a particular trade. In the course, trainees are prepared for specific careers such as hairdressing, tailoring, welding, computer and building construction among others. The main objective of this program is to empower Kom youths to become future productive adults capable of supporting themselves, and their families and thereby empowering the Kom land. 

This program launched on the 2nd of March 2021 marks over one year of activity today and proudly graduates the very first fruits of its labor; a sign of great success and progress. The graduates from hairdressing and computer training centers who did very well to leave indelible footprints in the sands of time in this program through their hard work and perseverance during the course are hereby sending very strong messages; first to the many more future beneficiaries of this initiative that there is hope because the Komnamites Vocational Assistance Program is real, and secondly to the Komnamites family in the USA (sponsors), that they should not relent in mobilizing more resources for their young brothers and sisters back at home because many Kom youths are vulnerable and are willing to collaborate and benefit from this program.

The graduation ceremony was characterized by counselling to the graduates and trainees in this program by experts from partner organizations invited, speeches, animations, cutting of graduation cake, award of certificates to the graduates, presentation of gifts and refreshments. 

PARTICIPATION

Participants invited to attend and share in the joy of this very important and symbolic occasion included the following;

• ANPPCAN-Cameroon (African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect),
• CHRAPA (Center for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy),
• Traditional authorities from Kom,
• Trainees and trainers in the Komnamites Vocational Assistance Program,
• Parents/caregivers of graduates and their family members,
• Special invitees from the general public.

See Pictures from the Event on our Gallery

This graduation ceremony which was programmed for 100 participants at most considering the very high insecurity situation in Bamenda at the moment surprisingly had an overwhelming turn out of over 315 persons participating from the inception and by the close of occasion, over 400 people were in the hall, symbolizing the greatness of the event.

LIST OF GRADUATES

CONCLUSION

The overwhelming turnout of invitees, well-wishers and sympathizers to participate in this ceremony symbolized the value of this Vocational Assistance Program to the Kom population and the willingness to cooperate and achieve success. The atmosphere was calm and serene, especially during this insecure moment in Bamenda where people are afraid to attend public occasions for fear of the unknown. Participants expressed satisfaction of having enjoyed the organization of the program. Everyone returned safely to their homes after the refreshment and no case of casualty was recorded.

Prepared By CLARENCE ALEM-MBOM SONGBI
(COORDINATOR OF THE PROGRAM)