Trainees drilled on solar installation during the programme
Bamenda, Cameroon – Community Action for Advancing Sustainable Development (CAASDEV) on Thursday celebrated the graduation of 38 trainees from its Solar Bright Future Youth Green Skills Program, a three-month initiative designed to equip young people with practical knowledge in solar systems design, installation, and maintenance.
The program, held in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon , was made possible thanks to the Youth for Climate Award from UNDP Rome, with additional support from the Schneider Electric Foundation, the TAV MFUH America Foundation, and the National Employment Fund. According to CAASDEV’s Executive Director, Ndze Noel Lifogha, the training responds to pressing community needs.
“We are out to empower youths with green skills in solar systems design, installation, and maintenance,” Lifogha explained. “So far, we graduated 38 young solar technicians today, and 10 of them were fully sponsored by the TAV MFUH America Foundation. They are ready to face the job market, either as technicians for companies or as entrepreneurs establishing their own firms.”
The trainees, drawn from all seven divisions of the North West Region, benefited from both technical and entrepreneurial modules. Lifogha added that the program not only tackled youth unemployment but also aligned with efforts to fight climate change and address energy poverty. He also noted the participation of young women in the training, breaking into what is traditionally a male-dominated field.
The TAV MFUH America Foundation, led by philanthropist Tav Mfuh from Mbiame in the United States, played a key role in supporting the program. In a statement issued during the graduation, the foundation commended the trainees’ efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding opportunities.
“For 3 months, our youths have been training and gaining vital skills on how to plan, budget, set up, install and maintain solar panels for electricity production,” the foundation stated. “The Legendary Tav Mfuh America, a man with a generous heart, intends to sponsor more youths in sewing, carpentry, hairdressing and other trades. Thank you Wir Fon. You are leaving a lasting legacy and creating a great positive impact in the lives of our people.”
CAASDEV’s Executive Director explained that “Youth for Climate is an award that we received to empower youths in green skills in solar technology. We had an ward from the Schneider Electric Foundation which is also supporting us in the Youth for Climate Award and to also electrify some Health Center Maternities and in the crisis affected communities” promising to engage some of the trainees in the project to electrify some maternities in crisis hit communities.
The graduation marked another milestone in CAASDEV’s mission to promote sustainable development and youth empowerment in Cameroon. With new skills and exposure to social entrepreneurship, the 38 graduates are expected to contribute to renewable energy expansion, local innovation, and community development across the region.
