Buea:Enanga Fule Eliva, a 26-year-old Cameroonian youth leader, is making a significant impact through her 'One Youth One Dream' (OYOD) initiative, which aims to inspire and guide young people towards achieving their dreams. As the founder of the Make Them Smile Foundation and a regional coordinator for the National Network of Youth Parliamentarians in the South West, Fule has been instrumental in providing direction and mentorship to youth since 2024.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the OYOD Conference held its second edition on October 17 in Buea, attracting hundreds of young attendees. The conference serves as a platform for mentorship and has positively transformed the lives of its participants. Besong Sarah, a graduate from the University of Buea, highlighted the significant impact of the conference, stating that even small contributions can make a difference in society. Her participation in the conference and subsequent mentorship programs has equipped her with valuable skills for the job market.
Another participant, Ashu Dahlin, shared that the OYOD conference was his first opportunity to volunteer, which broadened his perspective on the activities of young people in Buea. The experience has motivated him to improve himself professionally and personally.
The second edition of the OYOD initiative comes at a time when local stakeholders are addressing challenges such as refuse disposal, drug abuse, femicide, and child rape. Fule's conference is encouraging young people to adopt leadership roles and engage in solution-driven thinking, fostering a sense of purpose and self-identity among the youth.
The Regional Delegate of Youth Affairs and Civic Education for the South West, Isaac Ekombe Mbua, presided over the event, emphasizing the potential for small efforts to lead to significant transformation when young individuals invest in meaningful activities. Fule believes that youths are never too young to lead and should begin by taking initiative in their current environments.