The third day, December 21, 2019, which marked the end of the Quadrennial National General Conference that began on December 19, opens a new chapter to be written by the great Cameroon-YMCA family for the next four years. One could read in the eyes of each observer and delegate preparing to make the return journey, satisfaction for the journey made and the courage to continue the journey within the movement.

These three days were indeed rich in lessons through debates, exchange workshops and brainstorming. Based on the experiences gained over the last four years, participants had the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the movement, learn more about managing their respective responsibilities and discuss the problems encountered in their governing bodies of the movement. Several topics were discussed, namely organizational and collaborative aspects within the offices of the governing bodies from the grassroots to the top of the movement, ways and means to empower young people through the follow-up of skills development activities and projects, ways to acquire new members in existing structures and possibilities for collaboration with public administrations and other civil society organizations.

 The festive atmosphere at the end of the day did not prevent the communication team from taking the impressions of a few officials who were still on site.

Impressions of Mrs. Rakotomalala LANTONIRINA, the Secretary General of the African Alliance of YMCAs

First of all, it’s a pleasure for me to be in Central Africa for the first time, more precisely in Cameroon. It is also a great pleasure for me to be part of this great Cameroon YMCA family, of which I am so proud of the efforts that have been made so far. It is especially this event of great importance that has allowed us to touch the commitment, enthusiasm and general willingness of young people from all walks of life, this willingness to work together to accomplish things that are important for them and for society. It is pleasing to note that we all share the same vision and I encourage them to continue with the same spirit so that their motto “So that all may be one” continues to prevail over all else.

 Impressions of Dr. Alain Douglas WANDJI, President of the National Council of CAMEROON-YMCA

Our National General Conference took place in very good conditions, in the presence of almost all the Delegates and guests, the Secretary General of the African Alliance of YMCAs and Government representatives, especially the representatives of the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT) and the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (MINJEC). We received a letter of congratulations from the Minister of Youth and Civic Education. Our new National Office as well as the new National Executive Committee were officially installed by the personal representative of MINJEC. The active and unforgettable participation of Mrs. Rakotomalala LANTONIRINA, Secretary General of the African Alliance of YMCAs was more than an honour. 

It was undoubtedly one of the best moments spent between leaders and delegates of the movement. The maturity of spirit and leadership has been satisfactorily appreciated. This can be seen in the fact that our movement is entering the phase of maturity in responsibility. I would like to congratulate the hard work of the electoral commission, which made it possible for the elections to take place in peace. I must say in conclusion that I am a President who is happy and proud of his members and collaborators. I certainly still expect a lot from all of them in order to meet the great challenges ahead, to which God is calling us.

Impressions of Mrs. Professor MOUTHIEU Monique-Aimée épse NJANDEU, President of the Quadrennial National General Conference

It has been a privilege to preside over this conference during which I have been able to observe, to my great satisfaction, a real maturity on the part of the delegates. The lesson I have come away from this conference with is that we must accept being taught by Youth as well. The example at this conference was the maturity in terms of mobilization in order to accompany people who propose to be leaders, which is not always the case in our society. I congratulate the organizing committee and all those who worked to ensure that everything was done according to the rules of the trade. Above all, glory be to the Lord who, from my observations, was ahead of all things and a lot of courage in the new executive committee office that was set up.