Ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year, the Therapeutic Action Initiative Association – TAIA held a celebration of resilience, leadership, and merit on September 5, 2026. Gathered at the association’s headquarters in the Mbankolo neighborhood, students, parents, and community members came together to witness the maiden Back to School Women and Girls Excellence Award ceremony.
Organized under the theme “Excellence for sustainable relevance,” the ceremony recognized primary and secondary school learners alongside grassroots women who have demonstrated exceptional determination in their respective endeavors.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of three special trophies provided through a partnership with Cameroon’s National Anti-Corruption Committee – CONAC. Highlighting CONAC’s active support for community-led progress, TAIA Founder and CEO Tegwi Solange Engochan revealed how the anti-corruption body identifies and honors quiet leaders within local neighborhoods. The awards aimed to elevate role models who reject shortcuts, promoting ethical dedication, hard work, and integrity among the younger generation.
Among the distinguished laureates was Tegwi Divinesel, affectionately known in the community as “Mami Eru” who received a trophy celebrating over 32 years of perseverance in business despite physical challenges, as well as her efforts in mentoring more than a hundred young women.
Trophies were also awarded to outstanding youth, including an enterprising young girl recognized for her passion for learning and another student lauded for achieving academic distinction while overcoming severe emotional strain and family burdens.
Delivering the keynote address, Tegwi Solange Engochan emphasized that true education must go beyond passing exams to equip women and girls with purpose and life-readiness. Grounded in TAIA’s four core pillars of therapeutic support, skills training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, the association aims to transform trauma into strength. The founder underscored that empowering wounded girls to heal creates a ripple effect, building a “Generation of Healers” whose contributions cannot be ignored by their communities.
The award recipients expressed profound gratitude and inspiration upon receiving their honors. Laureate Makuchi Lilyna Jardina, who successfully passed her Probatoire exam to advance to Upper Sixth (Terminale), commended TAIA for motivating young people to strive for knowledge and lifelong success. Similarly, incoming Form Two student Arrey Shella shared her joy and surprise at being recognized, noting how vital such advocacy initiatives are for boosting the confidence of young learners.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed call to action for all awardees to turn their personal triumphs into community service. By celebrating both academic achievers and enduring market women on the same stage, TAIA reaffirmed its mission to restore dignity and prevent school dropouts.
The event stood as a strong testament to the power of holistic support, showing that when resilience and character are rewarded, sustainable relevance follows.
