Ex-combatants at the Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration – DDR Centre in Bamenda are acquiring practical skills to build sustainable livelihoods through the “ReBridge Bamenda” project.
Financed by the Xhuma Africa Association and implemented by Youth Senators and Parliamentarians, the initiative supports the social and economic reintegration of 50 beneficiaries. The program equips participants with vocational tools, psychosocial support, and avenues for peaceful engagement to ensure a smooth transition back into society.
The comprehensive training focuses on hands-on, income-generating skills designed to foster long-term financial independence. Participants are learning how to produce liquid soap, solid soap, and stain removers, alongside mastering T-shirt printing and creating customized items such as books, pens, and key holders.
By concentrating on accessible crafts, the project aims to give former fighters viable alternatives to violence through economic empowerment.
In addition to vocational training, the initiative heavily emphasizes environmental sustainability and agricultural skills. Beneficiaries are receiving practical education on environmental protection, fruit tree grafting, and nursery management.
The establishment of a fruit tree nursery serves a dual purpose: raising environmental awareness while laying the groundwork for future food production and localized micro-enterprise opportunities.
Beyond technical education, the project incorporates psychosocial support and community building to foster emotional healing and mindset shifts. Through organized sports, traditional games, and collaborative activities, ex-combatants build teamwork and positive relationships with youth parliamentarians and community volunteers. Organizers highlight that this youth-driven approach is critical for building self-confidence, encouraging peaceful problem-solving, and promoting lasting social unity.
Regional Coordinator Kum Henry Ichu commended the initiative for delivering sustainable tools that will support beneficiaries long after they leave the centre. Participants have also expressed enthusiasm for the skills gained; beneficiary Charles Kudi praised the project while appealing to the government to accelerate the broader reintegration process so former fighters can put their training into practice in their communities.
The three-day event concluded with tree-planting activities and lively football and handball finals between the Northwest Parliamentary Youth Network and DDR Centre participants, complete with trophy presentations.
Initiated following a pioneer visit by youth parliamentarians, the program stands as a promising model for youth-led peacebuilding, with organizers actively urging other ex-combatants still outside the centre to embrace the path of rehabilitation and self-reliance.
