SUPPORTING CHILDREN TO STAY SAFE, LEARN, AND THRIVE IN CAMEROON Enhancing child protection and education for crisis affected children, adolescents, and young people in the Far North and North-West regions of Cameroon Humanitarian ContextCameroon is located in the West of Africa, bordering Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Cameroon is often described as “Africa in miniature” because of its diverse landscapes, which range from Sahelian plains in the north to tropical rainforests in the south and west, supporting a wide variety of ecosystems and livelihoods. Insecurity in Cameroon is multifaceted. In the North-West region, the crisis is rooted in long-standing tensions between the country’s English-speaking communities and the central government. These tensions have developed into an armed conflict, forcing many families to flee their homes. Similarly, the Far North, French- speaking region, faces ongoing insecurity linked to armed group activity, which has displaced families and increased humanitarian needs. In addition, the region is regularly affected by droughts, floods and unpredictable rainfall, and the impacts of climate change are making these challenges more severe, damaging livelihoods and increasing food insecurity for vulnerable communities. As a result of the above, ongoing insecurity, lockdowns, and climate shocks have made daily life increasingly difficult. Many children are missing school, experiencing distress and facing greater risks of violence and exploitation. Displacement, school closures and disruptions to services have limited access to education and safe learning environments, while increasing protection risks such as abuse, child labour, early marriage and other forms of violence. About the PartnershipPlan International is a development and humanitarian organisation working in over 80 countries worldwide, including Ireland. We stand alongside girls and the communities around them to break down barriers, protect rights, and strive for a just world where we are all equal. The work done by Plan International to support the education and protection of children in Cameroon is funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid. The European Union and its Member States are among the world’s leading donors of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by disasters and human- induced crises. Through its humanitarian aid operations and funding, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year.
North-West Region Response Project at a Glance Duration: 01/04/2025 – 30/06/2027 Targets: The project aims to reach 16,514 direct project participants. This includes 9,908 girls and women, and 6,606 boys and men. Furthermore, a total of 6,503 people from the local population, 9,588 internally displaced persons, 423 refugees and 3,040 people who have returned after being displaced will be reached. 1,204 people living with disabilities will be supported through the action. Current Reach (as of end of May 2026): 6,649 beneficiaries, 2,491 girls, 2,396 boys, 759 women, 1,003 men, 1,779 host community, 3,234 IDPs, 1,443 returnees, 193 refugees Geographic coverage: Far North Region (Makary, Biamo, Bodo, Maltam, Amchilga) North West Region (Ngoketunjia and Menchum) Implementing Partners: Green Partners Association (GPA) in the North West region and Publin Concern (PC) in the Far North Region In the North-West region, Plan International and its partners are working with children, families and communities affected by conflict and displacement to improve protection, wellbeing and access to essential support services. The response includes safe child-friendly spaces and mobile outreach services that reach children in hard-to-access communities, providing recreational activities, psychosocial support and opportunities to learn and recover from the effects of crisis. Children at risk of violence, abuse or neglect are identified and connected to specialised support, including health, legal and social services. The project also helps vulnerable children obtain birth certificates, strengthens the skills of social workers, healthcare providers and community volunteers, and works with parents, community leaders and adolescents to raise awareness on child protection, wellbeing and healthy relationships. Through these activities, the programme aims to create safer environments where children can learn, play, access support and build a more hopeful future. Far North Region Response In the Far North region, Plan International and its partners are helping children affected by conflict, displacement and climate-related shocks to access safe, quality education and remain in school. The programme provides school supplies and catch-up learning opportunities for children who have missed out on education, helping them transition into or return to formal schooling. Teachers and education staff receive training and ongoing mentoring to strengthen the quality of teaching, while learning spaces and school facilities are repaired and equipped to create safer and more inclusive environments for children. Working closely with communities, schools and local authorities, the project also raises awareness of the importance of education, supports girls' attendance through menstrual hygiene initiatives, strengthens child protection mechanisms and referral systems, and provides psychosocial support to help children cope with stress and adversity. Together, these activities aim to ensure that vulnerable children can learn, feel safe and build a brighter future despite the challenges they face.