Background

The immediate origins of the conflict date back to 2016 after corporatist demands by lawyers' and teachers' unions escalated into a regional crisis. Since then, clashes between government forces and armed separatist groups have led to a major humanitarian crisis. Innocent and impoverished civilians are the main victims of this tragedy.

According to figures for 2021 provided by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the crisis has already claimed at least 3,000 victims, including more than 870 civilians. Persistent violence and fighting have led to the destruction of many villages, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee to safer areas or even to leave the country.

In 2022, according to the Human Rights Watch report, the situation deteriorated further, with 598,000 people internally displaced and at least 2 million in need of humanitarian assistance in the North West and South West regions. Attacks by separatists have also targeted the education sector, leading to the destruction of schools, the disruption of the education system, and depriving hundreds of thousands of children of their fundamental right to education.

Project objectives

Dignified shelter for all: The project aims to provide shelter for displaced persons, particularly women and children, who are wandering around several towns and villages in Cameroon, displaced by the conflict.

Health support: In collaboration with health partners, the project is committed to improving the health situation of beneficiaries by ensuring access to basic medical care.

Everyday Food: To meet the nutritional needs of displaced people, the project aims to put in place mechanisms to ensure adequate food.

Educational Support: To ensure continuity in the education of displaced children, the "HomeAgain" project is committed to creating educational opportunities and facilitating their access to educational services.

Implementation strategy

In addition to the resources provided by the FamilyCare network, the project relies on a collaborative and partnership approach with local organisations, health institutions and NGOs working in the region. Collaboration with local and national authorities will also be crucial to the success of the project.

Census and identification: From the outset, the first stage of the project has been to carry out a census and identify the war-displaced people in the target areas, which are the towns and villages in border regions such as Dschang, Bafoussam, the Mungo department and the major conurbations such as Douala and Yaoundé, where young people in particular migrate in the hope of finding work. The challenge here is to provide a reliable national database in close collaboration with local authorities and communities. This will enable all humanitarian actors to better target their interventions. Displaced people also benefit from ongoing information on the various types of aid available to them.

Accommodation: In partnership with volunteer families and the services of our exchange, the project facilitates accommodation for displaced people, while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Medical services: Mobile clinics are set up to provide basic medical services to beneficiaries, in collaboration with local health professionals. We are mainly involved in mobilising equipment and medicines and helping to set priorities.

Food: Mechanisms are put in place to ensure the regular distribution of essential foodstuffs to families. So far, we have been able to provide a minimum amount by collecting meals and consumable leftovers from catering services and commercial premises.

Educational opportunities: Educational programmes tailored to the situation of displaced people are being developed, with a particular focus on children's education. Thanks to our human resources with expertise in education, both professional and non-professional, we organise courses, refresher courses and mentorships to bridge the school and post-school gap for these young people. Thanks to the support of a number of public schools, we have been able to re-enrol children who, for various reasons, were unable to find places in state schools.

Monitoring and evaluation

The project incorporates monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure the impact of its actions. Periodic reports will be published, and key indicators such as the number of beneficiaries housed, the rate of medical coverage and educational progress will be closely monitored. This approach will make it possible to adjust implementation strategies in line with the real needs of displaced people and ensure that resources are used efficiently.

Expected results

Decent accommodation: An increasing number of displaced people will have access to safe and decent accommodation, facilitating their reintegration into society.

Improved health: Access to basic medical care will be increased, helping to improve the overall health of beneficiaries.

Food security: Displaced people will have regular access to adequate food that meets their nutritional needs.

Educational Opportunities: Displaced children will have educational opportunities, enabling them to continue their education despite the challenges they face.

We are counting on everyone

In the face of this humanitarian crisis, your support is essential. By getting involved in the "HomeAgain" project, you are making a direct contribution to bringing about a significant change in the lives of people displaced by the conflict. Here's how you can help:

Make a Donation: Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference. Your donation will help fund accommodation, medical services, food and education for the displaced.

Share the initiative: Raise awareness among your friends and family by sharing the "HomeAgain" initiative. The more people who get involved, the more we can help.

Volunteer: If you have skills or resources to offer, consider volunteering. Your expertise could be invaluable in boosting the project's impact.

Supporting host families: Encourage the participation of volunteer families who are prepared to offer a home to displaced people. Your support can help expand the host network.

Project HomeAgain

The "HomeAgain" project aims to provide a concrete, humanitarian response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon. Since October 2017, the country has been facing a deadly conflict between the government army and separatist forces, resulting in a devastating humanitarian crisis. The civilian population, which is particularly vulnerable, is bearing the full brunt of the consequences of this situation.