Within the framework of the project o“Strengthening Access to WASH Facilities and Services in Child Friendly Spaces and surrounding Communities”, COMINSUD with the support of UNICEF has trained and deployed 6 Community Mobilizers in the North West and West Region.
Training in session with facilitator Munda Terence.
The project to run for four months is expected to sensitize 4,260 persons (IDPs and host community) on good hygiene and sanitation practices, including lifesaving messages on COVID-19 and cholera prevention. To this effect, Community Mobilizers will ensure that 1,200 children at Child Friendly Spaces and surrounding Communities have access to adequate sanitation facilities thanks to the construction of 6 latrines each with 4 cabinets, distribution of menstrual hygiene kits to 60 adolescent girls and 600 WASH kits to households, 3000 persons(IDPs and host community) are sensitized on good hygiene and sanitation practices including lifesaving messages on COVID-19 by December 2022. The Community Mobilizers will as well identify child protection needs and ensure proper intervention and referrals to appropriate service points.
Community Mobilizers and Facilitator Munda Terence pose for a group picture after session.
This training took place at the Adolescent and Youth Friendly Space in COMINSUD head office on Tuesday 5th April 2022, under the Coordination of Munda Terence the Supervisory of UNICEF projects at COMINSUD.
To mark this year’s international Women’s Day, the Regional Delegation of Women Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF) North West Region, in partnership with COMINSUD kicked off a week long of activities to celebrate the global event, with a visit to Progressive Comprehensive college Bamenda. The visit to the school, had as focus to educate young girls from the ages 13-21 on Gender Based Violence; defining key terms like gender, sex, violence, perpetrators, and survivors. According to a UN Women report, school-related gender based violence is a major obstacle to universal schooling and the right to education for girls. Reasons why, the sensitization exercise also saw the breakdown of the forms of GBV, it’s causes and effects on individuals and the society.
Women’s Day is observed every March 8, to celebrate the progress made in achieving Gender Equality, and Women’s Empowerment but also to raise awareness on the great amount of inequalities and violence women still face.
Furthermore, the day seeks to recognize the remarkable efforts of women in the historical, economic, political, social, and cultural advancement of their countries and communities. Cameroon celebrates under the theme “Equality between women and men for a sustainable tomorrow”.
The school girls were also drilled on sexual reproductive health, menstrual health and hygiene as an important aspect of a woman’s life. They were reminded of the importance of menstruation and ways of better management, for good menstrual health can protect the dignity, build the confidence and strengthen sexual and reproductive health particularly among adolescents.
COMINSUD’s Muyang Gina distributing sanitary pads
Cultural taboos and myths surrounding menstruation was demystified and boys encouraged to support girls by shunning negative practices that disfavor them during their periods. The distribution of sanitary products crowned the end of the school exercise and the students showed appreciation for the knowledge gained.
COMINSUD remains committed to the empowerment of women, girls and the transformation of communities.
The Community Initiative for Sustainable Development (COMINSUD) is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Social Inclusion and Peacebuilding officer
Location: Bamenda
Job Type: Full-time position
Duration: 1 year renewable
Years of experience: At least 3 years in a similar position
Applications open until 19th February 2022 at 16H 00
Introduction
COMINSUD is a development organization that works to empower communities toward achieving their development objectives with a vision of a responsive society where the principle and standards of good governance are respected and upheld. COMINSUD seeks to reflect in its activities the ethical values of transparency, accessibility, and selfless service for the improvement of the livelihood of all people. COMINSUD observe neutrality, impartiality and the right to humanitarian assistance with claims on full and unhindered freedom in the exercise of its functions.
Key responsibilities include:
Assisting in the development and implementation of the peace building & reconciliation programmes and projects;
Collecting information on thematic issues particularly on peace building and conflict resolution;
Taking part in organizing dialogue meetings, workshops and forums;
Collecting and disseminating information on peace building and reconciliation;
Collecting information on causes of conflicts, actors and other related issues
Collecting and collating information for development of information education communication materials on peace building and reconciliation control in liaison with other stakeholders; and
Taking part in implementing peace building and reconciliation activities.
Conduct diagnostic analyses, partnership mapping and baseline assessments to identify key bottlenecks and constraints to equality and other aspects related to the project
Support the development and implementation of the SI guidelines for communities.
Support the Community Volunteers in gender and social inclusion mainstreaming, particularly with awareness raising.
Produce progress reports and end of project reports as per project document or request.
Requirement
Knowledge of conflicts and cultural practices especially in the North West/South West setting
In depth hands on experience of working with affected communities
Experience of developing personal work plans
Proven experience in providing weekly and monthly reports
Previous conflict identification, mapping and resolution experience
Ability to conduct and write up clear assessments
Previous experience of liaising with local authorities, and community leaders
BSc/BA in social related field; MSc/MA is an asset
A minimum of 3 years relevant work experience preferably in an NGO environment.
English, Pidgin are required languages but a knowledge of French will be an additional advantage.
Interested candidates should provide the following:
Hand written application
Curriculum Vitae highlighting details track record related to the above position, highest qualifications and 3 key references with one coming from your most recent employer.
Applications should be sent by email to info@cominsud.org
Or deposited in a sealed envelope at COMINSUD Office located at Ni John Fru Ndi Junction Natrinkon-Bamenda.
Years of experience: At least 5 years in a similar position
Introduction
COMINSUD is a development organization that works to empower communities toward achieving their development objectives with a vision of a responsive society where the principle and standards of good governance are respected and upheld. COMINSUD seeks to reflect in its activities the ethical values of transparency, accessibility, and selfless service for the improvement of the livelihood of all people. COMINSUD observe neutrality, impartiality and the right to humanitarian assistance with claims on full and unhindered freedom in the exercise of its functions.
Key responsibilities include:
Implementing circuits and workflows (management of cash boxes, transfers, advances, purchase procedures, payment validations, follow up of regular payments, bank reconciliations) in order to anticipate expenses at project level and to optimize cash needs and its security.
Implementing and supervising transactional procedures and systems in order to ensure transparent accounting practices and full traceability (invoices, receipts, bank statements, etc.), according to COMINSUD guidelines and rules, and using the respective software in place.
Ensuring the timely execution and control of the monthly and yearly accountancy closure, with due quality.
In close collaboration with the Coordinator and the Head of programs, defining, analyzing and following-up project budgets, in order to ensure that funds are used according to funding contracts and proposing corrective action if needed.
Ensuring financial reporting of Projects and of the organization as a whole, monthly closure, Internal control, Audit, etc.)
In close collaboration with the Administrator, ensure that all service contracts in projects and the organization (premise and vehicle rental contracts, deposits, rent payments, etc.) are prepared and paid according to policies and procedures. Ensuring that COMINSUD staff who have financial responsibilities are aware of and comply with local finance procedures, including those related to security.
Requirements:
University degree in Business Administration, Accounting, financial Management or related fields.
A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience preferably in an NGO environment.
English, Pidgin are required languages but a knowledge of French will be an additional advantage.
Excellent knowledge of MS Office and office management software
Interested candidates should provide the following:
Hand written application
Curriculum Vitea highlighting details track record related to the above position, highest qualifications and 3 key references with one coming from your most recent employer.
Applications should be sent by email to info@cominsud.org
Or deposited in a sealed envelope at COMINSUD Office located at Ni John Fru Ndi Junction Natrinkon-Bamenda.
Applications open until 19th February 2022 at 16H 00
We are not only engaged in the financial well-being of the community but we see the need to create awareness and change the mentality of men and women towards Gender-based violence.
COMINSUD mobilise over 20 men and women who benefit from WFP ‘s cash assistance at its head office to impact them with knowledge on Gender-based violence. This activity is Organised to close 16 days of activism that has been going on across the globe.
To stop GBV, men’s voices will have to be heard. Zama Eric in his intervention calls on men to STOP violence on Women. Mr Fon Nsoh on his part encouraged participants to go into their communities and make a change with the knowledge they have received for a better community
The world celebrates Human Rights Day to raise awareness about the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being. This day is also a celebration of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948. Various programmes are organised across the world to encourage governments, social organisations to further the cause of equality and protection of the rights of all individuals – irrespective of race, colour, religion or sex. Date
Human Rights Day is celebrated across the world on December 10 to mark the adoption of the UDHR, which is seen as a milestone document. the theme of Human Rights Day this year will be “equality”. It has taken the theme from Article 1 of the UDHR, which says: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Human rights are protected by international and national laws and treaties globally. The mission to protect human rights around the world has been tasked to a 47-member grouping known as the Human Rights Council. These UN member-states are empowered to prevent inequality, abuses and discrimination, protect the most vulnerable, and punish the perpetrators of human rights violations.
Training of Survivors of GBV and Vulnerable persons in some Communities hosting IDPs in the West and Northwest Regions affected by conflicts. This was on Income Generating Activities ( IGA), a project of UNFPA- PBF implemented by COMINSUD.
They where acquire skills/ empowered on; 1) Small Livestock Production 2) Vegetable Cultivation 3) Pastry production/ Cookery 4) Basic Skills in Small Business Management.
After this empowerment, they will be given start-up/supportive capitals for setup.
State authorities, senators, quarter heads, the media and Over 40 Civil society members amplified their voices today Wednesday, Oct 27 2021 at Hilltop hotel on land tenure issues.
This meeting main objective was to present the survey and recommendation assembled by NWADO and her consultant to the participants.
Some discoveries in the research include the High percentage of more men owning land than women .and only 7 youths who obtained land through inheritance.
In the survey, it was also discovered that when it comes to acquiring land certificates there is no gender Bayas as it has always been believed. Everyone is treated equally.
Moreover to acquire land in Bamenda most people spend an average of 60,0000 to 700,000 thousand.
The meeting was indeed full of exchanges from the various stakeholders present .most of the preoccupation came from the question on the cost of a land certificate in the Northwest Region and the right procedure that landowners have to follow to acquire land. However, the Delegate present said their doors are open to everyone who needs to know the right procedure; he also advised everyone to avoid middlemen when trying to acquire land.
As the saying goes Rome was not built on a single day, much has to be done as far as land issues are concerned.
Let this meeting be one of the stepping stones for a change.
The Regional Director of WFP in charge of Central and West Africa accompanied by the Country Director of WFP Cameroon and the head of Field office North West visited Bamenda the capital town of the North West Region on the 21st October 2021. As part of the visit, the regional director met some 25 beneficiaries of COVID-19 response Cash Based Transfer (CBT) project at Bayelle parish hall, Nkwen with the aim of seeing them, and listening to their stories, challenges and opinions about the project.
COMINSUD, as cooperating partner, with WFP is implementing the CBT project alongside the General Food Distribution and Nutrition. The CBT project started in August 2020 for 6 months. The project has been extended three times (in January 2021, June 2021 and October 2021) The project reaches out to 28,323 vulnerable persons (Female 18,888 and Male 9441 in four divisions including Mezam (Bamenda l, ll, lll, Santa and Tubah subdivisions), Ngoketunjia (Ndop), Bui (Kumbo) and Momo (Mbengwi) with a monthly assistance of 5000 frs per beneficiary.
The regional director interacting with COMINSUD Staff
The visit gave an opportunity for WFP visiting delegation to meet and interact with some beneficiaries of the CBT programme. During the visit, the regional director sought to have first-hand information from the beneficiaries on how the crisis in the NWR has affected them and to understand the ways in which the assistance helped them. Beneficiaries presented their stories while highlighting the impact of the support they have been receiving in their lives especially in improving their nutrition, health, economic empowerment, shelter and education. The beneficiaries were very grateful and happy for the timely humanitarian cash base assistance from the WFP and expressed their joy using songs and dance to the delegation.
The regional director interacting with CBT beneficiaries
After listening to the stories of the beneficiaries, the Regional Director was visibly elated by what the assistance has done. In pidgin language, he sympathised with the current crisis situation saying that people should remain hopeful and patient because everything that has a beginning such as the crisis surely has an end. The regional director said he will transmit the messages of appreciation to the hierarchy and share the testimonies with goodwill persons who make the donations of the assistance. He ended up by appreciating the team for the marvellous work they are doing in serving humanity in a very challenging and risky context.
During the visit, the regional director also had a separate meeting with representatives of all cooperating partners in the NWR including COMINSUD, SHUMAS, LUKMEF, INTERSOS, PLAN International and CARITAS Bamenda. The meeting was also aimed at sharing successes and challenges faced by the CPs. From one CP to the other, they presented the various projects implemented in partnership with WFP focusing on targets, successes and challenges. Most of the CPs cited insecurity as the main challenge. The regional director sought to know the opinions of the CPs on the possibility of the crisis ending anytime soon. All the CPs noted that the crisis is nowhere near ending. Instead, there seems to be a rise in violent activities and the NSAG have gained skills in the fabrication of IEDs and have also acquired more sophisticated weapons which are clear indications that the crisis will still drag on.
The regional and country director with field office
At the end of the meeting, the regional director appreciated the efforts of CPs in providing lifesaving food and cash services to vulnerable persons in very difficult security situations. He encouraged CPs to continue working in the same spirit while exercising caution as the carryout activities. The visit at Bayelle parish hall ended at about 1pm while the delegation from WFP proceeded to meet the beneficiaries of GFD.
Lopti, edited by Dr Zama and Celestine Co – staff Juliette, Linda and Sylvia
This is within the Emergency nutrition response project in Bali, Batibo and Mbengwi Health Districts in the North West Region.
To this effect, a training of 30 Community Health Workers on screening, referral and Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergency in COVID 19 context was organized at the COMINSUD head office in Bamenda on Saturday 9 October 2021
The purpose of the workshop was to empower them on screening, referral and sensitization so that they can implement the knowledge gained in their respective communities.
The project is sponsored by UNICEF and implemented by COMINSUD. The Project duration is 6 months.
Community Initiative for Sustainable Development (COMINSUD) 