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Nsem Community Commits to a Just and Peaceful Society

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Over the weekend COMINSUD joined the Nsem youths in Bafut, to support them at their end of summer cultural, sporting and community engagement activities.

Staff, Teneng Suzanne, Tardzenyuy Cynthia with a cross section of the population

Promoting the values of; Positivity, Tolerance, Inclusion, Equality and Non-Violence for a Just and Peaceful Society, the staff engaged with the population through one-on-one discussion in their makeshift exhibition stands. There they also broadcasted messages, shared flyers and exhibited other information to promote the values of a Just and Peaceful Society.

Staff, Ndambi Julliene engaging with a visitor of the stand
Tardzenyuy Cynthia in a one-on-one discussion with a visitor of the stand

The Chief of Nsem, His Royal Highness Dr. Mbonifor appreciated the support of COMINSUD in his community and Bafut as a whole. He called on his youths to uphold the values of; Positivity, Tolerance, Inclusion, Equality and Non-Violence that are necessary for personal and societal transformation.

His Highness, Chief Dr. Mbonifor addressing his youths

The event was organized within the Civil Peace Service (CPS) program of Bread for the World Germany.

COMINSUD TRAINS 6 COMMUNITY MOBILIZERS TO CARRYOUT LIFESAVING SERVICE DELIVERY IN COMMUNITIES.

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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.

MINPROFF IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COMINSUD, REACH OUT TO 300 SCHOOL GIRLS WITH KNOWLEDGE ON GENDER BASED VIOLENCE, MENSTRUAL HYGIENE IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 2022 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY.

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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 Planning Implementation and monitoring officer

/ Scoffy N. Wangang-PMP

Location: Bamenda

Job Type: Full-time position

Duration: 1 year renewable

Years of experience: At least 7 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:

  • Coordinate project management activities, resources, equipment and information
  • Break projects into doable actions and set timeframes
  • Liaise with Partners to identify and define requirements, scope and objectives
  • Assign tasks to internal teams and assist with schedule management
  • Make sure that Partners and client’s needs are met as projects evolve
  • Help prepare/streamline budgets, analyze risks and opportunities
  • Oversee project procurement management
  • Monitor project progress and handle any issues that arise
  • Act as the point of contact and communicate project status to all participants
  • Work with the Project Managers to eliminate blockers
  • Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, plans and reports
  • Ensure standards and requirements are met through conducting quality assurance tests
  • Coordinating project schedules, resources, equipment and information with clients to identify and define project requirements, scope and objectives

Requirements

  • Proven work experience as a Project/ Programme  manager or similar role
  • Experience in project management, from conception to delivery
  • An ability to prepare and interpret flowcharts, schedules and step-by-step action plans
  • Solid organizational skills, including multitasking and time-management
  • Strong client-facing and teamwork skills
  • Familiarity with risk management and quality assurance control
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project and Microsoft Planner
  • Hands-on experience with project management tools
  • BSc in social science or related field
  • University degree in social science or related field.
  • 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 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.

Only short listed candidate will be contacted: 

Management

The Community Initiative for Sustainable Development (COMINSUD) is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of GBV-Protection officer

/ Scoffy N. Wangang-PMP

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:

  • Provide in-person assistance and advice to vulnerable households
  • Update the service mapping on a regularly basis
  • Manage and support the community volunteers in the assigned area of work
  • Ensure that all community volunteers are following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Guideline and Tools.
  • Receive- and follow up on both internal and external referrals for protection assistance
  • Conduct internal and external referrals when needed, monitor referrals to ensure assistance has been provided.
  • Conduct awareness sessions with local leaders, and other persons
  • Conduct community protection awareness sessions
  • Ensure that urgent and challenging cases are immediately discussed with Supervisor
  • Make the link between families, local authorities, schools and non- formal education actors in the area and other partners to support children at risk, including children’s needs.
  • Any other tasks provided by Protection Team Leader and/or Protection Project Manager
  • Ensure the regular data collection and report to supervisor
  • Check each month the database for lessons learned and reporting issues
  • Prepare daily/weekly activity plans and reports and submit a monthly report to supervisor
  • Organize regular meetings with Community Volunteers to identify training needs and get regular feedback from the field.

Requirement

  • Knowledge of protection, GBV/SGBV, child protection and psycho-social principles, especially in the North West/South West setting
  • In depth hands on experience of working with affected communities
  • Implementation of psycho-social, awareness and community mobilization activities
  • Experience of developing  personal work plans
  • Proven experience in providing weekly and monthly reports
  • Previous protection monitoring 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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted: 

Management

The Community Initiative for Sustainable Development (COMINSUD) is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Head of Administration and Finance

/ Scoffy N. Wangang-PMP / Leave a comment

Location: Bamenda

Job Type: Full-time position

Duration: 1 year renewable

Years of experience: At least 7 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:

Finance related task

· Ensure that transactions are fully supported, approved, properly filed and that the operations conform to the requirements of the PMU and as per the project proposal document and partner MOU.

 · Assist the Coordinator and PIM in the organization and completion of external audits and implements actions necessary to correct internal control weaknesses.

 · Ensure that monthly bank reconciliations are completed on a timely basis and that the final reconciliation are reviewed and signed off by the Coordinator.

· Develop a workable method for the accounting of financial transactions on a daily basis using the financial software such as excel/spreadsheet/QuickBooks.

· Manage the finance activities and schedules to meet the financial reporting requirements and deadlines specified by the project document and the partner MOU.

· Keep abreast of developments of Cameroonian government requirements related to financial matters and ensure compliance with tax regulations and other legal requirements.

· Assist with the preparation and review of project and administrative budgets.

· Ensure that all financial and administrative documents and files are properly organized, updated and regularly backed up.

· Ensure adequate maintenance of records (staff contracts, insurance, transport etc.) for good internal governance and according to the laws of the country.

· Oversee and support the admin assistant and accountant in conducting his duties.

Human Resource related task

  • Manage the staffing process, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring and onboarding
  • Ensure job descriptions are up to date and compliant with all local and state regulations
  • Develop training materials and performance management programs to help ensure employees understand their job responsibilities
  • Keep compensation strategy for all employees based on market research and pay surveys up to date
  • Investigate employee issues and conflicts and brings them to resolution
  • Ensure the organization’s compliance with local, and state regulations

Requirements:

  • Minimum seven years of HR, finance and administration experience gained preferably with a non-profit organization.
  •  Experience with strengthening the financial management capacity of local partners (NGO’s/CBO’s)
  •  Flexibility, problem-solving skills, accuracy, ability to work under pressure and good communications skills.
  • High level of reliability, dynamism, objectivity and integrity.
  • Good computer skills and extensive knowledge of Excel, Word and email software and financial management and accounting software such as QuickBooks.
  •  Knowledge of electronic and paper filing systems.
  • Excellent analytical/problem-solving skills and detail orientation.
  • Strong commitment to teamwork.
  • BSc/BA in business administration or relevant field; MSc/MA is a definite plus
  • English, Pidgin are required languages but a knowledge of French will be an additional advantage.
  • Solid understanding of business functions (HR, finance etc.)

 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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted: 

Management

Featured

The Need for Intergenerational Dialogue

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Neban Celesting, Resource Person

COMINSUD through Mr Neba Célestine impacted youths and the elderly ( fons, queens, pastors and imams representative and another clergy) With knowledge on the need for intergenerational Dialogue. During the workshop there was the need to identify the perception, interest and need of young and old people; the results of this exercise clear proved that there is an existing conflict between the youths and the old, what divided them is more than what unites them. Youths see the old to be old fashioned, obsessed with power, vulnerable and weak. While the elderly view the youths as suspicious, manipulative, violent and disrespectful.

However there were some positive perceptions the youths and the elderly have; while the youths see the olds as an Archive of knowledge, the old on the other hand see the youth as the future of tomorrow.

Strategies on how to enhance one to one advocacy ( proximity advocacy) were presented by the facilitator as well as strategies to prevent tension by the old and young

Written by: Tarzenyuy Cynthia

Training of IDPs and Vulnerable persons in the West & NW Regions

/ Scoffy N. Wangang-PMP

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.

Ngwa Theophile

Better days ahead for persons living with HIV

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Five Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in the North West Region have been empowered to implement the Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) project that seeks to offer more services and facilities to Persons Living with HIV. They are part of 48 CBOs that shall be trained nationwide.

The two-day training that held from 18-19 September, at the COMINSUD head office in Bamenda as opened by Dr. Gladys Tayong the North West Regional Coordinator for HIV/AIDS

The Coordinator of COMINSUD receiving the HIV logo

The Reseau Camerounais des Associations de Person nes vivant avec le VIH/SIDA (RECAP+) is recipient of a U.S grant- from the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief(PEPFAR) through USAID to implement the CML activity. Through CML, RECAP+,will build on its nationwide network of associations of people living with HIV to strengthen the capacity of the CBOs to serve and advocate for those living with HIV.

Participants at the Workshop

This activity will last for three years. COMINSUD is the focal point for the North West Region

Featured

Engaging men and boys, community and religious leaders in the fight against Gender-Based Violence in some communities of the North West Region

/ Scoffy N. Wangang-PMP

Abstract

Violence against women and girls continue to be on the rise with the onset of the socio-political crisis in the two English speaking regions of Cameroon. Negative masculinity is one of the attitudes that generate traditions of terror and encourage the use of violence against women and girls as enshrined in patriarchy. Brutal expressions of masculinity remain widespread. Though men and boys remain the main perpetrators of GBV, they can also play a fundamental role in fostering gender parity. That is why COMINSUD as the implementing partner for the UNFPA funded project through CERF titled “Achieving transformative results on social norms and practices that perpetuate gender-based violence and gender inequalities through the provision of quality multi-sectoral GBV response services and empowerment of Women-Led Organization in the Far North, North West and South West Regions” carried out capacity building workshops and dialogue sessions during the month of June in five subdivisions (Bamenda II, Belo, Njinikom, Batibo and Widikum) of the Northwest regions aimed at building the capacity of men and boys to enable them fully get involved in the fight against GBV.

Why work with men and boys, community and religious leaders (Summary)

  • Working with men, boys and community elders can help to dramatically enhance the effectiveness of our message on ending Gender-Based Violence
  •  Men can substantially impart their traditions and beliefs onto younger generations. Traditional leaders have the authority needed to decrease the acceptance of gender based violence, and their voices are particularly important when it comes to reaching out to boys and men
  •  Working with spiritual leaders has proven paramount in opening a new space for dialogue, in teaching boys’ different lessons about manhood: boys become men by seeing and supporting women as human beings.
  • Our choice to work with men and boys is informed by the fact that masculine perceptions show traditional stereotyped mindsets, which shape the identity and behavior of men and young boys, thereby perpetuating gender inequalities rather than breaking patriarchal norms.
Participants at the men and boys including community and religious leaders in workshop in Widikum.

In my view

Masculine construction which is the main driving force behind women and girls’ disempowerment and vulnerability requires manhood to be equated with the ability to exert power over others, especially through the use of force. Masculinity, as it is espoused, gives man the power to control the lives of those around him, especially women and young girls. For us at COMINSUD, the solution to the insidious gender-based violence in the North West is working with men and boys, religious and community leaders as key partners against the vice at the local levels. We developed and shared new and effective strategies for engaging men and boys as principal partners in the holistic respect of the rights of girls and women. We encouraged men and boys to break out of the portrayal of girl’s enjoyment of their rights as a women’s struggle only, where almost the only role available to men and boys is that of the perpetrator. Through the capacity building and dialogue sessions, we encouraged men and boys to embrace their role as advocates against girl’s and women’s vulnerability. Our work is anchored on transforming possible abusers into steadfast partners. At COMINSUD, we firmly believe that the way forward is to engage men and boys as well as the community as a whole to fight this social ill that is being perpetrated against women. This is because social transformation does not happen without community engagement. Community engagement is a necessary part of working to prevent and respond to all forms of gender-based violence. Gender norms (especially gendered beliefs and practices) at the community level are among the root causes of Gender-Based Violence.

The Coordinator of COMINSUD Mr Fon Nsoh, speaking in one of the workshops held in Bamenda, working with the community and religious leaders to end Gender-Based Violence is a good initiative because Religious and community leaders are influential people in the society so people can actually listen to them and act on what they say. One way through which this can be done is by affirmative action. As for the men and boys they can adopt peer to peer method when addressing issues of GBV and women’s rights.

However, to some participants especially in Belo and Batibo, enforcing women’s rights and equality of sexes will make women be disrespectful at home which in turn can lead to homes being broken thereby causing more harm than good. This idea was dismissed on the ground that when women are treated with respect and dignity, they turn to be more respectful and lead happy lives despite the challenges of life.

To other participants especially in Widikum, concentrating on women and young girls and their rights and leaving out the men who at times also suffer from the GBV was seen to be discriminatory. It was, however, explained that emphasis is laid on women and girls because statistics show that they are the ones who suffer the most from this societal ill.

In all, participants appreciated COMINSUD for organizing such and enriching and educative workshop. Topics discussed during the workshop touched on issues that are really of great concern to the society. One participant could already imagine the positive changes in the homes of participants after the knowledge they have acquired in this workshop. Another participant in Njinikom confessed that he had been a perpetrator of GBV without knowing. He promised to go back to his community determined to fight GBV by sensitizing the community about its ills and negative consequences using the knowledge he has acquired from the workshop, encourage his peers to leave behind practices that expose women and young girls to GBV and to connect survivors to specialized services using the referral pathway distributed during these sessions.

Author: Loloh Mirabel Ngum