The founding of CAPAM in 2014 has positively diversified the Nyong-et-So'o area's educational grid of technical and professional teaching. CAPAM is an agricultural training centre in the village of Zamakoé, four miles from the city of Mbalmayo in Cameroon.

The centre's aim is to promote and encourage a new generation of capable rural entrepreneurs to take up the challenge of second generation farming, with the support of the State of Cameroon.

In order to achieve its aim, CAPAM guarantees a comprehensive work-linked training program for young people from both rural and urban areas. The lessons on offer focus on general teaching, and technical and practical vegetable growing and animal raising courses.

For example, students will learn how to care for tomatoes, peppers, corn, bean, plantains and cocoa, as well as raising livestock such as pigs and chickens, fish breeding, and much more.

We have approximately 50 fourth-year students currently enrolled at our centre. Several students stand out at CAPAM thanks to their own dynamic work ethic. We met with a young third-year student who is a perfect example of this to discuss the unconventional route she took:

Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Befolo Bengono Espérance. I am 28 years old, and I am a third-year student at CAPAM. I'm a Mvele and originally from the village of Nkosso near Awae. I work in agriculture, thanks to my family who support me and CAPAM where I'm currently training.

I grow macabo plantain. I currently have two farms in the village of Fakele, which is in the Mbalmayo area in the Central Cameroon Region. One of those farms has been active since July 2017; I'm still setting up the other, which is a plot of four acres. My family helps me with all the work.

The money I make from my work allows me to support myself, pay for my training and work on other projects. I also help my family with a few things. My biggest goal is to expand my farms so I can make more money and become a true farming entrepreneur.

Befolo Bengono Espérance is a role model. Both CAPAM and ADD are proud of her and invite her classmates, the young people at other centres and those living in the local communities to follow her example.

My dear young people and readers, agriculture is a rewarding occupation. Whether you have an education or you are unemployed, enroll at CAPAM and we can help you to become responsible citizens, who are active and driven in the pursuit of improving the lives of your families and fellow citizens.

By M. France Ngono Ba’ana, Media Coach, CAPAM

This English translation has been possible thanks to the PerMondo project: Free translation of website and documents for non-profit organisations. A project managed by Mondo Agit. Translator: Daniel Hirst. Proofreader: Holly Quillin.