Way-In Nkwen, Bamenda, Cameroon

Job Seeking Program (JSP)

A workforce development program connecting job seekers with employers while equipping youths with skills and information to access sustainable employment in Cameroon.

Program Overview

Unemployment has remained a major challenge in Cameroon from 1991 to 2022, with the country ranked 35th globally and an overall unemployment rate of 3.87% (Macrotrends, 2021). Among youths, the rate of unemployement is higher at 6.64%, ranking Cameroon 37th in the world. Despite slight projected improvements, unemployment trends have shown little positive change over the years. Meanwhile, the higher education sector continues to produce thousands of graduates annually over 112,615 between 2017 and 2018 — from 8 state universities, 226 private institutes, and 3 special-status institutions. Yet, job absorption remains minimal, with only 1,500 graduates recruited between 2016 and 2020 through government incentives, highlighting the persistent gap between education output and job opportunities.

To address this, the program seeks to connect job seekers and employers by providing timely employment information, job-matching services, and capacity-building support. It targets youths and individuals seeking either their first job or a career change, particularly within Bamenda and across Cameroon. Through orientation sessions and basic skills training, participants learn how to effectively prepare and present themselves for employment. The program measures its success by tracking how many participants secure jobs after participating, thereby helping to reduce unemployment, improve employability, and foster a more productive workforce in Cameroon.

Why we do this.
The overall goal of the program is to strengthen behavioral and productive skills and strategies in fostering community engagement and development in the lives of young graduates in Cameroon.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVES FOR THE PROGRAM​

  1. Connecting employers and job seekers together.
  2. Equipping job seekers to meet up with potential employer expectations.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROGRAM

To reduce unemployment by connecting job seekers with employers and equipping youths with the necessary skills and preparation to effectively access and sustain employment opportunities within and around Cameroon.

Job Matching & Employment Information

Connect job seekers with employers through timely labour-market information, vacancy alerts, and structured job-matching services

Career Orientation & Skills Preparation

Prepare youths and career changers with essential employability skills, CV development, interview readiness, and workplace orientation

Employment Outcomes & Workforce Productivity

Track job placements and employment retention to reduce unemployment, strengthen employability, and support a productive workforce in Cameroon.

Impact by Numbers

Quantifiable results from our program implementation

0

Jobs Initiated

0

Volunteers trained

0

Gain Employment

0

Volunteer Needed

Program in Action

Voices from Our Network

Ready to Make a Difference?

  1. Submission of Documents.Applicants submit a CV, motivation letter, and indicate their area of interest or career field when call for applications is sent out.
  2. Submit Job Vacancies.Employers share available job or internship opportunities through the program’s network.
  3. Host Interns or Trainees. Companies and institutions host program participants for short-term placements or practical training.
  4. Provide Financial or Material Support
  5. Support Awareness Campaigns
  6. Partnership and Sponsorship.

Resources

Download our reports, publications, and other resources.

2023 Program Impact Report

2.4 MB

Youth Health Education Toolkit

1.8 MB

Monitoring & Evaluation Framework

1.52 MB

Ready to Make a Difference?

Your financial support enables us to expand our programs, reach more communities, and create lasting impact.

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