As part of the extracurricular activities aimed at building skills and developing innate talents and abilities in children, AMEF-CAMEROON launched its Talent Development Program (TDP) last December 1st, 2023 in two pilot schools, that is, C&J MEBINAPS Kumba, Meme Division and M2 Academy in Mamfe, Manyu Division.
Pupils from Grades 3-6 were drilled on what the TDP is aimed at. The different activities that will be carried out, and their importance especially in the present context of the Anglophone Crisis where Children have been out of school for over 4-5 years.
Four components of the TDP were introduced notably: Agri-Business, Culinary Arts, Information and Communication Technology, and Arts and Crafts. Following the elaborate introduction of each component, pupils were made to identify areas of interest. This led to the creation of four groups. The Agri-Business group started with the creation of a nursery for vegetables (huckleberry, green, garden egg and pepper).
The pupils for Culinary Art were involved in basic food transformation using groundnuts to produce sweets and peanuts.
Regarding ICT, pupils were drilled on the basics, importance of the computer, and how to manipulate it.
The pupils for Arts and crafts were sensitized on using their imagination and creativity to add beauty to their world. Their first lesson was on using beads to produce brightly colored bangles, adding beauty and value to their craft and equally improving their motor and fine art skills.
On the whole, 138 pupils were involved. 90 boys and 62 girls. Activities were coordinated by AMEF staff in collaboration with teachers assigned from both pilot Schools.