Cameroon

As part of its work in Cameroon, the NGO SAPI covered six villages in the east of the country, namely Zembe Borongo, Ndokayo, Ndanga Gandima, Béraré-Oya, Oudoulai and Sodénou, providing psychosocial and educational support to refugee and local children aged 2 to 9. In total, 801 children were supported, most of them refugees from the Central African Republic, boys and girls alike. These children take part in activities in Child-Friendly Spaces, which provide a safe, stimulating and protective setting. These spaces aim to meet the essential needs of vulnerable children by offering an environment that supports their psychosocial well-being, learning to live together and expressing their emotions through educational games and recreational activities.

SAPI’s activities in the Child-Friendly Spaces include socio-educational activities, group psychosocial support, group games, drawing, music and sport, as well as awareness-raising on children’s rights, social cohesion and violence prevention. At the same time, community facilitators and educators are trained to spot signs of psychosocial distress and refer critical cases to specialised services. This work has strengthened the resilience of children affected by the humanitarian crisis, encouraged refugees and host communities to live together, and created a climate of inclusion and solidarity in the areas covered.