English 
Deutsch 
Español 
Sr. Genevieve Nakoma, a Tertiary Sister of St. Francis, is a youth ambassador for Talitha Kum, a worldwide anti-human trafficking group. Here she writes about her experience serving in Cameroon, and the unique challenges facing the conflict-stricken country.
As youth ambassadors in Cameroon, we represent both English and French-speaking communities and are spread across various regions of the country. Our mission is to raise awareness among youth in schools and other formal gatherings, ensuring that they understand the risks and realities of human trafficking.
Tragically, many young people, driven by the hope of a better future or the need to support their families, leave their homes seeking opportunities. Instead of finding safety and prosperity, they are often lured into exploitation, enslaved, or even killed. This heartbreaking crime thrives on ignorance, desperation, and the indifference of those who choose to look away.
Focus on the North West Region
In the North West region of Cameroon, particularly in the Diocese of Kumbo, we face additional challenges due to the ongoing socio-political crisis. Many youths are seeking ways to leave in pursuit of greener pastures, and young girls are being lured into premature sexual activities by both the military and rebel forces. Boys, unaware of the consequences, are picking up arms, further exposing themselves to vulnerabilities that lead to human trafficking.
Recognizing the urgency of this situation, my fellow ambassador, Sr. Patience Simon (a Handmaid of the Child Jesus Sister), and I, Sr. Nakoma Genevieve Ngwainbi(Tertiary Sister of St Francis), have committed ourselves to creating awareness among the youth. With the training we received, we have been meeting young people in formal gatherings to educate them about the dangers of human trafficking.
Key Awareness Initiatives
On November 22, we addressed over 250 youths gathered at Shisong Parish for their Deanery celebration of World Youth Day. The Deanery President commended our efforts and recommended that we share our presentation with the youths of Meluf Deanery.
On November 23, we spoke to over 100 youths in Tobin, where the Meluf Deanery youths were gathered.
During one of our sessions, a young woman approached us, visibly emotional, and requested a hard copy of our presentation. Sensing her vulnerability, we provided her with the material and later asked the Denary President (a priest) to follow up with her. This incident reinforced the importance of our work, as it became evident she might have been a victim or a witness to trafficking.
Our presentations cover the following topics:
- Introduction to Talitha Kum and its mission.
- Defining human trafficking and identifying its victims.
- Understanding the acts, means, and purposes of trafficking.
- Types and causes of human trafficking.
- Strategies to prevent and combat human trafficking.
We accompany these discussions with visuals to ensure better understanding and engagement.
Future Plans and Call for Support
We are committed to expanding our reach and are actively seeking new opportunities to raise awareness. We would appreciate any support you can give us to enhance our activities and reach out to a wider population.
Human trafficking, often hidden in the shadows, is one of the gravest evils in our world today. It preys on the most vulnerable, especially children, who are unaware of the dangers lurking behind false promises. Together, we must bring this issue into the light and work toward eradicating it.