ACADEMIC Information and Orientation Days
Organized by:
Vocational Training Center – New Hope And Light in collaboration with the Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1
The world today is undergoing profound changes. The industrial revolution, driven by capitalist ambitions and unrestrained pursuit of global dominance, has led people to exploit natural resources recklessly. This exploitation of resources has contributed significantly to their drastic depletion, significantly deteriorating the state of the planet, raising doubts about its future.
The most exploited and coveted resources have always been energy sources because without energy, there is no industrialization, no development, and no life. Unfortunately, the exploitation of these most utilized energy sources (oil, natural gas, coal) has severe consequences for our planet and our quality of life, depleting reserves.
The focus is now on sustainable solutions through the use of so-called renewable energy sources. These energy sources not only satisfy the ever-growing demand for energy but also protect our environment, ensuring long-term and sustainable energy availability.
However, the techniques and technologies required to harness renewable energy sources are not accessible to everyone, especially in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries. Despite the high potential for renewable energy in these countries, the utilization of these energy forms, especially at the household level, remains very low. This is mainly due to a lack of qualified personnel and the absence of an industry sector that manufactures the necessary technical equipment.
Regarding human resources, training local personnel is a significant problem. While there are training structures, the content of the training is lacking, and practical relevance is almost non-existent. Urgent action is needed to reverse this trend and avoid the collateral damage of increasingly frequent climate disruptions.
Fortunately, I became aware of this existential issue. Through the organization I lead, New Hope And Light e.V., an extensive program for education for sustainable development with a focus on renewable energy was initiated. The desire to benefit the youth in my homeland, Cameroon, led me to expand the activities of the organization to Cameroon. This initiative gave rise to a highly esteemed training center: the New Hope And Light Vocational Training Center.
The Vocational Training Center VTC NHAL (Vocational Training Centre New Hope And Light) was founded in 2020 and is the culmination of years of hard work, significant investments, and, above all, a strong desire to give hope for a livable future to a directionless and unemployed youth dreaming of the myth of the Western Eldorado through illegal immigration.
Since its establishment, the training center has faced crises that almost led to its closure. However, my passion for the values I am dedicated to and the ideals I want to propagate through the vision of my organization have led me not to consider all that I have invested and lost so far but rather to regroup, reflect, and think better to act better.
To give new impetus to the activities of the training center, the idea of organizing two academic information and orientation days emerged. The event took place on the esplanade of the extension buildings of the Faculty of Science at the University of Yaoundé I and aimed to present all educational offerings, internships, laboratory research, scientific mentoring, and North/South mobility opportunities to young students. This commendable event initiative stems from the desire to make this training center an exemplary institution in Africa and, why not, globally.
VTC NHAL, along with its partners and supporters—NHAL Cameroon, New Hope and Light e.V., NHAL Consulting Sarl, and the Faculty of Science at the University of Yaoundé I—all were animated by a genuine commitment to contribute to the training of professionals in renewable energy and building electronics and to promote so-called sustainable energy solutions in Cameroon.
This event was another opportunity for learning and exchange of experiences. It allowed us to take stock of the progress we have made in the permanent establishment and development of this educational initiative and assess the path that lies ahead.
On behalf of all members of the organizing committee, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the University of Yaoundé I, especially the Faculty of Science with its esteemed dean, for their guidance, the student association of the Faculty of Science with its renowned president for their diverse support, and all those who contributed in any way to the execution and success of this event.
May this information and communication initiative contribute to giving new hope to Cameroonian youth and illuminate their career path for a better future.
Mrs. Flaure NGAMOU
