The Baka dance group. The Baka are an ethnic minority in Cameroon

East Region

Area: 109, 002 sq. km
Population: 801,968 (2010)
Councils covered: 17
Sponsored children: Around 6,200

Bertoua is located in the East Region of Cameroon. It is in the equatorial rain forest zone and has many natural resources such as wood, gold and diamonds, as well as a diverse ethnic composition. Fishing and farming are the main economic activities of the rural population. The region has one of the lowest school enrolment rates in Cameroon.

Operations started in the East Region in 1996 to reduce child poverty and today cover 169 communities. All of Plan’s interventions are implemented in collaboration with the government and international and national development bodies.

With a grant from Finland’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, the region is also implementing the Baka Rights and Dignity project, which lobbies for civil minorities and collective rights in 50 communities. 

Programme highlights

Survival

To reduce infant and child mortality and maternal morbidity rates, Plan Cameroon is supporting several immunisation and vaccination campaigns, and training women’s associations and community health workers on the rehabilitation of malnourished children and on managing childhood illnesses. Work is also being done to reduce the malaria pandemic by distributing insecticide-treated bed nets.

Development

Plan Cameroon is ensuring the holistic development of school-aged children by promoting quality education and making the school environment child-friendly. Through its early childhood care and development centres, Plan is helping children aged under 5 to express themselves, identify colours and socialise with other children.

To improve school pupils’ performance and completion rates, teachers receive training on interactive teaching methods. Plan Cameroon also encourages the education of ethnic minorities by granting scholarships to Mbororo and Baka girls.

Protection

Plan Cameroon is promoting children’s platforms – such as children’s governments and forums – and builds their capacities through life skills initiatives - such as farming techniques - in preparation for a more productive adulthood. Birth registration is also carried out for marginalised and vulnerable children so that they have an official identity, which provides easier access to services such as health and education.

Participation

Plan Cameroon is promoting children’s rights awareness through training and the ‘Kids 4 Kids’ radio campaign programme where children themselves produce the broadcasts. Children discuss child rights issues with their parents and make decisions concerning the development of their communities.

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