At a time when security concerns are taking center stage in Cameroon, the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and the CBC Health Services are committed to creating a safer environment for staff and beneficiaries by building the capacity of Program staff in security and safeguarding. This was during a 4-day training organized by the project, “Promoting the Rights to Education for Learners with Disabilities in Cameroon” with funding support from CBM.
The workshop took place at SARE Hotel Bafoussam, from March 4-7, 2026 with focus on safeguarding, security, reporting, and compliance.
At the start of the training, the SEEPD Assistant Program Manager, Tamon James acknowledged that while some participants had attended similar sessions before, others were attending for the first time. He appreciated CBM’s commitment to staff training, noting that the impact of these sessions is evident in the quality of project implementation.
The training was facilitated by the CBM Regional Security and Safeguarding Advisor for West and Central Africa, Ndikum Terence Awasum, and the CBM Country Coordinator for the Humanitarian Program, Issac Nyengue. With his experience in security and safeguarding, Ndikum Terence drilled staff on safeguarding, types of abuse, and child protection. Staff were schooled on the indicators of safeguarding issues in the organization and how to prevent them. They also acquired skills to raise awareness on Safeguarding within the CBC Health Services and in the communities.
Given that participants were residents of the Northwest Region, one of the regions affected by the socio-political crisis, they shared security issues experienced in the region, which affect their work and daily lives. In his presentation, Ndikum, through videos and simulations of kidnapping, gave participants tips on how to prevent and manage security situations. Practical drills reinforced the importance of preparedness and quick response to safeguarding and security incidents. The facilitator also introduced fire risk management systems, emergency contacts, and preventive measures. Practical demonstrations on the use of different fire extinguishers brought the lesson to life, ensuring participants to gain hands-on skills in handling emergencies.
One of the CBM funded Project implemented by the CBC Health Services is the Inclusive Humanitarian Project. The workshop offered an opportunity for Project staff to gain skills in providing humanitarian response. The CBM Country Humanitarian Program Coordinator, Issac Nyengue, educated staff on the humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality. Participants explored how these principles guide humanitarian actions to ensure accountability.
To ensure that activities are implemented in good quality, the Finance and Administrator of the SEEPD Program, Ndong Irene, and the Assistant Program Manager, Tamon James, educated staff on compliance, corruption, and fraud prevention and reporting in the workplace.
The workshop was a significant step in strengthening the capacity of SEEPD program staff. By combining theory, group work, and practical exercises, participants were left with enhanced knowledge and skills in security, safeguarding, and protection.
The Project Coordinator for the Inclusive Education Project, Dr. Longla Bridget, appreciated CBM for the workshop, which was timely given that the training was coming at the beginning of the project phase. According to her, the knowledge acquired will enable the project team to achieve quality results.
At the end of the 4-day training, the CBM Country Program Manager, Tebo Mispa challenged participants to share knowledge learnt with other staff, raise awareness on safeguarding, and report safeguarding incidents to the Safeguarding focal point of the CBC Health Services for possible actions.
