The Resource Centre of Excellence in Yaoundé hosted the BEN Cameroon – MAP Workshop from November 24–26, 2025, bringing together government representatives, Disabled Persons’ Organizations, civil society actors, international partners, and community-based structures under the EDID Program. The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening disability inclusion across Cameroon through the Building Effective Networks (BEN) strategy, a new approach introduced by Liliane Fonds to replace fragmented service delivery models with a coordinated, multi-stakeholder ecosystem.
Day 1 set the foundation with opening remarks on behalf of the Director of CBC Health Services, reaffirming the country’s commitment to collective action. Participants received presentations on the 2025 Context Analysis and the theory of change, which highlighted key barriers such as stigma, limited disability data, weak coordination, and insufficient investment in inclusive services. Group discussions enabled stakeholders to identify priority objectives for the next five years, culminating in a shared understanding of the elements needed to develop a national multi-annual disability inclusion plan.
As the workshop advanced, facilitators deepened participants’ knowledge of the BEN model, drawing lessons from its implementation in Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. These examples emphasized the importance of structured coordination, clear referral pathways, and strong collaborative relationships. Mrs. Agho Glory, EDID Program Manager provided further insights into transitioning from isolated interventions to a national disability inclusion network anchored by validated service providers, thematic experts, and regional leadership.
On Day 3, regional groups worked to define baseline situations, contextualize expected results, and prioritize activities for the forthcoming five-year plan. The day also featured participant assessments and reflections by lead facilitators, who encouraged continued teamwork, sustainability-focused planning, and commitment to implementation. Final remarks from Prof. Tih Pius and Mr. Abanda Alphonse reaffirmed the workshop’s purpose—to ensure that all organizations contribute meaningfully to a unified disability inclusion movement.
The workshop closed with a benediction from Rev. Jumbuin Enoch, Yaounde Field Pastor, who represented the Executive President of the CBC, urging participants to carry their shared vision forward and ensure that no child or youth with a disability is left behind. The BEN Cameroon – MAP Workshop has now set the stage for the creation of a national disability inclusion network rooted in collaboration, shared learning, and long-term impact.
