In order to foster community development and uplift the living standards of their people, the executive delegation of youths from Bokoko Village paid a courtesy visit to the Biaka Group on Wednesday, seeking sponsorship and partnership for a series of community projects. The meeting, which took place at the bureau of the Vice Chancellor of BUIB, brought together representatives of the youth group led by their president and top officials of the Biaka Group, headed by the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mrs. Francisca Hongla Biaka.
The visit was marked by a vibrant exchange of ideas, as the Bokoko youths passionately presented their vision for the transformation of their village. Leading the delegation was the youth president, who explained that the aim of the visit was not only to seek support in addressing pressing needs within the Bokoko community but also to re-build a long-term collaborative relationship with the Biaka Group which is located in the heart of the Bokoko Village.
Among the key projects pitched during the meeting were the installation of streetlights, provision of pipe-borne water, erection of directional and identification signposts, and enhancement of security in the village. The youths emphasized that these projects were born out of the need to improve safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life in Bokoko, a village which also hosts the main site of the Biaka Group.
Speaking on behalf of the youth group, the president highlighted the challenge of poor lighting in the area, especially at night, which poses a threat to both villagers and students alike. “The installation of solar-powered streetlights will not only brighten our roads but will also reduce the risk of crime and accidents,” he explained. He further stressed the urgent need for clean, accessible water in the village, noting that many residents still rely on unsafe sources, leading to health complications.
The delegation also proposed the production and placement of signposts to properly identify roads, neighborhoods, and key landmarks within the village. “This will not only make navigation easier but also give a sense of identity and pride to the people of Bokoko,” one of the youth representatives added. As for security, the group proposed the establishment of a local community watch team, supported with basic communication and surveillance tools, to enhance safety and rapid response to incidents.
Impressed by the clarity, ambition, and community-driven nature of the projects, Dr. Francisca Hongla Biaka commended the youths for their initiative. She praised their determination to be part of the solution to the challenges facing their community, noting that such youth-led initiatives align perfectly with the values of the Biaka Group.
“Youths who think beyond themselves and look toward the development of their community are the kind of leaders we need in Cameroon,” she remarked. The Vice Chancellor further assured the group that their proposals would be reviewed by the leadership of the Biaka Group and that the institution was open to supporting projects that directly benefit the host community.
The visit concluded with an appraisal of the Biaka campus and hospital facilities, during which the youths expressed appreciation for the positive impact the Biaka Group continues to have in the Bokoko area. They reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with the institution in ensuring that the proposed projects are successfully implemented.
The delegation departed with a feeling of hope and renewed partnership, knowing that with such proactive engagement between the community and private institutions like the Biaka Group, the future of Bokoko village looks bright, both literally and figuratively.