In March 2025, we reached another milestone in our mission to empower youth and strengthen reproductive health education in Cameroon. Through a dynamic, community-centered training initiative in Sohock, our team successfully equipped 310 students and 15 dedicated teachers with the knowledge and tools to serve as Peer Health Mentors within their schools and communities.

Like many communities across the region, Sohock faces a significant gap in reproductive health education. Teens and young adults are often left to navigate puberty, relationships, and major life decisions without adequate guidance. Many struggle to communicate their concerns to parents or teachers, instead turning to peers who may lack the right information or support. This silence often results in early and unintended pregnancies, stigma, and school dropouts.

This is where our Peer Mentorship Program plays a transformative role. Student mentors were carefully selected for their leadership potential and dedication. They received comprehensive training in reproductive health education: covering topics such as menstruation, consent, preventive measures, and healthy relationships. Just as importantly, they were trained in how to engage in supportive, stigma-free conversations with their peers and refer them to trusted resources such as teachers, school nurses or parents.

In addition to students, we also trained 15 teachers and school health staff. These educators are a vital part of the student support ecosystem. We emphasized the importance of using empathetic, non-humiliating language and fostering open communication. They were also guided on how to effectively engage with parents, recognizing their essential role in bridging school and home life for adolescents.

This visit was more than a successful training, it marked the beginning of a cultural shift in “Sohock”. When young people are empowered with knowledge, trust, and support, They Lead. They challenge harmful norms, uplift their peers, and reimagine a future grounded in informed decision-making and dignity.

We are proud to share about these 310 students who were trained as peer mentors in reproductive health. If each student commits to mentoring at least four peers, this initiative has indirectly impacted an estimated 1,240 young people and the ripple effect is just beginning.