More than 100 repentant poachers and children of repentant poachers from protected areas under the Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, South West Region, PSMNR-SWR, have graduated from the Cameroon Opportunity Industrialization Centre, OIC Buea, on Wednesday, April 30, 2026.
Each trainee got a scholarship of approximately 3.2 million FCFA covering living expenses, tuition, accommodation, and a start up capital. Out of the over 100 graduates of the 2025/2026 batch of trainees, Bakossi National Park had 40, while Bayang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, 17. Overall, 117 trainees graduated from OIC Buea.
The graduation ceremony at the school campus was presided over by Acha Gilbert Nkwenti, Secretary General at the South West Governor’s Office.
In his address, Nkwenti commended OIC Buea staff for delivering quality training, describing the centre as “a springboard for industrial growth and a tool to fight poverty through job creation.” He urged the graduates to become job creators, maintain good character and integrity, and practice financial discipline to impact their communities.
At a reception for the PSMNR-SWR graduates, Christian Manga Bell Epie, South West Regional Delegate of Forestry and Wildlife called the training “conservation with a human face.”
“You cannot protect forests if the people around them are hungry. These graduates are now ambassadors for wildlife in their villages,” he said.
Programme Consultant, Federal Republic of Germany, Frank Stenmanns, congratulated the graduates and disclosed that peace with nature starts with opportunity for youths. “When over 100 children of former poachers gain certified skills, we see conservation translate into dignity, jobs, and long-term protection of parks.” He added.
Bakossi National Park Conservator Tchapda Sidoine said the scholarships target families who abandoned illegal hunting and logging. “We replaced guns and traps with school fees and skills. When a father drops his rifle, his child must have a future,” he said.
Bayang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary Conservator Yves Mekembom said the program also supports piggery, beekeeping, water projects, nurseries, and university scholarships. “Conservation without livelihoods will fail. These graduates prove it can work,” he added.
Elvis Ngome Kome, Community Development Officer Bakossi National Park, said PSMNR-SWR and the park have fulfilled their side of the Collaborative Management Agreement.
“We have invested in these 100+ graduates through training, scholarships, and startup capital. now we expect them and their communities to honour their own commitment: help the park service maintain and protect the integrity of Bakossi National Park,” Kome said. “Conservation is a partnership, not a handout.”
The Graduates
Ebong Kelsen, best trainee in Hotel Management and Catering from Bakossi National Park, thanked PSMNR-SWR for the 3.2 million FCFA scholarships at OIC Buea covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and startup capital.
He plans to open a catering service immediately.
“I promise to return to my community and sensitize the population on the importance of forest conservation,” he told The Ultimate.
Ewane Anslem Mbule, who studied Auto-mechanics & Motor Electricity under Bayang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, said the program transformed his life. “I will use my startup capital to return to the garage for more practical skills while saving to open my own workshop,” he said.
The 100+ trainees of the programme graduated from nine departments: Information & Communication Technology; Auto-mechanics & Motor Electricity; Hotel Management, Catering & Tourism; Metal Fabrication, Welding & Spraying; Textile & Fashion Design; Building Construction, Plumbing & Electricity; Craftsmanship; Agricultural Science; and Woodwork.
About PSMNR-SWR
It should be noted that PSMNR-SWR covers seven protected areas: Bakossi National Park, Mt. Cameroon National Park, Korup National Park, Takamanda National Park, Bayang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, Tofalla Hill Wildlife Sanctuary and Rumpi Rata National Park.
PSMNR-SWR is a development program of the Republic of Cameroon, co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Development Bank, KFW, while the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife is responsible for the implementation.
Also present at the event was the South West Regional Delegate of Employment and Vocational Training, the Divisional Officer of Buea, traditional rulers, conservators, amongst others.
By Hannah Bessong
