Youths in Bangem have been called to take charge of their future by embracing skills training, strong values, and active community participation.
The call was made by the Director of the Women’s Empowerment and Family Center, Bangem, Mwene Agnes Senge, May 16, 2026, during the Young Stars Empowerment Day under the theme “Raising Leaders: Early Skills, Values and Voice of Bangem’s Next Generation.”
Building productive, responsible citizens
Addressing over fifty youths at the event, Director Mwene said the objective of the Young Stars Empowerment Day was to equip angem youths with the skills, values, and confidence needed to become self-reliant leaders and contributors to community development.
She said skills help youths become productive and self-reliant, while values like discipline, honesty, respect, and hard work shape them into responsible citizens.
“Empowerment is about equipping individuals with knowledge, confidence, opportunities, and abilities to take control of their lives and make meaningful decisions,” she said. She added that empowering young people reduces unemployment, dependency, crime, and social vices while encouraging creativity, innovation, and leadership.
Senge announced that the center will organize vocational training during the third-term holidays. Courses will include catering, tailoring, hairdressing, decoration, entrepreneurship, and other income-generating activities. She urged students and youths across the division to enroll and make use of the opportunities.
Practical advice from Resource Persons
The Divisional Delegate for Small and Medium Size Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Ngoupayou Marcel Hervé, challenged youths to use local resources to achieve bigger goals. Speaking on leadership, skills, and entrepreneurship, he said leadership begins with responsibility, discipline, and service to others.
“Every successful entrepreneur starts with an idea and determination,” he said. “Identify your talents and turn them into opportunities that create jobs and improve livelihoods.”
The Divisional Delegate of Communication for Kupe Muanenguba, Dr. Olive Ejang Tebug, spoke on “Energy Booster for Leadership”. She urged youths to cultivate positive affirmations, be influential, responsible and action oriented.
“A true leader takes initiative, shares knowledge, and inspires others positively,” she said, encouraging participants to seek mentors to guide them academically, morally, and professionally.
Officials and Youths Respond
The First Assistant Senior Divisional Officer for Kupe Muanenguba, Djaone Mouigoum, congratulated the organizers and urged participants to remain disciplined, focused, and determined in their education and careers.
“The future development of Kupe Muanenguba depends largely on responsible and hardworking youths,” he said.
Participants said the program was eye-opening. Njikan Victory said she learned the importance of self-confidence, leadership, and starting vocational skills early. Ndelle Ekundime said he learned that “success begins with discipline and using available opportunities wisely.” Both promised to apply the lessons.
The event ended with a renewed commitment from organizers and participants to continue promoting youth empowerment and leadership development in Bangem.
By Ngoh Jude Larissa-Dian
