Following leadership training in January, HIV+ youth support groups ABEPSA, ASSYSGOD and AWALLA were legalized as registered associations in Cameroon and officially joined EFA International’s HIV+ Youth Network. EFA’s HIV+ youth Technical Assistants worked with the associations to develop bylaws, articles of association, and internal operational procedures for each association. Technical Assistants then worked with each association to submit official requests to the local government.

We’re pleased to share that, in March, all three associations received their certificate of recognition as legal associations in Cameroon. Later the groups officially signed a partnership agreement with EFA International, joining AJEPS as members of the HIV+ Youth Network. This summer, we will be sending volunteers to our regional office in Maroua, Cameroon, to assist with the implementation of group-led income generation activities for these new HIV+ youth support groups. These activities supply sustainable revenue for the groups and provide employment opportunities to their members. The revenue supports group operational costs and provides financial assistance for food and medication to members in times of need.

Tags: ABEPSA, ASSYSGOD, AWALLA, income generation, News from Cameroon, youth support groups