Sharing knowledge and positivity is not new to YES alumni. As it happens, YES alumni love to share their experiences of traveling abroad with their communities when they return home. Exposure to a new culture in the U.S. empowers them to use what they’ve learned to develop new ideas, contribute to society, and to spark changes in their local communities. This is exactly what nine YES alumni did for their community in Yaounde, Cameroon. On August 27, YES Alumni Yaounde (YAY) designed and participated in a YESTalk at the Centre D’appui à l’action Pédagogique in Yaounde. They created a positive platform to discuss issues in Cameroonian society and to inspire youth to travel abroad, pursue education, and excel in their careers. They also shared resources for scholarship opportunities, demonstrating the importance of education and building a sense of confidence within their peers. 

The program was moderated by Lyne Chezem Tekobou (YES 2013-2014, hosted by CIEE in Natural Bridge, VA) and YESTalk alumni speakers explored various topics. Dorice Goune (YES 2014-2015, hosted by AFS in Albany, OR) and Victor Mouofo (YES 2013-2014, hosted by AYA in Sycamore, IL) spoke about the issues of tribalism in Cameroonian society. Kenneth Awah (YES 2014-2015, hosted by AFS in Mulino, OR) presented a talk entitled, "Signs and Symbols of our Legacy." Loice Graciane Pokam (YES 2013-2014, hosted by American Councils in Granbury, TX) addressed cultural identity, and Ita Anangafac (YES 2013-2014, hosted by PAX in Colrain, MA) and Lyne Chezem Tekobou's talk was entitled, "Cameroon: Africa In Miniature." Needless to say, the 75 attendees left the YESTalk feeling uplifted and excited about expanding their world views.