By Joseph Lambe (YES 2012-2013, Cameroon, placed by AFS in Eden, NY)

Since participating in the YES program, my life has been a journey of growth, leadership, and community service. As president of the Cameroon YES Alumni Association (CYAA), I have channeled the values I learned during my exchange year into empowering young people in my community.

Inspired by my exchange experience, I have spearheaded numerous initiatives with YES alumni and other U.S. exchange alumni in Cameroon. From protecting the environment and addressing public health challenges to fostering youth leadership, these efforts have made a tangible difference. Among these projects was my first YES Alumni Grant project in 2023, Let Her Speak, which equipped 33 Cameroonian girls with public speaking and debate skills, empowering them to advocate for fair treatment and opportunities.

This experience highlighted a significant need: many youth lack the leadership and project management skills required to create lasting change in their communities. This realization led me to apply for a 2024 YES Alumni Grant to launch Let Them Lead, a project designed to equip young people with the tools to lead and inspire change. Using a “training of trainers” model, we taught participants to share their newfound skills and spearhead their own community projects.

The program kicked off with a six-day intensive workshop in August 2024, where 66 young people, ages 17 to 28, learned about leadership, entrepreneurship, branding, and project management. A team of seven expert trainers and two alumni, including myself, delivered these sessions. The workshop was followed by a three-month mentorship period, during which participants applied their skills by launching their own initiatives or joining ongoing projects in collaboration with local organizations.

The program resulted in five project groups, including two groups that have secured grants to implement their initiatives by the end of the year. Nearly a dozen participants competed in pitching and public speaking contests, while others volunteered with partner organizations. By November 2024, Let Them Lead benefited an additional 230 people across Cameroon.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. In a post-project survey, 95% of attendees found the workshop topics highly relevant, while 100% praised the facilitators for their engaging approach. Social media buzz amplified the program’s impact, with participants sharing their stories online. One participant, Frank, wrote on LinkedIn, “Today I am more skilled to effectively serve the community and, in the long run, the world! I’ve been taught to stay HUNGRY for change.” Britney shared, “The Let Them Lead program is not just teaching me to lead; it’s empowering me to become the best version of myself.”

Beyond its impact on the community, this project has been transformative for me personally. It has sharpened my teamwork and leadership skills, opened doors to new career opportunities, and reinforced my commitment to uplifting others. As I look ahead, I am excited to build on this momentum, exploring further opportunities through the YES program and beyond.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, American Councils, AFS, iEARN-USA, iEARN-Cameroon, my fellow YES alumni, and other U.S. Exchange Alumni in Cameroon. I am deeply thankful to the trainers, team members, volunteers, and local organizations who contributed to this project’s success.

The journey to empower our youth and build a better future continues!