Over 7% of youth in Cameroon are currently unemployed and actively looking for work. This is mainly due to lack of work experience and practical skills necessary for the work environment. Additionally, conflict related school closures have resulted in children falling below minimum reading proficiency levels.
Madelle Kangha grew up watching thousands of young people, including her siblings, complete formal education, only to join a growing pool of unemployed youth.She founded Jumpstart Academy Africa (JAA) to bridge the gap between Cameroon’s education system and the job market.
“Empowering young people through skills development is very crucial to the sustainable development of any country.”
Madelle Kangha
JAA works to reduce youth unemployment in Cameroon by partnering with schools to enhance learning outcomes. This is by equipping young people with skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), computer courses, International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and entrepreneurial leadership. JAA also offers career coaching and guidance.
Since its inception in 2014, JAA programmes have reached over 20,000 young people. At least 30% of the young people who completed their training have launched businesses/projects, providing employment opportunities for themselves and other young people; 50% of their programme graduates have obtained internships and job placements; 80% of their students take on leadership roles in their communities, and finally, students experience a 311% increase in income after completing the Entrepreneurial Leadership Training.
JAA is among nineteen organisations that are currently enrolled on the Youth Ventures Programme (YVP). Through the YVP, QCT provides youth-led organisations with flexible funding, practical tools and technical support, and access to a global network of young leaders for 2+ years.
With QCT’s support since March 2022, JAA has been able to:
Facilitate training in STEM, IELTS, critical thinking and problem solving and communication with impact for 100+ youth
Form 10 social entrepreneurship clubs that hold weekly sessions, equipping 300+ youth with entrepreneurship and leadership skills virtually and in person
Offer career and scholarship guidance to 280+ youth
Strengthen its systems and processes in safeguarding, finance, governance and risk assessment
“The MEL training we received from QCT has empowered us to develop a robust logical framework, performance monitoring and evaluation plan. As a result, we are able to more effectively measure our impact, and have been able to develop a strategic plan for JAA for the next 3 years.”
Madelle Kangha
Future work supported by QCT in 2023:
JAA aims to increase the number of youths accessing their programmes onsite and across Africa, virtually.
