Context

Some parts of Cameroon continue to face significant climatic stresses including desertification and severe droughts, particularly in Maroua, Garoua and Ngaoundéré. There is also a problem of overexploitation of wildlife in the forest areas close to the town of Bertoua. Both desertification and poaching have devastating effects on biodiversity, further impacted by climate change stresses. People’s livelihoods are affected, and more people are moving to urban areas in search of alternatives. Grand Slam National is responding to these challenges with a novel approach that recognises that young people are willing and excited to express themselves artistically and that these young people can use this expression to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and other environmental issues experienced in their communities.

Project objectives 

The project hosts artistic residencies for young people in four cities in Cameroon: Maroua, Bertoua, Kribi, and Douala. Thirty young performers from Maroua, Bertoua, Kribi and Douala are chosen from an open call for artistic performances on themes relevant to each city, ranging from deforestation to overfishing that impact local livelihoods, which climate change will further impact. The call is open to young people between the ages of 15 and 22.

Project activities

1. During the artistic residencies, the young performers join workshops to discuss the impacts of climate change in their cities and surrounding areas. They are then shown local indigenous practices, such as using straw to make roofs, making local bricks, and honey harvesting, as viable and sustainable practices. The project then supports the youths to integrate this knowledge into their performances.
2. By the end of the workshop, the top six performers from each city are selected to tour the region performing in 3 - 4 towns. Grand Slam facilitates discussion panels and screenings of documentaries on climate and artistic writing and hosts local apprenticeship workshops on recycling and indigenous environmental preservation actions. The performances raise awareness about how local actors can change their behaviours and take action to become more resilient to climate change risks.

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The aim is for these young people to become champions of these sustainable practices and climate knowledge and engage with their parents and older generations on their traditional practices. At the same time, parents also learn from their children.

Project outputs

In 2024, the project hosted an artistic residency in Maroua for 30 young performers, 18 of whom were women and 17 of whom were younger than eighteen. They also launched a call for performances in Bertoua and will host a residency for these young people. Grand Slam National is taking steps to institutionalise its approach with the Ministry of Education in Cameroon, given the interest and enthusiastic engagement of the young people they work with.

Film on artistic residency in Maroua

Film on artistic residency in Bertoua

Film on artistic residency in Kiribi

Film on artistic residency in Douala