Learning Today, Building Tomorrow: Vocational Training in Kolofata

thanks to KSrelief

October 8, 2026

Photo: Group of people sitting on sandy ground in front of a yellow building with banners. — UNDP Cameroon _ KSrelief Kolofata FN reg Vocational training

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In Kolofata, in Cameroon’s Far North Region, a sewing machine, a welding tool, a mechanic’s wrench, a cooking utensil, a solar panel or a pair of barbering scissors can represent far more than a means of earning an income. For people rebuilding their lives in a context marked by insecurity and limited economic opportunities, these tools symbolize something deeper: a pathway to self-reliance, dignity and hope.

This is the vision behind the vocational training programme supported through the partnership between UNDP and KSrelief, which is equipping women and men in Kolofata with practical, market-oriented skills. Across several training centres, participants are learning trades ranging from mechanics, welding, tailoring, catering, solar energy installation, water-pump repair and barbering. Rather than remaining in the classroom, trainees are learning by doing, handling tools, practising techniques and gradually transforming knowledge into skills they can use to build sustainable livelihoods.

At the mechanics workshop, trainees gather around engines and vehicle components, learning how to diagnose faults, carry out repairs and apply safety procedures. For many, the training represents more than technical instruction. It offers the possibility of meeting a growing demand within their communities while paving the way toward self-employment.

Photograph of people in beige uniforms repairing a red motorcycle outdoors. — UNDP Cameroon _ KSrelief Kolofata FN reg Vocational training

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Group of men repair a wheel on a wheeled cart outside a blue building. — UNDP Cameroon _ KSrelief Kolofata FN reg Vocational training

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“Je m’appelle Modou Oumar. Je bricolais un peu aux mécaniques, maintenant grâce au PNUD, je suis devenu beaucoup plus compétent. Je peux démonter et changer une chaîne, travailler sur un piston et réaliser plusieurs réparations que je ne savais pas faire auparavant. Dieu merci, je me suis bien formé. Il nous reste encore à apprendre certaines choses, mais nous avançons dans la formation en attendant de recevoir nos équipements pour nous lancer à notre propre compte. Vraiment merci, cela fait beaucoup de bien à un jeune comme moi.”

Mechanics trainee, Kolofata

A few steps away, the sound of metal being cut and joined marks another learning journey. At the welding centre, participants practise measuring, cutting and assembling metal under the guidance of their trainer. With each exercise, they acquire skills that can be applied to producing gates, doors, household items and other products needed by local communities.

UNDP Cameroon _ KSrelief Kolofata FN reg Vocational training

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For tailoring trainees, transformation takes a different form. Fabric is measured, cut and stitched into garments as participants progressively master the various stages of production. What begins as a lesson in sewing also becomes a lesson in creativity, precision and entrepreneurship.

“J’étais à la maison sans activité. Quand l’appel à candidatures a été lancé pour les formations destinées aux jeunes femmes, j’ai déposé mon dossier. C’est ainsi que ma chance a tourné. Aujourd’hui, je me débrouille déjà avec la couture. Malgré le manque de machines pour tout le monde, nous apprenons chaque jour. Je maîtrise maintenant la coupe des modèles et je peux confectionner différents vêtements. Je suis déjà une styliste de Kolofata.”

Kaltoumi Boukar Tailoring trainee, Kolofata

Photograph: Group of women in colorful African prints around a desk with a laptop and microphone. — UNDP Cameroon _ KSrelief Kolofata FN reg Vocational training

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People gather in a bright room around a pink mat for a community activity. — UNDP Cameroon _ KSrelief Kolofata FN reg Vocational training

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In the catering sessions, learning extends beyond preparing food. Participants develop competencies in hygiene, customer service, presentation and business management. They are discovering that catering can become both a profession and a source of income.

“Before this training, I only cooked at home for my family and never thought it could become a source of income. Here, I have learned how to prepare different dishes, respect hygiene rules and organize my work. Every day I gain more confidence. My dream is to start a small catering activity so that I can support myself and help my family. I am grateful for this opportunity because it has shown me that cooking can be a profession.”

Haoua, Catering trainee, Kolofata

Three vendors behind a counter in a colorful shop, with stacked eggs and groceries on display. — UNDP Cameroon _ KSrelief Kolofata FN reg Vocational training

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Photograph of a group of people standing behind a white table in a bright room with a green banner. — UNDP Cameroon _ KSrelief Kolofata FN reg Vocational training

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Another group is learning a skill that directly supports an essential community service: water-pump repair. Participants are being introduced to fault identification, dismantling, replacement of damaged components and routine maintenance. In communities where functioning water infrastructure is critical, these newly acquired skills can help ensure that local technicians are available when pumps break down.

“I joined this training because water is essential in our communities, and I wanted to learn a useful skill. Today, I can identify common faults, dismantle certain components and carry out basic maintenance on pumps. Before, when a pump broke down, we had to wait for outside technicians. Now, I am learning how to contribute to solving such problems locally. This training is giving me skills that can serve both my community and my future.”

Simada Barnes, Water-pump repair trainee, Kolofata

Group of villagers gathered for a demonstration around a tall device on a stand beside a thatched hut. — UNDP Cameroon _ KSrelief Kolofata FN reg Vocational training

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The programme is also preparing young people to seize opportunities in the growing field of solar energy. At the solar installation training centre, participants learn how to assemble systems, connect panels, install batteries and carry out basic maintenance. In an area where access to reliable electricity remains a challenge, these skills are particularly valuable.

“Before joining the training, I had seen solar systems in homes and shops but did not understand how they worked. Today, I can install panels, connect batteries and troubleshoot simple faults. Solar energy is becoming increasingly important in our communities, and this training gives me the confidence to build a future in this field. I hope to open my own business and help bring energy solutions to villages that still have limited access to electricity.”

Talba Blama, Solar energy trainee, Kolofata

And then there is barbering, a trade with constant demand and strong potential for self-employment. Through practical sessions, trainees are learning haircutting techniques, hygiene standards and customer relations while acquiring the professionalism needed to build a viable business.

“I have always been interested in barbering but I never had the chance to receive proper training. Since joining this programme, I have learned haircutting techniques, hygiene practices and how to interact professionally with customers. Each day I improve a little more. I hope that once I receive the necessary equipment, I will be able to open my own small barbershop and earn a living from this trade.”

Baba Alhadji, Barbering trainee, Kolofata

Across all these training centres, one message emerges clearly: skills create choices. A participant who once depended on occasional opportunities can now envision owning a workshop. Someone who struggled to find work can begin offering services locally. A young woman can see tailoring or catering not merely as a skill but as the foundation of a business and an independent future.

The training phase is an important milestone, but it is not the end of the journey. Participants have not yet received their business equipment and start-up kits, which are expected to be distributed during the next stages of the project. What they already possess, however, is knowledge, practical experience and renewed confidence.

“Before this training, I was worried about my future because I did not have any professional skills. Today, I feel more confident because I have learned a trade that I can use to support myself. The training has changed the way I see my future. I no longer think only about finding opportunities elsewhere; I am thinking about how I can build something here in my own community. I believe that with determination and the equipment expected through the project, I will be able to start my own activity and become more independent.”

Moussa Chetima, trainee, Kolofata

In Kolofata, resilience is therefore being built not only through infrastructure, but through people. One skill at a time, one trainee at a time, new possibilities are taking shape. Through the partnership between KSrelief and UNDP, vocational training is helping create pathways towards sustainable livelihoods, stronger local economies and greater self-reliance, offering participants not only a trade to practise, but also renewed confidence that their future can be different.