06/06/2026
ACCESS FOR ALL BEGINS WHEN EVERYONE CAN COMMUNICATE
Yesterday, 5 June 2026, the city of Bamenda became a place of learning, inclusion, and hope as stakeholders from across the North West Region gathered under the Accès Pour TOUS Project for a workshop on:
"Bridging the Communication Gaps for the Deaf and Visually Impaired in Cameroon"
Implemented by Save a Soul Cameroon (SASCAM) and the Association of Women and Girls in Deaf Culture (AWDGC), this activity forms part of the broader Accès Pour TOUS initiative led by Connected Cameroon and funded by the German Federal Government, with the support of AP'Art and Media.ia.
The Bamenda workshop brought together approximately 55 participants, while a previous workshop held in Bafoussam on 15 May 2026 brought together approximately 65 participants. Together, both regions reached nearly 125 participants, including government officials, teachers, nurses, students, security personnel, civil society organizations, disability advocates, and media professionals.
Participants learned the sign language alphabet, numbers, name spelling, questions and responses, and practical communication skills for use in hospitals, schools, public offices, and community settings.
In Bafoussam, participants witnessed a powerful silent drama performed entirely in sign language by Deaf participants. In Bamenda, participants actively practiced signing, spelling their names, asking questions, and engaging in basic conversations. Across both regions, barriers began to fall as people discovered that inclusion starts with communication.
Beyond the workshops, AP'Art and Media.ia are contributing to a lasting digital legacy through the development of accessible learning resources, including videos, e-books, sign language lessons, Braille content, and an online platform where persons with disabilities, students, professionals, and the general public can continue learning long after the workshops have ended.
A teacher who learns sign language can change a child's future.
A nurse who understands basic signs can improve patient care.
A police officer who communicates effectively with a Deaf citizen can strengthen justice and trust.
A society that embraces inclusion becomes stronger, fairer, and more human.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the German Federal Government, Connected Cameroon, AP'Art, Media.ia, AWDGC, SASCAM, all participating institutions, media partners, facilitators, and participants who made these activities possible.
Together, we are building a Cameroon where no one is left unheard, unseen, or excluded simply because they communicate differently.
Courage Konseh Sascam Save a Soul Cameroon Goethe-Institut Clinton Foundation UN Women Regina Daniels Emmanuel Kijika Association for Women and Girls in Deaf Culture Ap'ArtS Pamela Sewoyeba Primo Romeo World Vision Zambia Goethe-Institut Kamerun