2024-2025 Convocation: IFA Cameroun Institutes Achieving Employment Targets

In line with its tradition, Institut des Formations Appliquées au Cameroun, IFA Cameroun group of training institutes on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in Yaounde held a joint convocation ceremony for students of its five institutes. 

Quality Training Institutes 
The five institutes are IFA Cameroun (applied training institute), IFA Beauty (beauty care training institute), EPAM (institute for training of para-medical staff), IFA Hotellerie (trains in hotel management, hospitality), IFAMI (trains in industrial trades) and IFA Auto-ecole (that offers training in driving).  

Goodwill Ambassador 
Lucie Memba Bos, IFA Cameroon Goodwill Ambassador for Academic Excellence, who is also an actress and comedian, said her presence at the convocation was in accordance with the vision of the founder of IFA Cameroon. “I took the opportunity to welcome and congratulate the students for choosing IFA Cameroon. And also offered them some advice. I have also had occasion to discuss with the founder of IFA Cameroon the possibility of introducing training in acting,” Lucie Memba said.     

Appreciating Professional Training
Fabrice Dongmo, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of IFA Cameroun group of training institutes told journalists that the significance of this year’s convocation (formal school reopening ceremony) was that it brought together all the learners of IFA Cameroon group of schools. For an inaugural lecture in order for the students to better appreciate the benefits professional training and their future after training. 

IFA Cameroun Motto  
“Our objective is to give students quality training in a conducive environment, and help them secure jobs after training or assist them to create their own jobs. Our message to our students is to work hard, have clear objectives in order to succeed. Our motto of “A training, a job,” was largely fulfilled last academic year with a success rate of 80 per cent of trainees securing jobs after training,” a smiling Fabrice Dongmo told journalists. 

A Bonus For Students 
“The peculiarity of the 2024-2025 academic year is that IFA Cameroon group of schools is offering all its students motor vehicle driving training, with the acquisition of a Driver’s Licence B at the end. IFA Cameroon has secured authorisation from the Ministry of Transport to conduct vehicle driving lessons,” Dongmo disclosed. “I appeal to young people who are yet to make up their minds that admission is still going on in IFA Cameroon institutes. We will assist them to fulfil their dreams,” he promised. 

Making Dreams Come True
Earlier in his address at the ceremony, IFA Cameroun’s CEO told students: “You have within you the ability to make your dreams come true. You have the potential to succeed in your studies and in your career. But to get there, you have to work hard and persevere. Education is and will remain the key to your success, never forget it. Every class, every project, every examination is an opportunity to learn and grow. I encourage you to set ambitious goals and work every day to achieve them. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. You are the leaders of tomorrow. You have the power to change the world.”

Achieving Goals, Dreams Together 
Continuing, Fabrice Dongmo asked what the learners hope to accomplish this year.  Asking, “What are your goals? Write them down and post them. Work every day to achieve them. And remember that you are not alone. You have teachers, peers, and mentors to support you. I believe in you. I know you can succeed. So, let's go! Let's achieve our goals and make our dreams come true!”

Training That Meets Market Needs
The founder said he was proud that IFA Cameroun schools offer quality professional training in various fields such as paramedical, beauty, hospitality, customs and logistics. “We are confident that our programmes meet the needs of the job market and prepare our learners for career success. Our schools are dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares learners to succeed in their careers and become responsible, engaged citizens,” he said.

Objectives, Core Values   
Meanwhile, the objectives of IFA Cameroun institutes are to offer professional training programmes adapted to the needs of the labour market; develop learners’ skills and knowledge; promote a spirit of initiative, creativity and innovation, and promote the values of respect, integrity and solidarity. IFA Cameroun’s core values are excellence, inclusivity, responsibility and solidarity. 

Lucas Filatrio’s Example
Dr Michele Nken Likeng, an Assistant Lecturerr in Political Science with the University of Yaounde II delivered the inaugural lecture on the theme, “Technical and professional professions as drivers of Cameroon's development in a globalized world.” Dr Nken cited the example of Lucas Filatrio, a young Cameroonian entrepreneur who, through his passion for cooking, was able to build a thriving business by sharing his culinary talents on the web. 
“In addition to passing on his knowledge, Filatrio is today an employer and ambassador for a sector tha...