Education for social change in Cameroon

Background information

In Cameroon, corruption, the rising cost of living, unemployment and attacks by the terrorist militia Boko Haram are threatening social cohesion in addition to the conflict in the Anglophone regions. A young, rapidly growing population is moving from the countryside to the cities in search of work - often for nothing, especially since the coronavirus pandemic and the conflict in the southwest of the country. Both the separatist groups in the Anglophone part and terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram are becoming attractive to some Cameroonian youth without prospects due to their financial incentives and group dynamics.

The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) would like to offer pastors and lay people sound academic training and further education so that they can face the challenges in the country and at the same time have an active impact on society, especially in the project area that has been severely affected by the conflict. The innovative, interdisciplinary programs and approaches to eco-theology, peace and trauma healing at the PUCA in Yaoundé also enable students to become «agents of change» in their churches and communities.

Project goals

Well-trained theologians are actively involved in Cameroonian society as "agents of change" and meet the challenges of social change and the current conflict in Cameroon. The training programs (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate) are contextually and ecumenically oriented and focus on critical, ecumenical learning across ethnic and denominational boundaries.

The interdisciplinary exchange with other faculties and universities in Africa and Europe on topics such as peace, development, social sciences and international relations enriches the program. At the PUCA, a study program in eco-theology and courses in trauma healing are offered in cooperation with the agricultural and medical faculties.

Target group

The students of PUCA (160 theology students, 300 in eco-theology) and PTS (64 students), their leadership and faculty, the laity and the students' partners are in focus.

Activities

The scope of duties primarily includes the following activities:

• "Licence-Maîtrise-Doctorat Programme" at the PUCA
• Implementation of the "Eco-Theology" program at the PUCA
• Training units on trauma healing and psychosocial support
• "Bachelor of Theology's Program" & Master's Degree in Theology at PTS.
• Agriculture courses, interdisciplinary events on traditional religions and a workshop on domestic violence for future pastors at PTS

Project progress

At the end of 2025, 111 students were studying theology at the theological seminary in Kumba (PTS) of the Presbyterian Church. They also completed a course on peaceful conflict resolution, social cohesion and political awareness. Together with the Protestant University of Central Africa (PUCA), a curriculum was implemented with modules on environmental and climate justice as burning social issues.

PUCA continues to train pastors and offers „Ecotheology” training at Bachelor's and Master's level. Innovative projects such as the recycling of plastic waste to produce new plastic items are dedicated to solving social problems.