Kaïkaï’s Youth on the Frontlines of Climate Resilience
In Kaïkaï, near Lake Maga (Far North Cameroon), floods are frequent. Despite the risks, families continue to settle in vulnerable areas exposed to seasonal flooding.
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"We no longer wait for floods to take us by surprise. Today, we are the ones preparing the community to face them."
Faced with this reality, UNICEF, as part of the Early Action project funded by the German Government, mobilised local youth through the U-Report programme. In July 2025, a first cohort of young volunteers was trained to become U-Responders, true actors of community resilience.
Community awareness and mobilisation
The U-Reporters conducted awareness campaigns in the Wourai, Massouang, Yangha, Domayo and Sabongari neighbourhoods. Through outreach visits, posters, podcasts and videos, they spread prevention messages about behaviours to adopt before, during and after floods.
"We no longer wait for floods to take us by surprise. Today, we are the ones preparing the community to deal with them," says Oumar, a U-Reporter.
Their work has been praised by traditional and religious leaders, who have recognised the positive impact of this mobilisation. "Thanks to you, people now know how to react when faced with water. Keep up the good work!" says Hamadou Dalba, chief of the village of Atour Pourlouk Lougoy.
Community alert system and concrete actions
Present in 16 chiefdoms, the U-Reporters have set up an information relay system to quickly alert populations in the event of rising water levels. At the start of the 2025-2026 school year, their vigilance enabled them to identify eight inaccessible schools, including the one in Yangha, where water had already flooded the premises. Thanks to their alert, the start of the school year was postponed to ensure the children's safety.
In August, faced with the threat of flooding, young people built small dykes to protect homes. Oumar, one of the U-Reporters, helped a family erect a barrier against the water, illustrating the concrete commitment of these young people.
"Being a U-Reporter means protecting children, families, and our future. Every action counts," explains Ali, Kaïkaï U-Report Coordinator.
The memory of the tragedies of 2024, when five children lost their lives by drowning, strengthened their resolve. On the day dedicated to drowning prevention, the U-Reporters raised awareness among parents about supervising children near water sources.
In addition, they organised clean-up campaigns to limit the health risks associated with stagnant water, thereby contributing to the fight against waterborne diseases.
Towards an early and sustainable response
Thanks to the Early Action project, 21 U-Reporters have been trained as U-Responders, with the mission of training 270 young people throughout the region.
"Thanks to the training, I know how to help my community. I am proud to be one of those who are making a difference," emphasises Moussa, U-Responder.
These young people will be involved in gathering community feedback, disseminating prevention messages, and supporting populations in emergencies.
This ambitious project combines community mobilisation, cash transfers, the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and local co-creation. It is made possible through the generous support of the Federal Foreign Office and the German Government. Their commitment, alongside UNICEF as part of the Early Action project, reflects a strong desire to enhance the resilience of communities facing climate disasters. Thanks to this collaboration, young U-Reporters are becoming key agents of change, contributing to a timely, inclusive, and sustainable response in the most vulnerable areas of Cameroon.
