Adeline is a young leader and civic engagement advocate committed to strengthening youth participation in governance and public life. She combines academic insight with community action to empower young people, particularly young women, to engage confidently in civic and political spaces.
Kindly introduce yourself and tell us about yourself, your field, and your journey in that field.
My name is Adeline Marie. I am a Cameroonian youth leader passionate about civic engagement, youth leadership, and gender equality. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Dschang, where I also serve as a student representative. In this role, I advocate for the interests and concerns of students and promote constructive dialogue between students and university authorities.My journey in civic engagement has been shaped by both academic training and practical community work. I am an alumni of the Young African Leaders Initiative, a leadership development program launched by the United States Government to empower young African leaders in civic leadership, entrepreneurship, and public management. I am also an alumni of the youth leadership program of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, which strengthened my knowledge in democratic governance, civic participation, and political engagement.Through these experiences, I have focused my work on empowering young people, especially young women, to actively participate in public life and contribute to community development.
What drives you to do this work, what impact have you achieved, and what impact do you hope to achieve?
What drives me is the belief that meaningful change in society happens when citizens, especially young people, realize their power to act and influence their communities. Too often young people are told to wait for their turn, yet they are already experiencing the consequences of today’s decisions.Through trainings, civic discussions, and youth initiatives, I work to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to engage in civic and political life. I hope to contribute to building a generation of young leaders who are informed, responsible, and committed to shaping the future of Cameroon through constructive participation and innovative solutions.
Are you a student? If yes, how do you manage your time between school and passion?
Yes, I am currently a Master’s student in Political Science. Balancing academics, leadership responsibilities, and civic engagement requires discipline and strong time management.Being a student representative at the University of Dschang has also taught me the importance of organization and responsibility. I structure my time carefully between academic work, leadership duties, and community initiatives. For me, my studies and my civic engagement complement each other. Political science helps me understand governance and public policy, while my field work allows me to apply those ideas in real life.
What are some of the major obstacles you have faced and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been the skepticism young people, especially young women, often face when they engage in civic or political discussions. There is sometimes a perception that youth should simply observe rather than lead.Instead of being discouraged, I chose to invest in strengthening my knowledge and skills while continuing to engage in meaningful work. Over time, consistency, competence, and commitment become the best responses to doubt.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself continuing to contribute to youth leadership development and civic participation in Cameroon. I hope to be involved in initiatives that influence public policy and strengthen democratic participation while creating more opportunities for young people, particularly young women, to participate in leadership and decision making spaces.
To you, what does it mean to be a Better Breed?
To me, being a Better Breed means choosing responsibility over indifference. It means refusing to accept the status quo when it is unjust and committing to building solutions that move our society forward. It is about being part of a generation that actively shapes the future rather than passively inheriting it.
At what point in your journey did you decide to become an active solution provider?
The turning point came when I realized that criticism alone does not transform societies. At some point in my journey I understood that if young people truly want change, we must move beyond complaints and actively participate in building solutions whether through civic engagement, policy dialogue, or community initiatives.
What is one common stereotype about young Cameroonians that you have intentionally rejected?
One stereotype I have intentionally rejected is the belief that young Cameroonians are apathetic or uninterested in shaping their country’s future. From my experience young people are deeply passionate about change. What they often lack are opportunities, platforms, and support systems that allow them to turn their ideas into real impact.
What specific sector in Cameroon do you most want to see transformed by 2035?
The sector I most want to see transformed is civic education and youth participation in governance. When young people understand their rights, responsibilities, and the mechanisms of governance they become better equipped to participate constructively in public life and to hold institutions accountable.
How do you ensure that your work helps others in your community?
I try to ensure that my work creates opportunities for learning and empowerment. Through trainings, discussions, and youth engagement activities I share knowledge and tools that help young people develop leadership skills and take initiative in their communities. The goal is not only personal growth but collective empowerment.
What has been your biggest challenge in staying rooted in Cameroon?
In a world where many young people dream of leaving, choosing to remain rooted in Cameroon is a conscious decision for me. The biggest challenge is sometimes the feeling that opportunities elsewhere might seem easier or more rewarding.However, I believe that the transformation of our country requires people who are willing to invest their energy, ideas, and commitment locally. This conviction continues to motivate me to stay engaged.
How are you breeding the next generation in your field?
I contribute to nurturing the next generation by mentoring young people, sharing opportunities, and encouraging youth led initiatives. Whenever possible I try to create spaces where young people can learn, exchange ideas, and develop their leadership potential.
What do you think is the long term sustainability of the impact you are making?
The sustainability of my impact lies in capacity building. When people acquire knowledge, leadership skills, and confidence they become capable of continuing the work independently and multiplying the impact within their own networks.
What is the one key lesson you want policymakers and young Cameroonians to take from your journey?
The most important lesson from my journey is that young people are not just beneficiaries of development. They are partners in shaping it. When youth are included meaningfully in decision making processes societies become more innovative, inclusive, and resilient.
What recommendations would you give to improve the lives of youth in your sector?
One important recommendation is to invest more in youth leadership development, civic education, and platforms for meaningful participation. Young people need opportunities to learn, experiment with ideas, and engage with institutions in ways that allow them to contribute constructively to national development.
If you could change one thing about how youth are treated in Cameroon what would it be?
If I had one day to change something I would transform how young people are perceived in society. Instead of being seen merely as recipients of policies youth should be recognized as co creators of solutions and partners in shaping the future of Cameroon.