455023923_821379006801002_8454852950666543013_n (1)

Wobyeb Graphlain: Empowering 20 plus youth in Bamenda cameroon

This past holiday, our community witnessed an amazing event that brought together over 20 young people with a passion for technology and learning. The event was the Mr. Graph Tech Summit, organized by Wobyeb Graphlain, also known as Mr. Graph. This summit aimed to teach and empower the youth with valuable skills in graphic design, web design, video editing, and computer formatting. The theme of the summit was “CREATE, BUILD, INNOVATE,” and it truly lived up to its name.

The summit took place in Bamenda, Cameroon, in the heart of the North West Region. Mr. Graphlain, a youth leader and social change maker, has always been passionate about technology and education. He believes in the power of technology to transform lives and create opportunities for young people. With this vision in mind, he organized the summit to equip the youth with skills that would enable them to be productive and earn money even while in school.

Introduction and what inspire Wobyeb Graphlain

The first day of the summit was filled with excitement and anticipation. The participants, aged between 14 and 20, gathered early in the morning at the venue. Mr. Graphlain welcomed them with a warm smile and a motivational speech. He spoke about his journey in technology and how it has changed his life. He encouraged the participants to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.

The rest of the day was dedicated to introducing the participants to the various topics they would be learning over the course of the summit. Mr. Graphlain and his team of instructors gave an overview of graphic design, web design, video editing, and computer formatting. The participants were eager to get started and couldn’t wait to dive into the hands-on sessions.

 

Day Two: Graphic Design Basics

On the second day, the focus was on graphic design. The participants learned about the importance of graphic design in today’s digital world. They were introduced to design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The instructors guided them through the basics of creating stunning graphics, from simple logos to more complex designs.

The participants worked on their first project: designing a logo for a fictional company. They were encouraged to be creative and think outside the box. As they worked on their designs, the instructors provided feedback and tips to help them improve. By the end of the day, the participants had created some impressive logos and were proud of their work.

Wobyeb Graphlain teaches Web Design Fundamentals to the youths

The participants learned how to create beautiful and functional websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Mr. Graphlain emphasized the importance of having a strong online presence and how a well-designed website can make a big difference for businesses and individuals.

The hands-on session involved creating a simple personal website. The participants learned how to structure their websites, style them using CSS, and add interactivity with JavaScript. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, and by the end of the day, the participants had built their own websites from scratch.

wobyeb graphlain invited a specialist to teach Video Editing Essentials to the youth

The participants learned about the power of video in storytelling and communication. They were introduced to video editing software like Capcut and learned how to edit videos, add effects, and create engaging content.

The hands-on project for the day was to create a short video about their experience at the summit so far. The participants filmed clips, edited them, and added music and effects. The final videos were showcased at the end of the day, and it was amazing to see the creativity and talent of the

Computer Formatting and Troubleshooting

The participants learned how to format computers, install operating systems, and troubleshoot common issues. These skills are essential for anyone working with technology, and the participants were eager to learn.

The hands-on session involved formatting a computer and installing Windows. The participants worked in pairs, helping each other and learning from their mistakes. By the end of the day, they had successfully formatted and set up several computers.

Wobyeb Graphlain Community Support and Future Plans

The success of the Mr. Graph Tech Summit would not have been possible without the support of the community. Local businesses and organizations provided sponsorship and resources, and many individuals volunteered their time and expertise. This collective effort made the summit a truly community-driven event.

Mr. Graphlain plans to make the tech summit an annual event, expanding its reach and impact. He envisions a future where more young people in Bamenda and beyond have access to technology education and opportunities. His ultimate goal is to create a tech-savvy generation that can drive innovation and change in Cameroon.

456965310_831055385833364_5427801863840581340_n (1)

Wobyeb Graphlain Attending the Emerging Leaders Program: organize Denis Foretia Foundation

Day 1: A Transformative Beginning

Day 1 of the Leadership Program was nothing short of transformative. Being part of this program started shaping Wobyeb Graphlain in ways he never imagined. Dr. Denis Foretia spoke about how true leadership means creating a vision that inspires and unites. This made Wobyeb think deeply about the leader he wants to become.

Mr. Joseph-Alain Batouan Bouyom’s insights on how to network and influence others were both practical and profound. Wobyeb learned that true influence comes not from power or position, but from the relationships we build and the trust we earn. This lesson will stay with Wobyeb as he navigates his journey as a leader.

Lastly, there was a group discussion between Achaleke Christian Leke and two others on leadership in peacebuilding. The lessons from today touched Wobyeb deeply. He felt more inspired than ever to grow, serve, and lead with purpose. Big thanks to the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation.

Day 2: Building Skills and Integrity

Day 2 of the Emerging Leaders Program was incredible and full of learning. The focus was on improving skills in public policy and communication. Jean Cedric Kouam taught the importance of speaking to the right audience and offering real solutions to decision-makers. This made Wobyeb realize how crucial it is to be clear and direct in his message.

Prof. William Arrey showed how to write guidance notes and opinion pieces. He emphasized using evidence to back up points, which is something Wobyeb will carry with him. Mr. Marcelin Gansop talked about handling sensitive interviews. His session reminded Wobyeb that the way we speak—our tone—matters just as much as what we say.

The most touching part of the day was Ms. Gladys Yaa Shang Viban’s talk on ethical leadership. Her words, “the mind cannot forget what the heart has seen,” really moved Wobyeb. She reminded everyone that integrity is key if we want to make a difference in Africa. This deeply resonated with Wobyeb as he thought about the kind of leader he wants to be.

As a leader, understanding our past is crucial to guiding our future. The tour of the National Museum and the Reunification Monument was a powerful reminder of Cameroon’s deep history and diverse culture. At the National Museum, Wobyeb witnessed the heritage of our ancestors through traditional masks, royal regalia, and ancient tools. These artifacts tell the story of our people’s creativity, resilience, and wisdom—qualities that every leader should embody.

Standing before the Reunification Monument, Wobyeb felt the weight of our history. This symbol of unity, representing the merging of British and French Cameroon in 1961, reminded him of the importance of togetherness in leadership. True leadership means bringing people together, despite differences, to work toward a common goal.

The Final Day: Reflecting on a Life-Changing Journey

After three incredible days of intense learning, personal transformation, and deep reflection, the Emerging Leaders Program 2024 has come to an end. It was a truly life-changing experience for Wobyeb Graphlain, filled with invaluable lessons, thought-provoking discussions, and meaningful connections with fellow emerging leaders from across Cameroon.

Throughout this journey, Wobyeb gained not only knowledge but also the inspiration and motivation to be a change agent in his community. The workshops, led by exceptional trainers, challenged him to think critically about the issues facing our society and empowered him with the tools to make a positive impact.

As this chapter concludes, Wobyeb is filled with gratitude for the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation for this incredible opportunity. Their dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders is truly commendable, and Wobyeb is honored to have been part of this transformative experience.

The Africa we dream of, the Africa we hope for, is within our reach. Let us continue to move forward together, contributing our best to build a brighter future for all. We are unstoppable!