Youth Day Prolongation: CERAC Preaches Morality In Soa

C ommemorations for the 60th National Youth Day continue in the Centre Region, specifically at the Government High School in Soa, Mefou and Afamba Division. Yesterday, 25 February 2026, the humanitarian organisation founded by the First Lady, the Circle of Friends of Cameroon (CERAC), hosted an educative talk on the dangers of alcohol abuse, moral decline, and the irresponsible use of social media. The event provided an opportunity for CERAC members to encourage students to shape their futures responsibly. At approximately 11:00 a.m., Anne Ndjodo, head of the CERAC’s delegation and one of the Vice Presidents of the organisation led the ladies onto the school premises. The morning session comprised lectures in various classrooms addressing topics such as substance abuse, HIV, and STDs, alongside responsible social media usage. The students participated in dynamic discussions with facilitators, underscoring the pertinence of CERAC's endeavour. Thereafter, CERAC ladies convened at the school's esplanade to discuss the myriad challenges confronting young people in society. Anne Ndjodo, stated that their presence at Soa was no coincidence, but rather an integral part of the association's customary activities to commemorate Youth Day in the country. She acknowledged that young people are often characterised by rebellion and a quest for identity, frequently leading to risky behaviours, particularly with the influence of social media. The repercussions of such actions, she noted, can manifest as poor academic performance, heightened aggression, school dropout, or early pregnancies. The head of CERAC's delegation stressed the importance of adhering to national values and avoiding excesses such as substance abuse and excessive social media usage. She also echoed the Head of State's message to youth on 10 February 2026, urging them to eschew destructive behaviours and consider alternatives for a responsible life. During the event, CERAC mobilised experts to raise awareness among students that the internet presents both opportunities and risks in equal measure. Helene Dan of ANTIC highlighted, in a presentation, that the country's internet penetration rate has risen significantly, from 4.3 per cent in 2010 to over 45.6 per cent in 2024, with young people accounting for over half of internet users. Aware of this alarming reality, she explained that authorities, including the First Lady, Chantal Biya, have taken bold steps to regulate digital technology use, particularly among young people. In 2025, it was revealed that ANTIC received over 32,000 requests from defence and security forces, many related to c...