Automotive Training: Refugees Gain Skills

S ixteen refugees, including two women on August 27, gradua­ ted from a six-month automo­ tive maintenance and repair training programme in Douala, acquiring prac­ tical skills aimed at improving their access to employment and entrepre­ neurship opportunities. The pro­ gramme, supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Re­ fugees (UNHCR) in partnership with Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) and CFAO Mobility Cameroon, combined classroom lessons with hands-on trai­ ning in CFAO Mobility Cameroon’s workshops. For six months, the trainees received specialised instruction in automotive diagnostics, maintenance and repair, complemented by mentoring from experienced professionals. The trai­ ning is designed to equip refugees with market-relevant competencies and promote their socio-economic in­ clusion in their host communities. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, UNHCR Representative in Cameroon, Yvette Muhimpundu, said the orga­ nisation was proud to be part of the partnership, noting that the graduates were leaving the programme with industry-recognised qualifications and practical skills. According to her, the training could enable the benefi­ ciaries to secure jobs, contribute to the development of their host com­ munities and build more dignified fu­ tures for themselves and their fami­ lies. The graduation of the third cohort brings to 50 the number of refugees trained and certified under the part­ nership since its launch in 2023. This year's cohort also marked a milestone in gender inclusion, with refugee wo­ men graduating from the programme for the first time. Their participation is expected to encourage greater ac­ cess to technical training and em­ ployment for women in a sector tra­ ditionally dominated by men. One of the graduates, 38-year-old mother of three...