Cameroon has established 20 migration clubs in secondary schools across Maroua in the Far North Region, helping students access reliable information about migration opportunities and risks. The initiative, supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aims to counter misinformation and encourage young people to make informed decisions about their futures.

Cameroon Migration Clubs in Maroua

The government launched the school-based initiative through the Ministry of External Relations and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, with technical support from IOM.

The clubs provide spaces where students can discuss education, employment opportunities, legal migration pathways and challenges associated with moving abroad.

By encouraging open discussions, the programme helps young people distinguish reliable information from misleading claims about life in other countries.

Youth Migration Awareness in Cameroon

Many young Cameroonians consider migration a possible route to better education, employment and economic security.

However, information shared through social media and informal networks can create unrealistic expectations about opportunities overseas.

The new clubs aim to address these information gaps through discussions that explain both the potential benefits and the risks of migration.

MIGRATalkers Youth Ambassador Initiative

The migration clubs build on the MIGRATalkers initiative, which trained 20 young leaders in Maroua in August 2026.

These youth ambassadors subsequently reached more than 460 young people through community awareness activities.

Their work introduced students to regular migration pathways, the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of checking information before making major decisions.

The programme uses peer education to make migration discussions more accessible and relevant to students.

Safe Migration Education for Students

Students participating in the clubs can ask questions, exchange experiences and learn how to assess migration-related information.

Activities include interactive discussions, personal testimonies and awareness sessions about migration opportunities and possible exploitation.

The initiative also encourages critical thinking, helping students recognise misinformation and avoid decisions based on misleading promises.

School leaders and youth ambassadors are expected to play an important role in maintaining these discussions.

IOM Cameroon Migration Governance Project

The programme forms part of an European Union-supported project to strengthen migration governance, national policy development, return, readmission and reintegration in Cameroon.

Through this partnership, IOM supports government efforts to promote safe, orderly and regular migration.

The migration clubs also strengthen youth participation in national migration discussions, ensuring that students have opportunities to share concerns and access trusted information.

By combining education with peer leadership, Cameroon hopes to help young people make informed mobility choices and build greater resilience within their communities.