The project which is fronted by the Organization of Islamic Corporation’s Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, COMSTECH, was launched by the program’s ambassador, Samira Ramatou over the weekend. The scheme seeks to awaken scientific curiosity among youth and strengthen their skills in the field of technology and sciences. Authorities say the choice of flagging of the project in Kousseri in the Far North Region is ideally aimed at restating the position of science and technology as sustainable levers of resilience and empowerment in the most fragile areas.
Placed under the supervision of Mrs. Samira Ramatou, Ambassador of OIC-COMSTECH in Cameroon, this initiative is part of the dynamic of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, whose mission is to strengthen the culture of science and innovation within member countries. The choice of Kousseri, a city in the Far North marked by security vulnerabilities and the consequences of conflict, is highly symbolic.
By launching this first phase there, COMSTECH aimed to signal that science and technology can also be levers of resilience and empowerment in the most fragile areas of the country. The event brought together the Mixed and Bilingual high schools of Kousseri around a common ideal: to awaken scientific curiosity among the youth and strengthen their skills in future technological fields.
In her address, the Ambassador recalled the philosophy guiding her commitment: “Through this initiative, I wished to offer these students a window of hope, a space where scientific curiosity, creativity, and self-confidence become levers of emancipation and resilience. Thus, this activity in Kousseri is not an isolated act, but a cornerstone in a national strategy for inclusive scientific diplomacy.” This first stage of the program allowed students to participate in an interactive conference on the opportunities offered by STEM, as well as an inter-class competition dedicated to artificial intelligence.
In total, 218 students, including 65 girls, took part, and six winners were recognized for their excellence and creativity. The results obtained testify to a growing enthusiasm among the youth for science and innovation. The initiative thus paves the way for a new educational dynamic, based on discovery, curiosity, and resilience.
Looking ahead, COMSTECH plans to extend the program to other institutions across the country and strengthen the promotion of female scientific leadership, a priority area for the Ambassador. This approach follows actions already undertaken by Mrs. Samira Ramatou, notably her participation in the Day of Excellence for Scientific Research and Innovation in Cameroon (JERSIC), organized by the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI), as well as training on writing bankable projects led by COMSTECH experts.
These are just some of the initiatives carried out in partnership with international organizations and intended to support young talents and national institutions towards sustainable scientific development.
Scientific progress cannot be achieved without women- SAMIRA RAMATOU, Ambassador of OIC-COMSTECH to Cameroon
Madam Ambassador, what does the choice of Kousseri for the launch of the national STEM/OIC-COMSTECH campaign symbolize?
I wanted the launch of this national STEM/OIC-COMSTECH campaign to take place in a vulnerable area, often marked by socio-economic difficulties, to send a strong message: science and knowledge must be instruments of peace, hope, and reconstruction. Through this initiative, we want to demonstrate that the populations in these regions are not forgotten. We simply need to boost their intelligence and creativity so they can fully participate in the development of their ecosystem. Cameroonian genius is found everywhere, even in fragile areas. And I must emphasize that territorial equity regarding access to science, technology, and innovation is a moral duty for every Cameroonian.
What are the strategic objectives pursued by COMSTECH through this initiative in Cameroon?
COMSTECH, the scientific organ of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has a mission to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation among member states and to build societies based on knowledge, creativity, and innovation. In a context marked by the global dynamics of digital technology and artificial intelligence, our ambition is to awaken the scientific spirit from a very young age and to stimulate the creativity and scientific entrepreneurship of young people, from kindergarten to researchers.
What outcomes do you expect from this first phase for Cameroonian youth, particularly in vulnerable areas?
This first phase in Kousseri has already had a considerable human and symbolic impact. It allowed more than two hundred students to discover the fascinating world of STEM and get an introduction to artificial intelligence. These initiatives will ultimately help reduce educational inequalities, stimulate the scientific spirit in areas with low access, and foster the emergence of a Cameroonian youth committed to sustainable and inclusive development based on technology and innovation.
How does OIC-COMSTECH intend to promote female scientific leadership within the framework of the program’s next stages?
COMSTECH now wishes to focus on female scientific leadership. In the next stages, we are considering the creation of a female scientific club, to sustainably establish a culture of scientific innovation among women. This is a real commitment for me: every woman, no matter where she is, must be encouraged to explore the scientific field. From kindergarten to the research cycle, all should be able to thrive in this domain. The inclusion of women in the Islamic world is at the heart of our priorities, because we deeply believe that progress cannot be complete without the active participation of women in the production of knowledge and innovation.
By Elena ANGOULA
