Between May 28 and 31, 2021, the Bosch Alumni Network (BAN) in Cameroon hosted the Regional Collaboration for Peace and Social Cohesion 2026, led by Njeke Joshua Egbe and co-facilitated by Mubarak Idris. The event, which was held in Limbe City, convened peacebuilders, youth leaders, and social impact advocates from across West and Central Africa. Following four preparatory online sessions earlier in the year, the in‑person gathering offered four days of immersive learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange — all anchored in one shared commitment: peace and community resilience.
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Day One – Foundations of Trust
Theme: Understanding Our Contexts and Building Trust
The opening day began with a warm welcome and an opening circle that set the tone for connection and openness. Participants engaged in conflict mapping across regions, identifying shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
The morning continued with storytelling circles, where participants shared personal experiences of leadership, resilience, and peacebuilding. These stories created a safe space for vulnerability and empathy, laying the foundation for trust and authentic dialogue.
In the afternoon, discussions focused on community resilience and local peace initiatives, exploring how grassroots efforts can sustain harmony in diverse contexts. The day concluded with reflections on key insights and an optional evening networking conversation.
Evening sessions featured creative engagements under the theme Connecting Through Music and Sharing and Authenticity: Power and Privilege, reminding participants that peace begins with understanding and shared humanity.
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Day Two – Reflection and Dialogue
Theme: Civic Engagement, Collaboration, and Networking
The second day opened with a morning energizer and reflection, setting a lively tone for collaboration. Participants then entered a peer learning marketplace, exchanging ideas and best practices from their communities.
The co‑creation lab encouraged participants to design community action ideas, blending creativity with practical strategies for peacebuilding.
In the afternoon, participants embarked on a Limbe city tour, followed by beach networking and relaxation — moments that strengthened interpersonal bonds and reinforced the importance of cultural appreciation in peacebuilding.
The highlight of the day was the contribution of Mayor Karen Tanga of Limbe City, who spoke about community resilience and the importance of inclusive leadership. Her presence underscored the role of local governance in fostering peace and cohesion.
The day ended with a My Music Night, where participants expressed creativity through art and music — a celebration of diversity and shared purpose.
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Day Three – Learning Beyond Walls
Theme: Reflection and Action
The final day was a half‑day closing session focused on reflection and action. It began with a morning reflection circle, allowing participants to revisit lessons learned and share personal growth experiences.
The community action labs were finalized and presented, showcasing innovative approaches to peacebuilding and social cohesion. These presentations reflected the participants’ commitment to translating ideas into tangible community impact.
The event concluded with a closing circle, where participants expressed gratitude and reaffirmed their dedication to advancing peace. A photo session and departure lunch marked the end of an inspiring journey of collaboration and learning.