US Embassy Officials Mentor CUIB Students, Donate Books, Computers.
Thursday October 31, officials from the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon visited the Catholic University Institute of Buea (CUIB) to engage with students on entrepreneurship. The visit included the donation of books and computers to the university, alongside an interactive discussion with selected students from various schools within CUIB.
During the session titled “Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship for Development,” embassy representatives, including Deputy Public Affairs Officer Amanda Cauldwell, Director of the U.S. Embassy branch office in Douala Ashley White, American Spaces Specialist Mabel Foncham Chingang, and Exchange Programs Coordinator Jessica Kontchou, shared valuable insights on resources available to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of CUIB students. They explored various avenues for addressing entrepreneurship challenges and highlighted support programs offered by the embassy aimed at young entrepreneurs. The officials emphasized guidance services designed to help avoid common pitfalls in business ventures and encouraged students to utilize the American Corner at the University of Buea, which provides essential resources for their entrepreneurial journeys.
Students actively participated by asking specific questions about financing challenges they face in their ventures. The embassy officials advised them to visit the embassy’s website to explore available opportunities without fear of discrimination.
The President of CUIB, Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Anyanwu, expressed gratitude for the embassy’s visit, noting its significance in supporting the university’s mission to foster entrepreneurship. He stated, “As a growth mindset entrepreneurial university, we cherish opportunities that enhance our students’ experiences,” further emphasizing that entrepreneurship is integral to CUIB’s identity. Reflecting on the impact of such initiatives, Fr. Anyanwu mentioned that many CUIB graduates have successfully launched their businesses, showcasing the university’s commitment to cultivating creativity and innovation among its students. Each student leaves CUIB equipped with a business plan ready for implementation, alongside their academic certificate and a certificate in morality from the School of Catholic Studies.
Matoutou Claude, a student from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, expressed his appreciation for the session, stating it broadened his perspective on potential entrepreneurial activities and he is excited about applying his newfound knowledge to fruit processing.
This collaboration between CUIB and the U.S. Embassy not only enhances student learning but also reinforces CUIB’s commitment to nurturing future entrepreneurs who can contribute positively to their communities and beyond
