Empowering Youth Through Cultural Heritage:
ACOHOF's Impact with BROMECC
The Afoni Children of Hope Foundation (ACOHOF) has taken a pivotal role as a leading partner in Project BROMECC, collaborating closely with esteemed organizations such as the Center for Tikar Studies (CETIS) and the Conseil International des Radios-Télévisions Francophones (CIRTEF). The Goethe-Institut Yaoundé coordinates this transformative initiative, generously funded by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the CONNECTED CAMEROON platform and dedicated to the dual mission of strengthening cultural heritage and empowering youth.
The CONNECTED CAMEROON platform has played a pivotal role in realizing BROMECC's vision. By bridging local communities with international partners, the project has secured vital resources, enhanced visibility, and provided essential technical support. Most significantly, it has ensured that the ancient Tikar bronze-casting tradition is not only preserved but invigorated, creating avenues for youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
ACOHOF is steadfast in its commitment to embedding the principles of BROMECC within the community through focused education, active participation, and robust advocacy. Key initiatives include seamlessly integrating bronze casting into the vocational training curriculum at ATVOCAE, engaging students and local youth in immersive, hands-on workshops, and fostering an environment that encourages girls and women to participate in this timeless craft. Additionally, ACOHOF provides essential business training, equipping artisans with the skills needed to effectively market their creations while advocating for the archiving and global promotion of Tikar art.
At the heart of BROMECC are the dedicated students of ATVOCAE, the ACOHOF Bilingual Technical Vocational College of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bankim. Under the dynamic leadership of Mrs. Cornelia Rothfuchs, ACOHOF's Bankim Liaison Office Manager, students participate in a transformative learning experience that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. Through this innovative approach, they master the lost-wax bronze casting technique, connect traditional artistry with modern creative innovations, and develop entrepreneurial skills essential to the sustainability of their craft—all while nurturing a deep sense of cultural pride and preserving their rich heritage.
Situated in the Adamawa Region, Bankim is the historic epicenter of the Tikar people and the main hub for BROMECC activities. The initiative promotes community collaboration by engaging youth from both the Bankim Palace and the wider Tikar community in the sessions. They collaboratively create a shared cultural and educational experience, emphasizing the importance of heritage and innovation for future generations.
Through the empowering framework of BROMECC, ACOHOF is preserving a rich cultural legacy and inspiring a new generation of leaders committed to sustainable development and cultural pride.
