SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES AT THE SUMMA CUM LAUDE INFORMATION AND LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE (DECEMBER 2024 – AUGUST 2025)

This report outlines the key activities and initiatives undertaken at the Summa Cum Laude Information and Learning Resource Centre from December 2024 to August 2025. Highlights include workshops, community outreach, resource enhancements, and user engagement strategies aimed at promoting lifelong learning and information literacy.

 Capacity Building Workshop to trained  library focal points from Kupe/Muanenguba Division (Tombel, Bangem and Nguti) by Summa Cum Laude-Sango Madiba Centre in collaboration with the University of Buea Library and funding from Ephraim Abwe Diabe Platforms of Excellence (EAD-PFE).

A 3 days capacity building workshop on school library management and reading and writing clubs in secondary schools was held at the Summa Cum Laude (Sango Madiba) Information and Learning Resource Centre from the 3rd to the 5th of December 2024. The workshop which had twenty five teachers (focal points) from different secondary schools within Kupe Muanenguba Division emphasized the importance of information resource management, reading, and writing skills in academic success.

          The workshop aimed to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to manage school libraries and promote reading and writing clubs. Participants gained insights into effective library management, reading, and writing strategies to support academic success in that light books and computers were given to some schools to start up a library by the Ephraim Abwe Diabe platform of Excellence ( EAD-PFE).

Key Presentations from facilitators were;

 Professor Shafack Rosemary: Highlighted information resource management as a key to academic success, emphasizing effective library management strategies.

Dr. Olive Ejang: Focused on developing reading and writing skills, providing practical tips for educators.

DD Njikang: Emphasized enhancing reading and writing skills, discussing ways to promote literacy in secondary schools.

The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for educators to develop their skills and knowledge in school library management and reading and writing clubs. The presentations and discussions highlighted the importance of these skills in promoting academic success in secondary schools.

Enhancing Reading and Creative Writing Cultures in Secondary Schools in Kupe Muanenguba Division

The Divisional Delegation of Secondary Education for Kupe Muanenguba Division, in collaboration with the Summa Cum Laude Information and Learning Resource Centre and the Ephraim Abwe Diabe Platforms of Excellence, is implementing a project to enhance reading and creative writing cultures in secondary schools.

Enhance the quality of learning, reading, and writing in secondary schools

Organize intra- and inter-school competitions on creative writing and innovation

Facilitate young writers’ workshops and peer editing frameworks

Establish a framework for sharing best practices within schools

Promote reading and writing clubs as extracurricular activities

 The project uses a participatory approach, with competitions held at school and divisional levels. A one-day young writers’ workshop precedes the finals, facilitated by experienced pedagogues and writers.

Project Timeline

 January 3-7: Administrative procedures and sensitization

January 8-9: Further sensitization and preparations

January 10: First round of writing competition

January 14: Second round with best essays from each school

January 24: Selection of best essays within sub-divisions

January 26-29: Divisional level competition and young writers’ workshop

 The project explores themes drawn from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030, including quality education, poverty reduction, and environmental protection. Results will be published by the first week of February.

Consolidation of 2025-2026 Annual Strategic Plans

A workshop on consolidating the 2025-2026 annual strategic plans was facilitated by Mr. Ngalle Carlson. The goal was to build and create a new generation of leaders through skills-based education and e-learning, focusing on key areas such as project management, human rights, conflict prevention, and protection of civilians.

 Functional Skills in Project Management: Participants learned about essential project management concepts and techniques to enhance their skills.

Human Rights in Armed Conflicts: The workshop covered practical tools for monitoring, investigating, and reporting on human rights in armed conflicts, highlighting the importance of protecting civilians.

Conflict Prevention, Management, and Resolution: Alternative approaches to conflict resolution were explored, providing participants with practical perspectives on managing and resolving conflicts.

 Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflicts: The workshop addressed child protection and gender dimensions of protection of civilians (POC), emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding vulnerable populations.

A consolidated strategic plan for 2025-2026 was developed, outlining key goals and objectives for building a new generation of leaders.

Participants gained valuable insights and skills in project management, human rights, conflict prevention, and protection of civilians.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to develop their skills and knowledge in critical areas, contributing to the creation of a new generation of leaders equipped to address complex challenges.

Report on the International Women’s Day 2025 Workshop

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, the Summa Cum Laude (Sango-Madiba) Information and Learning Resource Centre, in collaboration with PC Muebah and financially supported by the Ephraim Abwe Diabe Platforms of Excellence (EAD-PFE), organized a transformative workshop aimed at accelerating action on women’s economic emancipation. Held in Nninong, the workshop brought together women and girl leaders to focus on women at the center of peacebuilding,  marketable skills development, and micro-savings management.

The workshop highlighted the pivotal role of women in how women in conflict resolution and community healing. By sharing inspiring stories of women leaders who have made significant contributions to peace processes, the presentation aimed to empower participants and underscore the importance of their voices in advocacy and decision-making. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and consider how they could contribute to peace building efforts in their communities.

The final segment of the workshop focused on micro-savings management, a crucial aspect of financial literacy by Rev. Ndoh Neville.  Insights into various savings strategies and tools, such as savings groups and community banks were discussed. Through group discussions, participants shared their experiences with saving and managing finances, highlighting the challenges they often face. Wooden piggy banks were shared to participants to enable them make informed financial decisions about saving thereby enhancing their economic independence. Practical exercises allowed participants to create personal savings plans, setting achievable goals for their financial growth.

The workshop shifted to a practical approach with hands-on learning sessions focused on developing marketable skills. This was programed in two phases;

Phase one was baking and pastries facilitated by a trainer and expert in the field (Md. N. Lizette)

Phase two, was on the 28th of March with accompanied activities on leadership and women rights to vote followed by liquid soap making (by Mr. Chuye jaspa)

The hands-on learning experience was designed to empower women and girls by equipping them with skills that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential that allows them to pursue income-generating opportunities.