The La Pointe Bilingual Secular Private College was buzzing with excitement on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, celebrating the world of aeronautics. For the second time, our team set up shop at this school in the Ndiandam neighborhood of the Bafoussam 1st district, as part of the Yaapa Career Tour 2026, organized during the Central African Youth Aviation Week (SAJAC).
Before joining the students, our delegation stopped at Bafoussam Airport in Bamougoum, where they were welcomed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) team and the acting commander for discussions on future collaborations. Then, a few kilometers from Bamougoum, they headed to the La Pointe Bilingual Secular Private School. "This meeting is of paramount importance," declared Paul Kenfack, the school's principal, welcoming this "rare opportunity to connect directly with seasoned professionals" and discover the diverse range of careers in aviation. This introduction set the tone for a day where school uniforms would mingle with the ambitions of pilots.
Aviation, a lever for development in Africa
Fabrice Tchiomtchoua, Yaapa regional coordinator for the West, set the stage during his inaugural lecture. Air transport, he explained, is not just about prestige. It is a tool for economic transformation that facilitates the movement of goods and people, stimulates tourism, and boosts African economies. Pilots, maintenance technicians, flight crew, air freight specialists—opportunities abound. But excellence in scientific subjects and fluency in English remain essential, according to Mr. Tchiomtchoua. “African youth have a role to play,” he emphasized, urging students to commit to environmentally responsible aviation.
Fadimatou Noutchemo, our founding president, then took over with her usual candor. “Today, all kinds of jobs can be found in the aeronautics sector. You are solely responsible for who you will be tomorrow. It is the attitude that becomes your habit that will determine your altitude,” she said. A powerful message for young people still undecided about their future. She dispelled the stereotypes: aviation is not a luxury reserved for the privileged, but a little-known industry that offers a range of unexpected career opportunities.
Committed ambassadors and six plane tickets up for grabs
The highlight of the meeting was the reading of our Yaapa Charter, adopted unanimously by the students who pledged to become young ambassadors. Administrative and teaching staff joined in, demonstrating a collective commitment. Students from other schools, drawn to this fascinating industry, also attended. The question-and-answer session was packed, proving that everyone's curiosity was piqued.
Our president took advantage of this platform to launch a passionate appeal to the West African diaspora: “Establish an investment fund to reward young people interested in the aerospace industry. If these bright young people lack the opportunity to train, we can offer them scholarships to ensure the sustainability of our sector,” she urged. A decade after beginning its outreach mission in Central Africa, Yaapa is celebrating its tenth anniversary while looking to the future.
The students' testimonials reflect the immediate impact of this meeting. "Until now, I didn't know much about aerospace. Thanks to this conference, I can now express my views on certain aspects of this field," confided Élie Élysée Tchamagnie Deffo, a senior in the science track and new Yaapa ambassador. Diane Njoukoumbe, a senior in the Spanish track, didn't hide her enthusiasm: "I'm ready to put aside my dream of becoming a lawyer to seize this opportunity," she declared.
The icing on the cake: we offered six round-trip plane tickets from Bafoussam to Douala via Camair-Co for six students, subject to parental consent. Before the end of the year, the students plan to visit Bamougoum Airport. This will allow them to turn theory into practical experience and, who knows, perhaps spark some future career aspirations.
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