Cameroon NCD Alliance Empowers Civil Society Organizations Through Capacity Building Workshop

Douala, Cameroon – August 13, 2025

The Cameroon NCD Alliance (CNCDA) successfully held a two-day capacity building workshop for members of civil society organizations (CSOs) working in the field of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Taking place from August 11 to 12, 2025, this strategic workshop aimed to strengthen the technical and advocacy skills of CSO members under the theme of "Building Capacity for Impact: Awareness, Advocacy, Access, and Accountability."

Day 1: Laying the Foundation

The first day commenced with an overview session introducing the CNCDA—its mission, vision, strategic direction, and the core pillars of its work: Raising Awareness, Advocacy, Access, and Accountability. Participants were given an in-depth understanding of the alliance’s goals and how it supports national and international efforts in the fight against NCDs.

The training proceeded with two foundational modules:

Introduction to Policy Advocacy: This session clarified the distinction between advocacy and campaigning, introduced the Theory of Change, and explored the power of storytelling. A practical breakdown of the word ADVOCATE guided participants through the key steps involved in successful advocacy work.

Introduction to Grant Writing: Participants were walked through the fundraising cycle, introduced to potential global funders in the NCD space, and given best practices for writing compelling grant proposals, including common pitfalls to avoid.

These sessions were expertly facilitated by Mr. Ferdinant M. Sonyuy, Secretary General of the CNCDA. The day concluded with an interactive Q&A that reinforced learning outcomes and aligned with participants’ expectations.

Day 2: From Planning to Execution

The second day began with a comprehensive recap of Day 1, allowing for clarifications and reflections. The highlight of the day was a module on:

Introduction to Campaign Planning and Execution: Delivered by Ms. Merveille Danielle, this session emphasized the importance of detailed planning for successful advocacy campaigns. Participants explored campaign strategies, collaborative communication tools, and practical tips for executing joint campaigns. Group exercises encouraged peer learning and fostered a collaborative environment.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Ferdinant M. Sonyuy, who also outlined the process of becoming a CNCDA member. Participants expressed strong enthusiasm and readiness to apply the newly acquired skills in their respective organizations.

Looking Ahead

With 14 dedicated members in attendance, the workshop marked a significant milestone in CNCDA’s mission to build a strong and informed civil society response to NCDs in Cameroon. The alliance remains open to welcoming new members and invites interested organizations to learn more via the official website: www.cacsna.org.

Special thanks to the NCD Alliance for its technical and financial support, without which this capacity-building initiative would not have been possible.

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