Children affected by conflict face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, neglect, and psychosocial distress. In Cameroon’s North West and South West regions, protracted conflict has disrupted family structures, education, and social support systems, leaving many children particularly vulnerable. Through our Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) program, FOMCAM works to ensure that children not only survive but also thrive in safe, protective, and nurturing environments. Our approach aligns with the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS), ensuring that all interventions are child-centred, inclusive, and responsive to the complex needs of children in crisis.

A central pillar of our program is capacity building for child protection actors. FOMCAM trains CSOs, NGOs, and INGOs on integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into child protection interventions, case management for children, and remote follow-up for unaccompanied and separated children. By strengthening the skills and knowledge of frontline workers, we ensure that children receive timely, trauma-informed, and contextually appropriate care. We also provide direct support to unaccompanied children, including family tracing, reunification, and reintegration, recognising that reconnecting children with safe families is essential for their recovery and long-term well-being.

As the lead organisation for the Child Protection Cluster in North West and South West Cameroon, coordinated by UNICEF and guided by the Mental Health Technical Advisor, FOMCAM provides strategic leadership and coordination across humanitarian actors. Through this cluster, we facilitate collaboration, set standards for protection, and promote accountability to affected children and communities. We work hand-in-hand with parents and caregivers, providing training on trauma-informed care, child-focused education, and psychosocial support, empowering families to create protective home environments. Our holistic approach ensures that children are supported across multiple layers: at school, at home, and in their communities. By combining child protection, education in emergencies, and mental health support, FOMCAM addresses both the immediate risks children face and the long-term effects of conflict. Through these efforts, we have strengthened the resilience, well-being, and rights of hundreds of conflict-affected children, helping them recover from trauma, continue learning safely, and build a foundation for a brighter future.