Welcome to the top spot for info on Peace Corps Cameroon! If volunteering in Cameroon interests you, you came to the right website. We’ll fill you in on Peace Corps’ past in Cameroon. We’ll also give details about Cameroon as a country. You can find out the languages spoken there. You can also check out stories from other volunteers. Here you can get info about safety and health. We’ll also provide ways to reach out to former Peace Corps volunteers in Cameroon. Get set to learn more to help choose if Cameroon is a good fit for you!
Volunteers in Cameroon work in Agriculture, Education, and Health (leave in June).
What is the History of Peace Corps in Cameroon?
The Peace Corps has been in Cameroon since 1962. In these 61 years, almost 3,900 volunteers have worked in all 10 regions of the country. Volunteers usually work in rural areas, helping with important projects in three main areas: agriculture, community health, and education. By working together and helping out, Peace Corps volunteers learn new skills and help make lasting changes.
In March 2020, the Peace Corps had to bring all its volunteers back home because of COVID-19. But their offices stayed open to keep in touch with local communities. In January 2023, Peace Corps Cameroon celebrated 60 years and welcomed new volunteers for the first time since 2020. By January 2024, there were 33 volunteers working in Cameroon.
What about Cameroon as a nation?
Cameroon is a country in Central Africa, surrounded by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. It’s known as “Africa in miniature” because it has a wide variety of landscapes, including beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas.
Cameroon has more than 30 million people and is very diverse, with many different ethnic groups and languages. The official languages are French and English. Cameroon became a German colony in 1884 known as Kamerun. After World War I, it was divided between France and the United Kingdom. Cameroon became independent in 1960 from France and in 1961 from the United Kingdom.
The country’s economy relies on agriculture, oil production, and mining. It exports products like coffee, cocoa, cotton, and oil. Tourism is also growing because of its beautiful nature and wildlife.
Politically at the time of writing, Cameroon has been led by President Paul Biya since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving presidents in Africa. The country faces challenges like political unrest, especially in the English-speaking areas, and issues with human rights.
What languages do they speak in Cameroon?
In Cameroon, people speak a variety of languages. Besides French and English, there are also many local languages spoken in Cameroon. The country has over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language. Some of the widely spoken local languages include Fulfuldé in the north, Ewondo and Bassa in the center and south, and Douala along the coast.
During their service in Cameroon, volunteers learn to speak local languages, including French and Fulfuldé.
How safe is it serve as a volunteer in Cameroon?
In general, 100% of volunteers felt safe or very safe where they lived in Cameroon. And 100% felt safe or very safe where they worked. But more detailed information about safety compared to other Peace Corps countries can be found in the Cameroon Country Crime Profile.
Most Commonly Reported Health Conditions Per Volunteer/Trainee (2019)
- Infectious gastroenteritis
- Behavioral health issues
- Respiratory conditions/ENT
- Gynecological conditions
- Unintentional injuries
- Total confirmed mental health diagnoses
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Infectious dermatitis
- Insect bites or stings
- Malaria (confirmed and presumed)
Health problems also can result from local environmental factors, such as dust, humidity, insects, and disease-producing microorganisms.
Because malaria is endemic in Cameroon, Volunteers are required to take anti-malarial medication.
Volunteers will be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, meningitis A and C, tetanus/diphtheria, typhoid, and rabies. But more detailed information about health related issues at Peace Corps Cameroon can be found in the Cameroon Health and Medical Care Summary.
What do volunteers think of serving in Cameroon?
Since 1975, the Annual Volunteer Survey has been a source of information on the state of the Peace Corps (PC) program for the agency, Congress, researchers, the media, and the general public. In 2019, 86% of volunteers found their overall Peace Corps service rewarding or very rewarding. 81% of volunteers would still make the same decision to serve with the Peace Corps today. 80% of volunteers would recommend Peace Corps service to others. More information can be found in the Cameroon Annual Volunteer Survey Satisfaction Results.
Where can I learn more about PC Cameroon volunteer experiences?
PCV blogs and YouTube channels offer a unique look into the daily life of volunteers serving in Cameroon. These blogs and channels can help you understand the challenges and triumphs that come with being a volunteer. Explore these links for inspiring stories and practical advice from current and past volunteers.
Blog and YouTube Channel Links:
- Jack (Health) 2017-20
- Alex (ED) 2016-17
- Phoebe (Health) 2015-18
- Rachel (Health) 2014-16
- Sarah (AG) 2013-15
If you’re interested in learning more about serving in Cameroon, I’ve got you covered! Click here to see all of my posts about Peace Corps Cameroon with details on the experience, culture, food, packing tips, and more.
How can I connect with Returned PCVs who served in Cameroon?
Where can I find official information about Peace Corps Cameroon?
- PeaceCorps.gov/Cameroon
- Projects in Cameroon
- Stories from Cameroon
- Preparing to Volunteer
- Living Conditions
- Training
- Health
- Safety and Security
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Packing Guidance
This is an old PC publication called “The Peace Corps Welcomes You to Cameroon“, published in 2015. In the past, before the internet, this is how volunteers learned more about Cameroon. Even though it is many years old, there is still a lot of good information there. You can download it here but remember it is just for informational purposes. For up-to-date information, always check with you Peace Corps contacts and staff.
Conclusion:
This blog post provided insights to help determine if serving in Cameroon is right for you. You got info on Cameroon’s culture, languages, and growth. We also covered safety tips and health facts for volunteers. Plus, we explained how to connect with former Peace Corps peeps. To learn more about Peace Corps Cameroon, check their website or the resources here. We hope this post was helpful for getting details on Peace Corps Cameroon!
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or the Cameroon Government.
photo credits: all photos from the Peace Corps Media Library
