Organization Lapses Mar GIZ Workshop on Transfer of German-Trained Experts

A workshop organized by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur internationale Zusammenarbeit-Giz has left development experts wondering whether Cameroon will grasp the most essential in perspective to put into proper use the expertise of returning German trained experts to make significant contribution in order to sustain development process in Cameroon. Dr. Didier Djoumessi, Cameroon Coordinator for the Migration for Development Programme while addressing a handful of participants at Azam Hotel in Bamenda on May 9-10, 2014, revealed that the programme expects to stimulate the participation of German trained experts in promoting local development in order for Cameroon to achieve its vision of becoming an emerging nation by 2035. However, the poor turn-out left development experts themselves with many unreciprocated questions.  Nonetheless, the workshop aimed at reinforcing the network of German-trained Cameroonians and presenting their know-how to regional and local authorities may not generate the expected results when judged from the caliber of participants. The question as to whether mayors and regional delegations of ministries were informed about this very important programme abound high. This is so because of the 34 councils in North West, only 03 were represented by their mayors, which were the mayors Babessi, Jakiri and Mbengwi. More so, no regional delegate showed up at the workshop. Observers were quick to point accusing fingers at poor organization and mobilization adding that these are indicators of a preliminary syndrome of a collapsed venture. The fact that no mayor in Mezam Division was spotted at this workshop further compounded the above predictions.

However, a school of thought holds that this project which falls within the framework of global migration could have been one of the key elements for the development of nations, but it may collapse at birth as it lead organization in Cameroon may not pursuit with the goal. With close to 17.000 Cameroonians living in Germany, among which are more than 6.000 students, the project would have achieved its objectives if stakeholders were informed.

This programme which according to what we gathered is an initiative of the Center for International Migration and Development code named “Migrant for Development Programme,” seeks to link German-trained experts to the South (Cameroon involved) to sustain their development. The programme as indicated in the project document was developed based on the ever-growing numbers of Cameroonians trained in Germany who are not linked to potential employers. Apart, the programme has as components: Migrant organization as a bridge and Migrants as entrepreneurs. According to the Center for International Migration and Development-CIM, returning experts who have acquired their professional skills in Germany have an important role to play for the development of their various countries of origin. This is so because it is hoped that when they are integrated professionally, they can be able to make sustainable contribution to the economic, technological and social development of their countries. The programme as presented to the handful of participants also supports the professional integration of university graduates and experienced experts trained in Germany who are interested in returning to their various countries. Yet doubts have been casted on whether the project will achieve its aim in promoting international migration as a factor in development, promote sustainable transfer of know-how and or create a win-win situation when the main stakeholders are not informed.

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)