Youth Day Celebrations.
Cameroonian Youth in Greater Manchester At the Heart of Great Expectations?
The official theme for Cameroon’s National Youth Day 2026 is clear:
“Youth at the heart of great expectations, for a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon.”
Every 11 February, this National celebration recognises the central role of young people in building unity, stability, and long-term development in Cameroon.
But an important question must be asked:
Where does Cameroonian youth living in Greater Manchester fit within this national vision?
A Generation Between Two Worlds
Growing up in Greater Manchester while being of Cameroonian heritage often means navigating two cultural realities.
On one side:
- Integration into the British education system and social norms
- Identity formation within a multicultural environment
On the other: - Cultural heritage that is not always easily transmitted
- Language barriers
- A sense of distance from ancestral roots
- An ongoing search for belonging
For some young people, this dual identity is a strength.
For others, it can create tension or fragmentation.
Are They Consulted or Overlooked ?
The 2026 theme places youth “at the heart of great expectations.”
Yet are young Cameroonians in the diaspora truly included in this reflection?
Are they consulted in cultural and developmental conversations?
Do they have spaces where their voices are heard and valued?
The diaspora represents a strategic bridge between cultures, economies, and institutions. Ignoring its youth means overlooking significant potential.
The Legacy of Elders: A Hidden Foundation
Previous generations of Cameroonians in the Greater Manchester have left a meaningful legacy:
- Academic and professional contributions
- Cultural and artistic engagement
- Creation of community organisations
- Transmission of traditional knowledge and practices
This legacy provides a strong foundation.
However, intergenerational transmission does not happen automatically.
Without structured dialogue and shared projects, the connection can weaken.
Dual Nationality, Dual Responsibility
Holding a dual identity does not mean choosing between two nations.
It means learning how to harmonise both.
Cameroonian youth in Greater Manchester have the capacity to:
- Value and reinterpret their cultural heritage
- Contribute actively to British society
- Build sustainable bridges between both countries
- Develop contemporary forms of cultural expression
Dual belonging can become a source of leadership and innovation.
Bridging the Generational Gap
The core issue is not only identity.
It is also relational.
How can young people reconnect with their heritage without feeling constrained by rigid expectations?
How can elders transmit culture without excluding evolving perspectives?
Community and cultural initiatives play a crucial role in creating spaces for dialogue, creativity, and co-construction.
Truly at the Heart of Great Expectations?
The youth of the diaspora are not on the margins.
They are part of Cameroon’s contemporary story.
When listened to, supported, and empowered, they can become:
- Agents of unity
- Intercultural bridge-builders
- Contributors to stability
- Drivers of innovation
The 2026 theme invites broader reflection:
Great expectations are not limited to geography.
They also belong to the young people who carry Cameroon in their identity – wherever they live.
Ensemble Manchester Youth Leader, Mr Frank Ngonji
