Let’s Talk is currently distributed throughout 4 provinces by regional volunteers. In September 2004YOP began distribution with about 2,000 copies. In under a year, distribution has increased 25% to 2,500 copies. YOP is constantly asked for additional copies of the newspaper to be made available. However, as Let’s Talk is not funded, the cost of additional production is prohibitive.

Let’s Talk is sold for 50 CFA (about US$0.10) which does not come close to covering production costs. Originally, the paper was distributed for free. However, schools desired more copies of the paper and took to photocopying the edition. They found this to cost about 300 CFA per copy and petitioned YOP to make more copies available for a minimal price – YOP therefore set the 50 CFA price. This is generally affordable for all Cameroonians.

As Let’s Talk has been so successful, YOP has produced a French version, Parlons – en, to reach out children in the French speaking provinces. By producing both the English and French versions there is a version understandable to all Cameroonian children.

Goal: YOP believes that a realistic goal is to increase distribution in current schools and enable distribution throughout the country. Ideally, YOP would like to see Let’s Talk read by all children ages 9-14.

Obstacles: Let’s Talk’s main obstacle is lack of funding. The board members shouldered the production costs and the volunteers shoulder the distribution costs, as they must pay for their own transportation to bring the paper to all the schools in their region. Wider distribution is also prohibited due to difficulty in reaching remote communities. Not only is travel difficult, but also expensive.

Life Skills Training
Description: YOP’s training programmes promote the changing of behaviours to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and promote a healthy lifestyle. The programmes interventions include the promotion of responsible behaviour with key messages on abstinence, proper and consistent condom use, being faithful to one partner and delaying sexual activity. YOP’s training teaches the youth communication skills, problem solving, decision-making and thinking skills, emotion management, relationship building, responsible behaviour and goal setting.

YOP runs Lifeskills courses throughout the year. These courses are taught on-site as well as in local communities as far away as Yaounde and Douala. Additionally, YOP volunteers train local schoolteachers in the art of teaching Lifeskills to their students.

YOP includes Lifeskills training in almost every activity they run as they believe this is the key to promoting responsible behaviour.

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