From 26 to 30 January 2026, the borough of Dibang in the district of Nyong-et-Kellé, Centre Region in Cameroon, hosted the training and networking session of Solidarité Femme Rurale Agissante – Afrique Future (SOFRAAF) / Active solidarity of rural women.

The session started near 12 noon at the meeting and landing place Sombo where the women could use the means of transport provided – lorries, minibuses, private cars. The delegation was led by Father Emmanuel Marie Mbock Mbock, founder of SOFRAAF, who was present for the occasion.

At about 4 pm, when the different delegations arrived, the local populations showed up in droves to welcome the participants coming from different places, in a festive atmosphere to the sound of traditional instruments.

At 7 pm, the working session opened with the introduction of the different groups by area, followed by the addresses of Mr Mbock Emmanuel MOMHA, director of field operations, the head of the locality, the parish priest of Ngodi-Si, and finally Father Emmanuel Mbock Mbock. The solemn opening ceremony ended with the presentation of the programme and practical details of the session.

On Tuesday, 27 January, the day started with mass at 6.30 am, followed by breakfast. The participants then attended training sessions based on the use of solar and agro-pastoral energy, and enhanced by video projections.

The aim of the training programme was to demonstrate that a higher agricultural yield was obtainable on a reduced area – smaller than 100 m² – rather than on vast areas over 10,000 m², in view of the running costs and labour requirements of large farms. Focus was also laid on the use of ecological energies which are both inexpensive and sustainable, and on the importance of organic fertilizers which enrich and balance the soil, contrary to chemical ones which often have harmful effects. A question and answer session helped to consolidate the knowledge acquired.

In a mid-day interview, the women could talk to Father Emmanuel Mbock Mbock who reiterated his commitment to set up a bank dedicated to the women of SOFRAAF. After a first assessment, the project remains partial; initially meant for women and young girls, there are now 97 % women with a still shy participation of girls whom Father Emmanuel encouraged warmly.

Pleased with this vast women’s empowerment project, the participants promised to fully engage in it. To conclude, Father Emmanuel said they would meet again in two years for the 40^th anniversary, so that the project would really take shape. The exchanges, considered truly enriching, helped to create promising prospects. The interview ended with the offering of gifts by the women from Nkongada where Father Emmanuel used to be the parish priest for about fifteen years.

Tuesday evening was dedicated to relaxation and friendly entertainment : board games, a football match between women which finished in a 1-1 draw, after a tough penalty shoot-out.

The day ended in a jubilant atmosphere, with the schedule of further activities and equally enriching training programmes.