Ngala Desmond is the founder of Civic Watch, a community based organization which empowers communities to counter hateful rhetoric, both online and offline. He has a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a master's degree in Political Science and International Relations, both from University of Yaoundé II. He is currently a PhD candidate in Conflict Resolution at the University of Buea.

Ngala is passionate about community development that empowers local stakeholders to become peace champions. He is currently the country project manager for the #defyhatenow initiative in Cameroon, where he works with local and international partners to ensure effective implementation of the project. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Trust Building in Faith Based and Tribal Based Communities

This project promoted dialogue between sub-groups in society delineated along ethnic and religious lines; encouraged understanding, communication and community-driven solutions around faith and cultural values; and contributed to building a tolerant Cameroon.

The project increased awareness on the need to sustain social cohesion through interfaith and intercultural dialogues between communities to build community trust and further development. In Limbe and Bamenda, leaders of internally displaced groups, community leaders and religious leaders came together to address challenges as the community received many internally displaced persons from the Anglophone conflict in Cameroon. This had a ripple down effect and reached about 10,000 people in different communities.

Some 150 community faith leaders and tribal leaders in Garoua, Bueau, and Bamenda, Cameroon were engaged in group workshops and one-on-one sessions raising awareness of the important role that community dialogue can play as an Early Warning Earning Response (EWER) mechanism for conflict prevention and resolution. Community leaders took the initiative in local peace processes and encouraged non-violent alternatives to resolve conflict.

“This is an exemplary form of local governance, and it helps to show us youths [how] to learn ways to lead and participate in the development process." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Ngala participated in the IVLP Project A Global Moment in Time: Peace and Justice organized by the U.S. Department of State and Institute of International Education, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Office of International Visitors program branch in New York City, WorldBoston, Georgia Council for International Visitors, Global Ties Detroit, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, Global Minnesota, San Diego Diplomacy Council, Tulsa Global Alliance, World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana, and World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.

Ngala's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: “IVLP gave me a unique opportunity to network and learn new skills to mobilize better. In this global village it is important to coordinate efforts towards peace as we all seek lasting solutions to conflicts."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Louisville, KY; Boston, MA; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN; New York City, NY; Tulsa, OK; Philadelphia, PA

Country: Cameroon

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