Our programs
Eight programs, each led by members. Together they cover how we settle, learn, play, serve and celebrate, in Calgary and in Cameroon.
Immigration and settlement
New Dawn
Moving to a new country is easier with people who have done it. New Dawn connects newcomers, international students and job seekers with members and professionals who can help with work, school and life in Calgary.
What we have done
- 2024Youth Career Networking Event at the Marda Loop Communities Association, with panelists in health, entrepreneurship and finance
Education
Après l’école
Workshops and learning for kids, teens and young adults, from our roots and history to practical skills and careers.
What we have done
- 2021Back to My Roots virtual workshop for kids and teens
- 2022Kids Day Out at the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park and Telus Spark
- 2022This is Cameroon, an online series on Cameroon’s regions and history
- 2024Youth workshop
- 2026Braiding workshop
- 2026Podcast workshop
- 2026CamYouth Connect conference, “Breaking Through”
Health and wellbeing
Sports & wellness
Soccer, games and outings that keep us active, and a reason to meet our sister associations on the pitch.
What we have done
- 2022Paintball outing
- 2024Paintball outing
- 2025B2B Luxury vs CYAC in Edmonton
- 2025CYAC Young Lions vs CYAE Indomitable FC, our first match with Edmonton
- 2025Summer games
- 2026National CamYouth soccer tournament, four teams, at Rotary Challenger Park
- 2026CYAC vs CYAE, the second edition
Our languages
Language advocacy
Cameroon is bilingual and multilingual. We celebrate English, French and our mother tongues, and connect with Calgary’s French-speaking community.
What we have done
- 2025Celebration of Cameroonian mother tongues, with associations in Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa
Women of CYAC
Women empowerment
Leadership, community and celebration for the women of CYAC.
What we have done
- 2025Women’s Day Paint and Sip, hosted by the men of CYAC
Giving back
Diaspora philanthropy
Giving back to Cameroon and to children in need, with partners on the ground.
What we have done
- 2020Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes with Samaritan’s Purse
- 2021Clothing Drive, launched on our first anniversary
- 2021Partnership with iMotivate Youth Group in Tiko, Cameroon
- 2021Clothes, food and building materials for two orphanages in Cameroon
Serving Calgary
Volunteering
We give our time to the city that welcomed us, with charities we have worked with since 2020.
What we have done
- 2020The Mustard Seed sorting centre, our first activity
- 2021Coldest Night of the Year walk
- 2021Three days at the Calgary Drop-In Centre
Want to lead a program?
Every program is run by members. If you have an idea or want to help lead one, tell us.
Celebrations
Social engagement
Parties, galas and gatherings that bring us together and keep our culture alive.
What we have done