The young Cameroonian was recently crowned one of the for Commonwealth Youth Awardees 2025, in recognition of his ground-breaking contributions to peace-building, education and community engagement.
Abongdoh, who hails from the North West Region of Cameroon, was one of 20 finalists selected from over 800 applicants across the Commonwealth. His exceptional work earned him the Commonwealth Innovations SDG Award, which celebrates individuals who have made a measurable impact in promoting peace and development, particularly through education in conflict zones. At the heart of his work is e-Mentor, an innovative initiative that uses virtual reality, VR, technology to provide access to quality education for displaced students, particularly in regions like Anglophone regions in Cameroon.This groundbreaking approach aims to empower one million learners by 2035, a goal that resonates deeply with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
Abongdoh’s platform has already begun transforming the way education is delivered to students in crisis-affected areas, using immersive VR tools to bridge the gap caused by conflict. In response to receiving the prestigious award, Abongdoh expressed his humility and excitement, emphasizing that the recognition was not just for him, but for everyone who has supported his mission.“This award is a testament to the work we’ve been doing at e-Mentor, » he said, acknowledging the many collaborators and supporters who have helped bring the project to life. « We are reaching students affected by conflict, providing them with the tools and resources they need to continue their education despite the circumstances,” Abongdoh’s recognition shines a light on Cameroon’s growing influence in the global youth development landscape, showcasing how technology-driven solutions are playing a crucial role in overcoming the educational challenges faced by students in conflict zones.
His work aligns with the broader goal of enhancing education and fostering positive social change.As the sole representative of Cameroon in the 2025 award class, Abongdoh feels deeply honored to stand alongside other outstanding changemakers from around the world. His vision for e-Mentor continues to grow, with plans to expand its reach to more regions and more students in need.Through his efforts, he hopes to inspire other young Africans to engage in social innovation and contribute to a brighter future for communities across the continent. In his message, Abongdoh also called on the general public to support his cause. « We are working on exciting new projects to expand our impact, » he said, « and your support will help sustain our current work while empowering us to innovate and reach more students in conflict zones. »
