The first cohort of the Buyam Sellam STEM School, an initiative of the Association for the Promotion of Decent Work for Women and Girls (ASSPRODEC), has successfully completed its training in Yaoundé. The graduation ceremony brought together participants, institutional partners, community leaders, and supporters of women’s economic empowerment to celebrate a program designed to help market women and farmers strengthen their businesses through practical use of technology.
The Buyam Sellam STEM School was created to bridge the gap between traditional market activities and modern digital tools. Rather than focusing on academic science or technical theory, the program helps women traders apply simple technological tools to improve the way they buy, sell, promote, and manage their products in everyday market environments.
Yaoundé Chapter Leads the Way
Opening the ceremony, the President of the Yaoundé Chapter of ASSPRODEC, Dr. Che Sylviliana, welcomed participants and guests and expressed her pride in the milestone achieved by the chapter.
She noted that the Yaoundé chapter was honored to be the first ASSPRODEC chapter to successfully train and graduate a cohort of the Buyam Sellam STEM School, describing the moment as an important step toward empowering women traders with knowledge and tools that can transform their economic activities.
Dr. Che Sylviliana also commended the participants for their commitment and perseverance, noting that many balanced the training with demanding schedules in the markets and farms.
Empowering Women for a Changing Economy
Speaking during the ceremony, the Cameroon Country President of ASSPRODEC highlighted the importance of ensuring that women traders are not left behind in a rapidly evolving economic environment shaped by technology and innovation.
She emphasized that digital tools and emerging technologies are becoming central to modern commerce. For women traders to remain competitive, it is essential that they understand how to use accessible technological tools to improve their businesses, communicate with customers, and expand their markets.
According to her, initiatives such as the Buyam Sellam STEM School help close the digital gap by introducing women to practical technological applications that are relevant to their daily economic activities.
The Vision Behind the Buyam Sellam STEM School
During her remarks, the Founder and Global President of ASSPRODEC, Dr. Elmine Fotabe, explained the mission behind the Buyam Sellam STEM School and the philosophy guiding the initiative.
She stressed that the goal of the program is not to teach Buyam Sellam traders complicated STEM subjects, but rather to help them use STEM tools and digital platforms they already interact with in their daily lives to improve their commercial activities.
Dr. Fotabe explained that many women traders already use mobile phones and communication platforms but often without realizing how these tools can support their businesses. Through practical training methods delivered in accessible language, the program demonstrates how these technologies can be used to market products, reach customers, organize sales, and strengthen income-generating activities.
She further announced the next stage of the initiative: the creation of the Bush Market, a platform aimed at strengthening the connection between rural producers and market women while improving access to markets and expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Participants Share Their Experiences
Participants who completed the training expressed satisfaction with the program and shared how the lessons have already begun to influence the way they manage their businesses.
Several graduates noted that they have learned how to better use their phones to communicate with customers, present their products more effectively, and organize their commercial activities. For many of them, the training provided not only new skills but also renewed confidence in their ability to grow their enterprises.
Special Guests and Partners
The graduation ceremony brought together representatives of women traders’ associations, partners, community leaders, and supporters of women’s economic empowerment. Their presence reflected growing recognition of the importance of initiatives that strengthen the capacity of grassroots entrepreneurs and support inclusive economic development.
About ASSPRODEC
The Association for the Promotion of Decent Work for Women and Girls (ASSPRODEC) is committed to promoting women’s economic empowerment, leadership, and access to opportunities. Through innovative programs, training initiatives, and advocacy, the organization works to ensure that women and girls are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to participate fully in economic and social development.
Programs such as the Buyam Sellam STEM School reflect ASSPRODEC’s broader mission of creating pathways for women to thrive economically while strengthening communities and promoting sustainable development.