Cameroon: The social work “Jeunesse En Difficulté” celebrated its 35th anniversary

The JED (Jeunesse en Difficulté) is a social work of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, based in Bafoussam, Cameroon. Founded in 1991 under the inspiration of Father Bernard Groux, it is a social institution that promotes the reception, training, and socio-professional integration of underprivileged youth through the learning of trades such as carpentry, masonry, welding, hairdressing, sewing, livestock farming, and catering. Under the current direction of Fr. Collins Etienne Nguemfo, scj, the JED, with its 75 learners and 15 supervisors, continues this noble social mission initiated and successively carried out until now by Fr. Bernard Groux (founder), Fr. Jean Claude Mbassi, Fr. Philibert Dior, Fr. Théophile Mbopda, and the current director, Fr. Collins Etienne Nguefo.

Celebration of the 35th anniversary of the JED

The closing of the activities marking the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the JED took place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Bafoussam, with a solemn Mass presided over by Fr. David TACHAGO, scj, Provincial Superior of the SCJ in Cameroon, in the presence of Fr. Bernard GROUX, Founder of the JED, and two representatives of the friends of the JED in France, namely Mr. Olivier Quentin de GROMARD and Mr. Noé Blondeau, along with many priests, religious sisters, and other guests and relatives of the JED.

Activities from February 23 to 27 

As a prelude to this celebration, several activities took place, notably: the open house day held on Monday the 23rd, during which the many products of the JED were exhibited and sold. A community service session at the rural Town Hall and the Ndiengdam police hospital marked Tuesday the 24th. Wednesday the 25th saw Fr. Bernard GROUX return to Cameroonian soil, accompanied by two friends of the JED, to participate in this jubilee celebration. On Thursday the 26th, a football match was held between the “Jédistes” (residents of the JED) and their supervisors at the Ndiembou stadium, ending with a score of one goal in favor of the Jédistes. The afternoon of the same day was reserved for the welcome of Fr. Bernard and the friends of the JED in Bafoussam and for cultural events. Friday was dedicated to talks between Fr. Bernard GROUX and the supervisors, and a round table with several key points:

• The history of the JED by the Founder, Fr. Bernard GROUX, scj.
• Testimonies from alumni.
• A conference on the theme: “Challenges and future perspectives of the JED,” presented by Fr. Collins Etienne NGUEFO, scj, the current Director of the JED.

The celebration of February 28 

Saturday, February 28, was reserved for the solemn closing Mass presided over by the Provincial Superior, attended by many SCJ and non-SCJ religious, many former Jédistes, and many supporters. Speeches and a gift-giving ceremony for Fr. Bernard GROUX and the friends of the JED concluded the mass, followed by a photo session. A fraternal feast followed in the Jonas Building Hall, to the great delight of the Jédistes, who took the opportunity to enjoy themselves, dancing to the rhythm of music they had skillfully programmed. The cutting of the 35th-anniversary cake was the “cherry on top” of the activities marking the celebration of the JED’s Ruby Jubilee.

Now, the page of the 35 years is turned—that of “Youth in Difficulty.” From now on, a new page is open, founded on hope: that of “Youth in the Making.” This will undoubtedly be the great project for the next 35 years.