GENERAL REPORT OF THE SEMINAR ON LOCOMOTION, MOBILITY, AND ORIENTATION

Organized by the National Association of the Blind of Cameroon – ANAC

Yaoundé, June 11, 2026

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Theme: Locomotion, Mobility, and Orientation of the Visually Impaired
  • Date: June 10-11, 2026
  • Venue: Headquarters of the Cameroonian Sports Federation for the Intellectually Impaired, Yaoundé
  • Organizer: National Association of the Blind of Cameroon – ANAC
  • Technical Support: African Union of the Blind – AFUB
  • Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes

II. CONTEXT AND JUSTIFICATION

Autonomous movement remains one of the major challenges for blind and visually impaired people in Cameroon. To address this need, ANAC initiated this capacity-building seminar to equip instructors and increase the number of training relays on the ground. The choice of topics was justified by the Executive Director as an essential lever for educational, professional, and social inclusion.

III. OBJECTIVES OF THE SEMINAR

  1. General Objective: Strengthen the skills of instructors in locomotion, mobility, and orientation techniques.
  2. Specific Objectives:
    • Master the theoretical fundamentals of locomotion.
    • Experiment with white cane and guiding techniques.
    • Raise awareness through real-life simulation exercises.
    • Equip participants with tools to replicate the training.

IV. PARTICIPANTS

  • Attendance: 40 participants from several regions of the country.
  • Profiles: Specialized teachers, guides, students, trainers, and association stakeholders.
  • Gender: Mixed.
  • ANAC Management: Attendance of the Executive Director, Mr. Léopold Assiene Ndiomo, and Mr. Etienne Didier Onana, DFPE-ANAC, who moderated the proceedings.

V. METHODOLOGY AND PROCEEDINGS

The sessions were opened and closed by Mr. Léopold Assiene Ndiomo. Moderation was provided by Mr. Etienne Didier Onana.

Theoretical Phase

Review of the fundamentals of locomotion by Mr. Etienne Didier Onana.

Presentation of the institutional framework: ANAC’s position within the WBU, AFUB, and ACUB by Mr. Léopold Assiene Ndiomo.

Practical Phase

Facilitators:

Mr. Ndi François (40 years of experience): autonomous movement and spatial orientation techniques.

Dr. Rodrigue Fulbert ZOGNING (Locomotion Instructor): conducting the “white cane course.”

Mr. Martin Luther Amahata Adibita (40 years of experience, blind): expert demonstration of white cane usage.

Key Exercise: A 50-meter walk blindfolded using a white cane for two groups of sighted teachers. Objective: to experience the daily challenges faced by blind individuals.

VI. RESULTS ACHIEVED

  1. Capacity Building: 40 instructors trained in basic and advanced locomotion techniques.
  2. Awareness: The practical exercise caused a “reality shock” praised by all. Participants expressed their commitment to changing their practices.
  3. Material Distribution: 10 white canes were handed over on the spot to ANAC and non-member visually impaired individuals.
  4. Engagement: Solemn presentation of certificates of participation. Grievances collected to scale up the training.

VII. KEY FIGURES

IndicatorValue
Participants40 instructors
Total Duration5h30
Test Course Distance50 meters
White Canes Gifted10 units
Facilitators’ Cumulative Experience80 years

VIII. TESTIMONIALS FROM PARTICIPANTS

  • Mrs. NGO Sana Hermine Venus, teacher in Dimako, East:“I have taught blind children for 12 years, but this is the first time I felt their reality. The 50 meters with the blindfold felt like 1 km. I will completely review my welcoming methods in the classroom.“
  • Mr. Bello Adamou, student, Ngaoundéré:“Mr. Amahata Adibita’s demonstration blew me away. Blind, he moves faster and more securely than I do blindfolded. This proves that the disability is in the eyes of others, not in the cane. I want to specialize in locomotion.“

IX. RECOMMENDATIONS

Following the discussions, the following recommendations were formulated and will be integrated into ANAC’s action plan:

  1. Replicate this type of training across all 10 regions to reach a wider audience.
  2. Systematize real-life simulation exercises in all teacher training modules.
  3. Increase the distribution of high-quality white canes to beneficiaries.
  4. Create a national pool of certified locomotion instructors.

X. CONCLUSION

The seminar held from June 10th to 11th, 2026, achieved its objectives. Moving beyond technical transmission, it successfully shifted perspectives. As Mr. Léopold Assiene Ndiomo stated during the closing remarks: “The white cane is not a symbol of dependency, but a tool for freedom.”

The event concluded with a buffet, the presentation of certificates, and a family photo.

Open the gallery to view the theoretical and practical sessions

Open the gallery to view the climax and the award of certificates

Done in Yaoundé, on June 11, 2026

For ANAC

Etienne Didier Onana

Director of Training, Press, and Publishing – DFPE-ANAC