MILLIONS OF ANGLOPHONE CAMEROONIANS SACRIFICING EDUCATION BEACUSE OF WAR AS GOVERNMENT REMAINS MUTE.

Millions of children in Cameroon have suffered greatly because of school closures. Due to frequent and severe violence between the army and separatist fighters. More than 700,000 children are affected by school closures. In the northern and southwestern regions of the country, two-thirds of schools were closed. Schools were forced to close due to kidnappings and harassment of students and teachers. 

primary school children in class

Non-state armed groups sometimes impose ghost towns to limit access to essential services such as health care and education. All schools and community learning centers are usually closed during this shutdown, except for some urban schools that operate at about 60% percent, most schools still remain shot down. In addition, insecurity has forced humanitarian agencies and United Nations agencies to temporarily interrupt aid delivery.

The progressive strife in Cameroon has had extreme results in the educational framework, especially within the North-West and South-West regions of the nation. Here are a few key impacts:

Over 700,000 children have been affected by school closures due to violence. More than 80% of schools within the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions are closed. Amid lockdowns forced by a non-State armed group, all government schools and community schools are unable to operate at full capacity, but for some schools in a number of urban regions that operate at less than 60% capacity.

Schools are being forced to close due to kidnappings and harassment of both children and instructors. one fact which remains clear is that the Cameroon government lacks the capacity and capability to provide security in schools and some of the military themselves have been caught several times assaulting students, especially in the higher education sector. The case of the principal killed in the Northwest region some few months ago still remains fresh in the mind of most anglophones. not also forgetting the many pupils who were arrested and later release by arm men. The attacks on education have led to displacement, trauma, and mental health issues among students and teachers. Many children have been orphaned and some of them have joined armed groups.

The lockdown and insecurity also forced UN agencies and aid organizations to temporarily suspend the delivery of aid.

Efforts are being made to address these issues. For instance, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the UN global fund for education in emergencies and crises, is working closely with UN agencies, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and other civil society partners. ECW is contributing $25 million over three years and calling for other donors to fill the gap, which is estimated at $50 million.