“HER CLASSROOM HAD NO WALLS, BUT HER IMPACT KNEW NO BOUNDS”: DISPLAYING ABILITY IN DISABILITY — MOHNZESOP CLAUDIA TLS FACILITATOR .
In the North West region of Cameroon, education has become one of the greatest casualties of the ongoing crisis. Since the beginning of the socio-political crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon in 2016, countless children have been forced out of school, their dreams shattered by violence, displacement, and uncertainty. Entire communities have been left in despair as classrooms remain abandoned, teachers flee for safety, and the simple act of learning becomes a distant memory.
Yet, in the face of such adversity, some individuals rise above chaos to become beacons of hope. One such person was Mohnzesop Claudia, a courageous woman from Baba 1 community in Babessi subdivision. Living with a disability that impaired her mobility, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she dedicated her life to ensuring that children in her community had access to education — no matter the odds.
In 2021, five years into the crisis, Claudia witnessed the devastating impact of school closures on children. Determined to make a difference, she began gathering them under makeshift shelters to teach them for free. With nothing but her unwavering commitment, she provided learning and didactic materials, funding them through the sale of handmade brooms. What started as a small initiative for primary school children soon grew into a movement. By 2024, she had expanded her lessons to include a primary six level, ensuring that children could transition into secondary education despite the odds stacked against them.
Seeing her relentless dedication, the community rallied behind her. They built a temporary learning structure from palm fronds and plastic sheets, equipping it with benches to create a semblance of a school. Over 100 children found solace in this space, a place where they could learn, dream, and hope once more. Claudia, undeterred by her disability or personal struggles, became their pillar of strength.
Her selflessness did not go unnoticed. In 2024, with funding from the Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department (ECHO) UNICEF and Implementing partner Green Partners Association, recognizing her invaluable work, integrated her into a 10-month education project in Baba 1. She was officially identified as a facilitator, and her learning space was provided with writing and didactic materials. For Claudia, this was more than an opportunity, it was a reaffirmation that her work mattered, that her children mattered.
But then, tragedy struck. In November 2024, news of Claudia’s passing sent shockwaves through the community. She had been eagerly preparing to attend a Psychosocial Support (PSS) workshop, an opportunity that would have equipped her with new skills to better support the children. Her sudden departure left a void that words could not fill.
She was more than a facilitator, she was a mother, a mentor, and a force of nature. The children she taught, the families she supported, and the communities she uplifted mourned the loss of a woman who had dedicated every ounce of her being to the service of children. Even in death, her impact echoed beyond Baba 1, inspiring the construction of similar makeshift schools in neighboring communities.
Her passing left an undeniable gap not just in the classrooms but in the hearts of the children who had come to see her as their guiding light. The emotional and academic toll on them was immeasurable. Finding a replacement for Claudia was no easy task. The way she connected with each child, the personal touch she brought to her lessons, was irreplaceable.
But her legacy endures. Cynthia, one of the facilitators who worked alongside Claudia, stepped forward, vowing to continue her work. In her own words: “As we mourn the loss of our fellow facilitator, we honor her memory by continuing her work. We will carry forward her legacy, ensuring that her dedication to others is never forgotten.”
However, Claudia’s story is a stark reminder that so many children in the North West Region continue to suffer due to this crisis. While her efforts provided hope for some, thousands more remain without access to education, trapped in the uncertainty of conflict. The need for stronger partnerships, increased resources, and sustained humanitarian efforts has never been more urgent. To honor Claudia’s legacy truly, we must work tirelessly to ensure that no child is left behind, that every child has a safe space to learn, and that the dream of education continues to shine brightly, even in the darkest of times.
Written by UNICEF Implementing partner Green Partners Association, and UNICEF Communication officer
