Hope Amidst Hardship: UNICEF Resilient Struggle for Quality Education in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West Regions
Every September in Cameroon, the back-to-school season typically ushers in excitement and hope for children eager to learn. However, in the North-West and South-West Regions, the start of the school year has been a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis that has left countless children deprived of their right to education. Since 2016, education in these regions has been a difficult journey, fraught with violence, displacement, and fear. The instability has forced many schools to close, leaving thousands of children out of school. Around 488,000 children are still out of school due to the ongoing crisis, depriving them of their right to education.
The challenges are diverse: displacement, insecurity, destruction of school infrastructure, and economic hardship have created an environment where education is not just difficult but dangerous. The trauma and psychological toll on children is immense, with many too scared to attend school, fearing attacks on their way to and from class.
In May, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted the escalating violence, reporting increased attacks on education premises and personnel. Schools have become battlegrounds, with teachers and students caught in the crossfire. The abduction of eight teachers and the tragic death of a student during clashes are stark reminders of the dangers these children face daily.
In the face of these overwhelming challenges, UNICEF, in collaboration with partners like the Green Partners Association (GPA) and M’bonweh Women’s Development Association (MWDA), has been a beacon of hope for the children of the North-West and South-West regions. Despite the immense difficulties, UNICEF has prioritized the establishment of Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) and community-run learning centers. These spaces have provided a haven for over 100,000 children, allowing them to continue their education amidst the chaos.
“Despite access challenges due to insecurity and lack of funding, UNICEF, in collaboration with its partners Green Partners Association (GPA) and M’bonweh Women’s Development Association (MWDA), has continued implementing the Radio Education Program for 20,732 children (including 12,629 girls) since October 2023. A new partnership has been signed with a consortium of five NGOs: Street Child (the lead), TeenAlive, Authentique Memorial Empowerment Foundation (AMEF), Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) and Foundation for Inclusive Education (FIED). The project carried out by the consortium began in March 2024 and aims to reach 9,940 children: 6,680 in-school children through the distribution of school materials, and 3,320 out of-school children (OOSC) in hard-to-reach areas through the Radio Education Program. UNICEF and its implementing partners began preparing for the ECHO funded project, which will address the multi-faceted humanitarian needs related to the education of children affected by the NW/SW crisis”.
One shining example is the TLS centre at Small Ekange Tiko, established by MWDA with support from UNICEF and funding from ECHO. This centre, like many others, has become a lifeline for children who otherwise would have no access to education. UNICEF’s commitment to quality education extends beyond these learning spaces; the organization has also supported the integration of Alternative Education Programs designed to help children who have missed years of schooling catch up and reintegrate into the formal education system.
Recognizing the need to reach even the most isolated and vulnerable children, UNICEF launched radio-based education programs. These programs, which include literacy, numeracy, and life skills lessons, have been critical in reaching over 20,000 children, including 12,629 girls, since October 2023. The content is carefully designed to align with the national curriculum, ensuring that children continue to receive a quality education despite the challenges.
UNICEF’s efforts extend far beyond just providing educational opportunities. The organization has distributed over 150,000 learning kits, exercise books, and other essential school supplies, to children in remote and conflict-affected areas. These kits are crucial for enabling children to study independently, particularly those who cannot attend even the temporary learning spaces.
In addition to these educational initiatives, UNICEF has implemented community-based mental health and psychosocial support programs. NGOs like TeenAlive Association with support from UNICEF provide critical support to children and caregivers coping with the trauma of displacement and violence. The counselling and group therapy sessions offered through these programs are essential for the well-being of children, ensuring they have the emotional support needed to continue their education and development.
UNICEF’s commitment to education in the North-West and South-West regions is unwavering, but the challenges are immense. The need for continued and enhanced support is clear. The ongoing attacks on education highlight the urgent need for more interventions to protect children and ensure their right to education is upheld.
The situation in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions is a humanitarian crisis that demands global attention and action. While UNICEF, with support from Donors and Partners, has made significant strides in providing quality education to children in these regions, the need for more interventions is urgent. The children of these regions face unimaginable difficulties displacement, violence, and fear but they also represent hope and resilience. They deserve the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
The international community must continue to support these efforts, ensuring that every child in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon has access to safe, quality education. Only through sustained and coordinated action can we hope to address the multifaceted challenges these children face and provide them with the future they deserve. UNICEF’s work in these regions is a testament to what can be achieved, but much more must be done. The children of Cameroon are counting on us.
# ForEveryChildQualityEducation
#UNICEFforeverychild
Written by Chungom Emmanuel, Intern Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications in Buea ( South-West Cameroon)
