Mbal’s government school welcomes pupils to embark on a fresh start.

In East Cameroon, 2 new classrooms have been constructed by UNICEF and KOICA in Mbal with the aim of enhancing the learning environment for children.

Alima, an 11-year-old student at the Government primary school of Mbal, is filled with joy as she attends her classes in a newly constructed classroom.

In the village of Mbal, ensuring that children remain in classrooms has been a significant challenge, as a small number of students would often leave school due to the uncomfortable conditions. Amina explains, “During the rainy season, classrooms would be flooded with water, leading to many students dropping out.”

Moreover, the cultural norms in the region do not prioritize education, particularly for girls, who are expected to marry and start a family at a very young age.

With the financial support of KOICA, UNICEF has initiated a program that involves constructing two modern classrooms equipped with benches and school essentials such as bags and notebooks. The classrooms are designed to be visually appealing and include separate latrines for both boys and girls, promoting inclusivity and fostering personal growth among children. Additionally, a committee has been established to monitor enrollment and attendance, and to educate students, parents, and the community on the significance of education, particularly for girls, in order to facilitate their successful reintegration into the school environment.

Training sessions for teachers and educational supervisors improved teaching and learning quality. As a result, 323 pupils enrolled in 2023/2024, up from 196 the previous year. 86% of pupils report better academic results. Alima says the school is now popular with children.