FOR DISPLACED CHILDREN
IN CAMEROON
In today’s world, education stands as a cornerstone of societal development. Nearly a decade ago, Cameroon made significant strides in ensuring basic education was accessible, even in remote villages. With the advent of the Cameroon Anglophone crisis, however, this progress has been severely disrupted. The crisis has wreaked havoc across the region, leading to the destruction of homes, the burning of villages, and the devastation of farmland and schools. As a result, countless families lost their means of livelihood, and access to education became increasingly difficult. Many families were forced to flee to neighboring villages and towns in search of safety. Tragically, many internally displaced children lost their parents during this turmoil. In these challenging circumstances, parents often prioritize their children’s health and safety over schooling, which seems less impactful in the face of such adversity. Additionally, some children who live with extended family members are relegated to domestic duties, missing out on the opportunity to attend school altogether.
Given the current state of basic education in Cameroon, CEDAR-COM is stepping up to address these challenges. Our commitment to promoting education has led us to launch the “Keep in School Internally Displaced and Vulnerable Children” (KIS IDPVC) project. This initiative aims to assess and understand the educational needs of internally displaced children. Our needs assessment has revealed a stark reality: while education is officially free in rural areas, many internally displaced children still struggle to meet essential school requirements. Items such as textbooks, school bags, uniforms, and even registration fees for final examinations can be overwhelming burdens for families already grappling with loss and instability.
The KIS-IDPVC project offers a glimmer of hope for these vulnerable children and their communities. By providing necessary resources and support, we aim to create a more conducive learning environment that fosters educational opportunities for all. Together, we can help restore the promise of education and pave the way for a brighter future for these children.
“One Child, One Teacher, One Pen, and One Book can change the World” Malala Yousafzai
Photo Credits: CEDAR-COM