Back to school: What Future For Our Cameroon Kids

It’s the beginning of another academic year in Cameroon and many kids are excited to go  to school either for the very first time or to get into a new class. Some of these kids are in brand new uniforms, carry new school bags with all their text and exercise books, have paid all their fees and of course the school year looks very promising for them. But while these selected few are content, a majority are out there wondering if they would even go to school.

           Many Cameroonian kids are from very poor homes with parents who can barely feed and clothe them considering the high unemployment and underemployment rate in the country. Sometimes, these parents struggle to make ends meet and with increasing responsibilities some of the older kids are forced to drop out of school so the younger ones can attain a minimal level of education that is if the parents can afford even that. Our kids go to school in torn uniforms, less than the required books with empty, grumbling stomachs, in fact how can they excel in such conditions. It will be surprising to note that a majority of these kids are quite promising but due to lack of funds, drop out of school and in a bid to support their families at such tender ages, get into negative activities like internet scamming , theft etc, What a waste of talent.

          While some can at least boast  of poor families, some have no one to call family. How can such even think of school. They are being taken into homes as babysitters or companions from even the tender age of four and don’t even know what the four walls of a classroom is.

          As we strive to achieve the millennium development goals with basic education for all by 2015 as one of them, it is are obligation to help these kids in need. That is why we have up with the MENTORING program, and we are hereby encouraging you to assist these kids and make their young, bleak dreams come true by donating something that will be geared towards their education and you will in turn receive updates on their activities and communicate with them and their families/ guardians. The mentoring program is a powerful personal development and empowerment tool that will help boys and girls between the ages of 3-18 in our communities who have been left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. This program will promote and enhance development in boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.