In the heart of Cameroon’s ongoing conflict, education has become a casualty. For millions of children, the dream of a brighter future has been shattered by the relentless violence.
Jane Ndamei, a 20-year-old student from the country’s restive southwestern region, narrowly escaped death when armed men stormed her school during a Grade 12 exam. Her experience is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by countless children in West and Central Africa.
The conflict has forced over 2.8 million children out of school, with more than 14,000 schools closed across the region. In Cameroon alone, the separatist crisis and incursions by extremist groups have left 1.4 million school-age children in dire need of educational assistance.
The deliberate targeting of schools by separatist fighters has created a climate of fear, deterring parents from sending their children to school. Many have resorted to dangerous and desperate measures, including early marriage and child labor, to provide for their families.
Nelson Tabuwe, a father of three, has been unable to send his children to school for nearly seven years due to the conflict. He and his family fled their hometown and found refuge in the capital, but the challenges they face are far from over.
The loss of education is not just a personal tragedy but a societal one. It deprives children of the skills and opportunities they need to contribute to their communities and build a better future. As the conflict continues, the long-term consequences for Cameroon’s young generation are becoming increasingly dire.