Plan aims to reach almost half the population of Cameroon with life-saving bed nets

20 December, 2011: In Cameroon malaria often takes the lives of the most vulnerable, especially children. Over the months to come, Plan and partners will be distributing more than 8.6 million long lasting insecticidal bed nets to families, one net for every 2 people.

Plan aims to have reached almost half of the population by January 2012. With over 2 million reported cases of malaria each year in Cameroon, it is one of the biggest causes of illness and can often lead to death.

In Africa, malaria is a leading cause of child mortality, and takes the life of a child every 45 seconds.  By sleeping under long lasting insecticidal nets, the chances of being bitten by a mosquito at night are greatly reduced, in turn reducing the spread of malaria.  It’s estimated that when 80% of people sleep under a net, the entire community is protected.

Plan in action

Distribution began in the ten worst affected regions of Cameroon, particularly in the North, in November this year.

This month, Plan is reaching out to the village of Mankanikong in the North West region and Tcholliré in the North, distributing bed nets there and encouraging families to have possible symptoms of malaria checked out at health clinics.

By setting up bed net distribution points at health centres and encouraging families to get more information about how to protect themselves and their children, Plan is playing a crucial role in the fight against this preventable disease.

Already, in partnership with The Global Fund, Plan and the Ministry of Health have distributed over 5 million long lasting insecticidal bed nets to communities across Cameroon.

“With these bed nets, I am sure my family will no longer suffer from malaria”, said one woman after receiving her net from the Ngaoundéré urban health centre.

Read more about Plan Cameroon and the Global Fund

Children in Cameroon receiving new school kits

20 December, 2011: Despite free primary education and free access to secondary school in Cameroon, many children lack access to education due to their family circumstances, low awareness of the importance of education among parents and the remoteness of schools.

Those children who do go to school, are often embarrassed and even sent home if they do not have equipment to use in the lesson. Many families cannot afford school books, pens and other materials, so children are left without education.

''Every day the teacher would ask me to go home and I cried. Only children who had a book were allowed in class'', said Mendomo, a young girl from Olanguina community.

To try to overcome this, and to encourage more children to go to school, Plan has set up a school awards system providing more than 5,500 children across Cameroon with text books, writing equipment, dictionaries and games for after class.

''Now I am happy that the teacher will no longer send me home'', Mendomo said after being helped by Plan and returning to school with her new school bag.

Encouraging children

By providing such materials, Plan is encouraging children to go back to school and get the education to which they are entitled. With this equipment, children no longer feel embarrassed to go to school without a pen or paper, and can enjoy break times with their friends using the games and footballs.

’’This bag with all these books will really help and I am encouraged to work hard and make good use of these books’’, said Angela, a 10-year old girl from Olanguina..

Teaming up

Plan and some of the local councils have teamed up to boost pupils’ academic performance, increase children’s success rates and above all raise the whole community’s awareness of the importance of educating girls.

‘’Plan understands that children are our future and the future of children is education,” said Foumena Andre, Mayor of Olanguina Council. ”Through this gift, Plan has demonstrated its commitment and determination to improve the education of our children’’, he concluded.

Read more about Plan's work in Cameroon

Football legend Roger Milla and Plan Cameroon's country director, Famari Barro

4 November, 2011: Former national football star Roger Milla has teamed up with Plan Cameroon to show his support for our work in the country and help explore ways of developing education, sport and culture for young people.

Plan Cameroon has been working with the government to improve access to education and health care over the past decade. This work has not gone unnoticed by the football icon who has his own foundation ‘Coeur d’Afrique,’ focusing on education and health care opportunities for children and orphans living with HIV/ AIDS.

Working hand in hand

Working together, Plan and Roger Milla hope to change the lives and health of children across the entire country.  According to Milla: “Coeur d'Afrique is a pan-African organization that currently promotes healthier school environments and it’s important to partner with Plan which is a renowned organization and has expertise in the areas of education, health and water and sanitation”.

The former football star’s commitment to children has not gone unnoticed by Plan either. Child protection and human rights are two of the most important issues that Plan works on.  By working together on the same issues we could really push forward in the right direction.

''Roger Milla recognises that Plan is extremely knowledgeable about community development and, for maximum effect, we aim to join forces, particularly on education and birth registration'', Plan Cameroon’s country director, Famari Barro, explained.

A young girl sensitises the public on why she thinks it is important to protect children after a disaster

As part of International Disaster Risk Reduction Day on October 13, Plan Cameroon organised a series of activities including a conference in Yaoundé. For Plan, this was an occasion to present how vulnerable children are during a crisis or disaster, as well as the chance to recommend an effective policy to protect and care for children at such times, and review their participation in disaster risk reduction.

Opened by Famari Barro, the Country Director of Plan Cameroon, the conference hosted more than 50 people from partner organisations such as UNHCR and the Red Cross who showcased their important work to protect children at times of disaster including outbreaks of deadly diseases like cholera. 

"Cholera has claimed many lives in my community and continues to do us harm. Two mothers have died and left their babies. Today, poor children are without families. They have no mother to care for them,"said Bintou, 15, from Briqueterie.

As disasters continue to take lives in Cameroon, particularly cholera, children are often left with no family and no safe place to go to when a disaster strikes in their community. Plan Cameroon and partners have been working hard to provide support and protection to children who have been most affected.

“We held the workshop to show everyone the strategies we can put in place in order to reduce disaster-related risks. We believe that today’s debate will make people realise what we can do and how we can support and protect those who are vulnerable, particularly children,” declared Famari Barro.

Celebrations

International Disaster Risk Reduction Day was also marked in Cameroon by various activities organised by Plan and local communities, including village fairs held by local high schools in the Littoral region, the handing out of gifts in Northern and Eastern Cameroon, and the visit to some of the sites most at risk of natural disaster, including Lake Monoun in the West region.

Local children taking part in a radio broadcast to raise awareness about the spread of cholera

October 17, 2011: As cholera continues to take lives in Cameroon, Plan - with the support of the local government -has launched a ‘cholera-free school’ initiative to teach children and teachers about the importance of keeping the school environment clean, and how crucial personal hygiene is to stop the spread of cholera.

Spreading the word

This school initiative has now been extended to families and communities, where children promote simple, basic practices to keep clean and reduce the risks of spreading deadly diseases such as cholera. The children are teaching the importance of constant hand washing, and how to boil water before consumption and they feel confident that such simple steps will reduce the spread of cholera in their communities and potentially save lives. ‘’Our parents are the cause of this cholera because in the farm they just eat without washing their hands when we tell them, they say that it is what makes them grow stronger every day,” said Nicoline, a child representative at a ‘cholera-free school’ session in  the lower Bafut region.

Children in local church groups also come together to promote cleanliness and hygiene by creating posters and leaflets on personal hygiene and performing short plays. To maximize the health sensitization, children are now also participating in live broadcasts on the radio as guest speakers. In Buea, in the South West region of Cameroon, Plan supported local children to become reporters, collecting images and interviews from schools and communities to highlight the importance of hygiene and sanitation.

Health education classes are available too focusing on the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of cholera. With the motto ‘practice makes perfect,’ people are made aware of how important it is to reduce the risks of cholera, and what to do if someone does contract the disease. These simple skills can help save thousands of lives throughout Cameroon.

Children’s help

Giving children the responsibility and awareness of protecting themselves and their families is important in reducing the risks of cholera, and teaching them about personal hygiene and sanitation is most effective when carried out at school. ‘’The children play a vital role in urging their parents to dig their own toilets following the model built by Plan. They equally contribute in the fight against cholera by carrying out their responsibilities in keeping the compound clean and respecting basic hygiene rules like properly washing hands and fruit before eating’’ said Bih Solange, from the Manji  Children’s Forum.

So far, more than 2000 school children have been involved in reducing the impact of the outbreak in the 7 regions where Plan is currently responding.

A local man standing with his new, hygenic latrine

September 22, 2011: Relief. It is the first thing that hits you upon visiting Bafut and talking to the residents.

Bafut in the North-West region was particularly hard hit by the cholera epidemic with more than 100 cases reported.  Plan has been responding in the village, 22 km from the regional capital, by raising awareness about the disease and distributing medicines including Oral Rehydration Salts.  However, with cases still being reported, Plan worked with Bafut and other communities on a new tactic to stop cholera: building community latrines.

Many communities in Cameroon continue to practice open defecation, especially in areas where access to potable water is scarce. Water is collected from open wells and/or rivers. Rains carry stools into these open and unprotected water sources, and people are exposed to cholera. Currently, only 18% of the population in Bafut has access to appropriate latrines and most are not aware of basic hygiene practices such as properly washing hands before eating or boiling water before drinking. Combined, these create the perfect conditions for the rapid spread of the cholera epidemic.

Sadly, lack of education and traditional beliefs also contribute to the devastating impact of cholera in Bafut. Winifred, a resident, forcefully states the reasons behind the epidemic, “There is nothing like cholera in Bafut, they are witches and wizards manifesting and we know them all.”

Reducing the threat of Cholera

In communities like Bafut, Plan explains the benefits of latrines in the fight against cholera. How improved hygiene can work to reduce or even eliminate the occurrence of the disease. Then, a demonstration latrine is constructed from which the community makes decisions about materials and locations for their latrines. Community members then build their own latrines using their own resources, labor and materials such as tarches which minimizes the cost of zincs, often seen as an obstacle by the communities.

Plan adopted this approach to quickly inspire radical changes in behaviour to combat cholera. Involving people in building their own latrines while conducting intensive campaigns on prevention of the epidemic, has enhanced the community understanding and fostered the promotion of good health amongst children in particular and the community in general.

“Constructing demonstration latrines facilitates the understanding of sanitation issues linked to cholera. We push people to respect their environment by adopting better habits and comply with basic hygiene practices’’, said Plan Project Coordinator Valentine Manah.

Since the programme started in July, 154 families in the communities of Butang, Ntingoh, Mbakong, Nchoho and Ndung in lower Bafut have adopted the practice and have built low cost latrines out of mud bricks.

“The demonstration latrines help us very much because there was no compound with latrine around this junction. When we felt the need to defecate, we just went by the side of the road, especially in the evening’’ said Munang Oliver with a big smile. Munang, 32 year old, is one of the community volunteers trained by Plan on how to construct an affordable latrine using only locally available materials. “Now, we can go in the latrine.”

A child presenting a message to denounce the practice of child- marriage

20 June 2011: Victims of sexual, emotional and physical abuse carry more than just visible scars. The damages to self-esteem and emotional stability lie deep beneath the skin and often take years to surface. When children are the victims, these invisible wounds can prevent them from developing into emotionally stable, caring, functioning adults. To address this now and future need, Plan Cameroon has launched the “Holistic Support and Protection from Violence to Vulnerable Children” to provide emotional first aid and counseling for victims of abuse.

Sexual, physical and emotional abuse can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone, girls or boys. Naomi, 12 years old, sells fruit to raise money for school fees because her alcoholic father spends his money on drink. “One afternoon, I went to sell my fruits as usual after school. A group of boys assaulted me and raped me. Now I’m afraid.”

The few victims who speak out about personal situations of abuse are often accused of having instigated the attack and sometimes, even punished. Most choose silence because they are too ashamed about what happened, too frightened about how family members or their peers might react.

The “Holistic Support and Protection from Violence to Vulnerable Children’ will provide emotional first aid and counseling support to 2600 children (1300 boys and 1300 girls) between the ages of 0 to18 who are suffering from sexual and domestic violence and other events such as loss of a parent or guardian or discrimination. Plan will also focus on strengthening family and community ties and protecting children from violence and building up their resilience.

The program will train 60 social workers at each division level to grow their understanding of the impact of abuse on children and how to help them emotionally recover and develop. A high number of abusers were also abused as children, by considering a holistic approach that includes mental and emotional health, Plan and its partners endeavor to break the cycle.

Self-esteem: speaking out and being heard

Plan Cameroon officials launching a project for children victims of sexual and domestic violence

The Plan trained social workers organize groups of abuse victims to discuss their feelings about what happened to them. Children’s forums give victims a safe place to talk about their situation, which is the first step towards healing and recovery of their self-esteem. The forums also raise awareness of child rights and protection, the participants learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of violence and abuse so they can reach out to others needing help.

“I felt so bad when I was insulted and treated harshly just because I do not know who my father is. Working with my group, I feel better about myself and can help others who are in similar situations,” said 14 year-old Geraldine, a member of children’s forum.

The 3-year project (December 2010- December 2013) is piloted in the Fundong, Belo, Bafut and Mbengwi council areas. Plan is partnering with Project Hope and three local Cameroonian NGOs: Integrated Development Foundation (IDF), Ngokentunjia AIDS Fighters (NAFI), and Global Welfare Association (GLOWA).

Read Plan's regional report "Silent Suffering"  which includes a chapter on violence in Cameroon.

Read more about Plan's work in Cameroon.

Nearly 7,718 cases have now been reported in 9 out of the country’s 10 regions and 256 deaths have been attributed to the epidemic. 

Community action

More than 500 Plan-supported community volunteers are taking action across 7 of Cameroon’s regions – going door-to-door to raise awareness about cholera, provide water treatment tablets and cleaning materials such as bleach. The health of residents is noted and those who may have contracted the disease are referred to hospitals for treatment.

The Centre region with more than 2,558 cases reported is hardest hit, but partly through the efforts of Plan, numbers of new cases have now slowed to almost none. 

Vital support and supplies

Plan’s other activities to contain and stop the cholera epidemic include:

• supporting children’s acting troops, which educate their peers and parents by performing skits about cholera and how to prevent it
• providing medical supplies to over-burdened clinics in the Centre region treating cholera patients - including 20,000 syringes, 5,000 infusers, 1,000 catheters, 2,400 ringer lactate (fluid and electrolyte replenisher) and 528 glucose solutions
• supplying 700,000 oral rehydration salts for distribution across the country.
  

Protecting the vulnerable

“This outbreak has been lingering for the past 2 years. The defences of those particularly vulnerable to the disease, small children under 5 and women, are low,” said Plan’s country director in Cameroon, Famari Barro.

“Plan programmes in the region are underpinned by the importance of clean, potable water and basic hygiene and sanitation to prevent the spread of disease.”

Find out more about Plan’s work in Cameroon

Beko's story cover page

14 June 2011: Children quietly crowd around a school courtyard to watch a drama unfold. The play is about a child, Beko and his friends. They are aware and concerned about the cholera epidemic and learn what they can do to keep from getting sick and share this with everyone at their school. Zolo, a popular athlete at Beko’s school, does not believe he can contract cholera because he is so physically fit. He does not wash his hands despite Beko’s advice. Zolo falls ill with cholera and must be treated at hospital.

When the play concludes, the children applaud wildly for their friends who played the roles. They are given the opportunity to ask questions about how they can prevent the spread of cholera. They are also given a comic book to take home. The 16 paged paper book, produced by Plan Cameroon, tells the story of Beko and his friends so the children can remember the critical message of the play. Plan has produced 20,000 booklets for immediate distribution.

The message has hit home. “Just by washing my hands with water and soap, I can keep from getting sick,” said one 11 year-old student upon leaving the assembly.

School children can be particularly vulnerable to cholera because of the large concentrations of people, poor quality or dirty water, and inconsistent application of basic hygiene like hand washing. In Yaoundé, Plan has been producing the skits in overcrowded schools with particularly old or limited infrastructure for clean water. The Plan theater intervention began on May 17 and will continue through the end of June.

Plan has been working in Cameroon since 1996 to protect children, supporting them to realise their rights as independent young citizens. From providing disaster relief to running recovery projects, Plan works to protect the rights of children and young people during emergencies, ensuring their immediate and long-term needs are met.

Read more about Plan Cameroon emergency support and intervention action to help cholera-affected communities.

Read more about Plan's work in Cameroon.

No beds for the patients

The situation in the Obala health district is alarming with 15 beds only designated to host cholera patients

"I spent all night sitting on a chair. My knees hurt and I had to stand up regularly throughout the night to allow blood to circulate properly," complains Ibrahim*, who had his eyes fixed at the entrance of the hospital while waiting to be discharged. He’s not the only one who received treatment sitting on benches or lying on the floor. The health center is equipped with 15 beds only designated to host cholera patients.

Health authorities are overwhelmed by all the number of new cases arriving daily. Lack of beds is not the only challenge the treatment centers are facing: potable water and electricity supply are inadequate for the needs of the victims of the epidemic.

Managing the situation   

Because of the lack of rooms, the hospital staff  were obliged to select cases. The most severe cases are referred to the Yaoundé University Hospital, other cases are simply sent home:

"If there are cholera patients who can afford the treatment at domicile, we give them drugs and prescriptions to follow and send them back home. Patients are also asked to come back as soon as possible if there is no improvement or if the situation worsens. Those who stay in the hospital are being sent home immediately when they start feeling better,” says Dr. Njokou, Acting Director of the Obala District Hospital.

"With the help of Plan we can decrease the number of cases and stem the epidemic,” said Dr. Njokou with optimism.

Working on the ground

Due to the lack of rooms, less severe cases are sent home

Plan is currently carrying its after-cholera action plan with Ministry of Education. Since last August 2010 up to July 2011, Plan has pledged a budget of 18 million CFA (about 40,000 US$) to support government action and intensify training on prevention and management of epidemic outbreaks.

“The funding has provided sanitation and hygiene kits. It trained teachers on basic cholera prevention and sanitation; constructed school latrines and water points in schools to protect the lives of children who are most vulnerable to outbreaks,” said Casimir Youmbi, Plan Programme Support Manager.

“We have a lot of experience to help manage this renewed outbreak after having intervened during the 2010 cholera epidemic and contributing to prevention and containment of its spread in the region,” added Casimir.

Plan has already raised US$300,000 to help the victims of the epidemic and prevent further spread– but much more is needed. Please, make a donation to provide lifesaving support to the people impacted by the cholera epidemic.

Read more about Plan intervention action.

* Name changed for child protection reasons

Plan carries out awareness- raising campaigns to reduce the number of cholera cases

16 May 2011: Cameroon’s capital city Yaoundé and eight neighbouring regions have been hit by another cholera epidemic. To date, nationwide, almost 5,600 cases have been counted, including 179 deaths. Death toll is highest amongst children, women and the elderly.

As the epidemic worsens by the day, Plan in partnership with the Ministry of health has started to respond: “Our main concern is to support the regional coordination of the response to the epidemic, to reach communities with information on how to prevent the disease and to identify, refer and treat critical cases,” said Casimir Youmbi, Plan’s Programme Support Manager.

Preventing infection, saving lives

Plan Cameroon provides in partnership with the Ministry of Health and local non-government organizations emergency support to affected communities. Initial work included distribution of clean water and disinfectant kits containing bleaches and sprays through 600 volunteers. In the city of Yaounde, which accounts for over 78% of all cases in the Centre region, the most affected region of the country, the team has started as of this week with awareness-raising campaign using information leaflets.

Since intervention action started in April, Plan produced 20,000 cartoons with cholera prevention information for children and youth to be distributed during community outreach activities.

“Good hygiene and public health messages can go a long way to reduce deaths,” said Unni Krishnan, disaster response policy coordinator at Plan International Headquarter.

Agreements have also been signed with the regional health districts in the Littoral and South West regions, where infection rates and deaths are on the rise.

Fears of rapid spread

Health experts fear that with the start of the rainy season next month the number of infection cases will rise. “Our goal is to act fast to prevent a further spread of the deathly disease”, said Famari Barro, Plan’s country Director in Cameroon. “This is the second major outbreak within a few months in Cameroon; we need to prevent the re- occurrence of the epidemic. We call for greater public investment and donor support in public water and sanitation infrastructure as well as for improved health and hygiene services,” continues Barro.

Plan Cameroon has been able to mobilize donor support from Irish Aid and Plan Canada to combat the epidemic, however Plan is in need of further financial support to expand response and prevention measures.

To support our work, please make a donation.

The families who lost their homes are now receiving zinc sheets for the rehabilitation of houses

16 May 2011: In the North-West region of Cameroon the security of people is threatened by tribal clashes between the villages of Balikumbat and Bambalang. The violence erupted on 6th March when some people from Balikumbat village organized a funeral on a disputed land between the two communities.

The people from Bambalang village, not satisfied with holding a funeral service on their land, complained to the Balikumbat people who as a response invaded the village of Bambalang, burnt down houses, destroyed crops and livestock. Hundreds of people were forced to flee to the neighbouring settlement.

Relief services

Plan’s aid response started on 26th March with the distribution of zincs to affected families in the worst affected community of Bambalang in Ngoketunjia Subdivision, North-West region. Disaster relief services started with the provision of 1,180 sheets of 3 meters long zinc sheets for the rehabilitation of houses. Each house is receiving 40 sheets.

“These zinc sheets will allow me to roof one of my houses to protect my 15 children since my six houses were burnt,” said Ndi Ibrahim, one of the beneficiaries.

With nearly 70% of the families already returned to their homes, Plan’s assistance has been ongoing since the crisis started. A disaster relief commission is monitoring all those who have received the zinc sheet to ensure it reaches the neediest people immediately. The reconstruction works are carried out by volunteers and people who left the village are gradually returning to the community.

“Each day, we gather and help a neighbour and when the house is completed, we move to another site to put the zincs and the roof,” said Ghogomu Albert, the chairman of the relief committee set up by Plan.

Moreover, destroyed crops and livestock make people more vulnerable to food insecurity.

“I am not able to provide food to my children as we have nothing to sustain us till the next harvesting season. Now, this is the planting season but the quantity the government provided is still not enough,” said Josephina, mother of four.

Protecting children

The whole community is participating in the reconstruction of Bambalang village

To protect the children, Plan with the Ministry of Social Affairs is establishing 41 birth certificates for some class six pupils and is providing psychosocial support to the children.

“So far, about 1270 children from both primary and secondary schools lost all their school books, uniforms and bags. We are continually assessing the situation to target the people in real need and offer them help, solidarity and support,” said Casimir Youmbi, Plan Cameroon’s Disaster Coordinator.

The conflict

The tribal clash between the villages of Balikumbat and Bambalang is a first violent conflict between the two entities. The dispute over lands comes from a historical power fight as the Balikumbat people argue that Bambalang village is a quarter of their territory. In fact, both villages are independent with its own traditional leader and practices. Plan is working in this Ngoketunjia Subdivision since 1996 helping 12 located there communities.

Read more about Plan's work in Cameroon.

Fabiola from Cameroon spoke about the importance of girls and women to be active in the fields of science and technology  

5 April 2011: “Empowering Girls: Education and Technology” was the title of the session Plan hosted during the 55th Session of the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW) in New York in early February.

13 girls representing Plan’s partner countries and communities around the world discussed how technology empowers girls and promotes their global participation. The girls also called for an international ‘day of the girl’ to raise global awareness around the unique challenges facing girls.

“This year’s CSW touches on gender, education, and technology. These are still areas where girls and women are lagging behind because of some of the barriers we face,” said Linda Raftree, Social Media and New Technology Advisor for Plan International.

Girls from Cameroon

Fabiola (age 17) from rural Cameroon addressed an expert audience with her own experiences in using information technology and about girls’ rights. Fabiola represented a Pan-African Plan Program to empower youth through technology, arts and media (YETAM).

“In Cameroon most of the families in rural areas deny girls their human rights especially the right to education. Girls may be forced into marriage instead of being able to pursue studies in science and technology,” stated Fabiola who also explained that when girls get a chance to use one of the five working computers in her school the boys would argue: “why are you holding a computer mouse when you will just end up holding a baby’s napkin?”

Girls representing Plan's partner countries posing for a commemorative photo

She also spoke about the impact of technology on her life and the importance of girls and women to be active in the fields of science and technology. She called for a society to break down the gender bias that girls aren’t capable in the fields of science and technology.

“I have access to a cell phone because I own one. This keeps me informed about what is happening with my family, my community and around the world. But other girls in my community do not have such access. Today, the world has been reduced to a global village with science and technology, thus, girls and women should not be left behind,” expressed the 17-year-old.

Being a member of Plan’s YETAM project, Fabiola was taught how to use camera, edit and produce youth media to raise awareness and create positive change in gender issues and girls’ access to their rights.

“Today, I say that we, girls, are full citizens. We are not simply mothers of tomorrow but leaders of future generations and members of our society. Girls should be given equal rights and opportunities to be engaged in science and technology just like the boys,” added Fabiola.

The commission of the Status of Women

The Commission of the Status of Women (CSW) meets annually to prepare recommendations and reports on promoting women’s rights in political, economic, civil, social and educational fields. The theme for this year was “Access and participation of women and girls in education, training, science and technology, including for the promotion of women’s equal access  to full and paid employment and decent work.”

Read more about Plan's work in Cameroon.

Childhood centres entertain children through games and educational activities

February 2011: Two new and improved nursery schools will help the communities of Bandongoe and Yoko-Betougou to realize the rights of its youngest citizens for a proper education. Inaugurated on 27th/28th January the nursery schools push for improved education chances for children, aged 3 to 5 in Eastern Cameroon, where only 195 nursery schools are available for a child population of about 390  000. The attendance of nursery schools increases children’s chance to succeed in primary school and thanks to the partnership project between Plan, KOICA and the two communities, Badongoe and Yoko-Betougou will be able to better prepare their youngest members for school success.

“Our village of Yoko-Betougou already had a small nursery school but without decent, additional classrooms we couldn’t enroll more children. Thanks to Plan and its Korean partner, our children can now enjoy learning in a safe environment,” said Mrs Sidoine Messina, the headmistress of Yoko-Betougou nursery school.

Supporting children’s education

The new centres add to 18 early childhood centres in East Cameroon, which prepare currently about 1700, 3 to 5-year-olds children for primary education by offering activities (spelling, reading, writing and counting) through games and educational activities.

Under the control of teachers children can now enjoy learning in a safe environment

The nursery schools also help parents to better protect and ensure the safety of their children while they are working their fields or in the farms. This has a positive effect on girls who are often responsible to take care of their younger siblings while parents are busy with the harvest. Girls can continue their own education, while smaller brothers and sisters discover first letters and numbers in a playful but organized way.

"Before some children had to travel 15km to get to school; imagine a four-year old child trekking this distance. Now, with the school built by Plan and South Korean partners, we do not worry about the safety of our children," said Essouka Gomone, a mayor of Belabo Council.

Promoting development

Plan Cameroon and KOICA started their cooperation in 2008 working together in the fields of Early Childhood Education. Now, KOICA supports Plan in the East region of Cameroon offering a quality educational environment to children in rural communities.

Read more about Plan's work in Cameroon.

Girls speaking out against violence in schools

21 January 2011: On 18th December, in Limbé in the South-West Region of Cameroon, Plan Cameroon launched its Learn Without Fear campaign to stop violence in schools.

This campaign was entitled: “Corporal punishment and humiliating treatment: cause of school drop out and disengagement in Cameroon” as a result of a national survey on the issues relating to corporal punishment. The survey, carried out by Plan between 2008- 2009 in ten (10) regions of Cameroon (Littoral, Centre, South, Southwest, East, West, North, Adamawa, Far-North and Northwest) revealed that for over 2200 children surveyed, 83% of school children said they are victims of violence, corporal punishment and bullying.

Stopping violence is everybody’s concern

Due to the worrying results, Plan responded with Learn Without Fear campaign to protect more children’s lives from violence and abuse. During the launching ceremony, more than 1000 children, teachers and parents attended the event. This campaign against corporal punishment, sexual abuse and bullying was also supported by government officials including the Secretary General at the Ministry of Basic Education, Armand Ndjodom.

“If girls and boys are not protected from violence and discrimination in their home first, then community or educational interventions present a challenge as children become distrustful,” said Mr Moussa Modi, Plan Financial Manager.

Creating safe schools

In Cameroon since 1996, Plan has been working with children, teachers and government in building awareness on “Safer Schools” to ensure that children acquire basic learning and life skills to realize their full potential in a violence-free school environment. The project also aims to support children who complete primary education to continue with secondary education and to ensure the participation of pre-school, under six years old children in good quality Early Childhood Care and Development programs (ECCD).

The launching ceremony gathered more than 1000 children, teachers and parents

“The campaign is very pertinent and it calls on everybody to put an end to violence and aggression,” said Mr Armand Ndjodom, Secretary General at the Ministry of Basic Education.

The ongoing advocacy campaign “Learn Without Fear” will be presented across Cameroon to raise awareness and gather support for safer learning environment for children. Thus, Plan will deliver sensitization activities to pilot schools in the six regions of Cameroon for now (Centre, East, North, Adamawa, Far-North and Northwest) where Plan works to end violence at schools and respect the rights of children.

Read more about Plan's work in Cameroon.