Plan Cameroon is working with the government to promote girls' education

Far North Region

Area: 34,263 sq. km
Population: 3,480,414 (2010)
Divisions: 6 divisions, 45 councils

The Far North Region, located in the Sahelo-Soudanian part of Cameroon, is covered with savanna and steppe vegetation. It has very low rain fall and is home to more than 20 ethnic groups.

The population lives on subsistence agriculture, livestock and small trading. 8% of the population suffers from malaria, the most prevalent disease in the area, which affects mostly children aged under 5 and pregnant women.

Meningitis is also endemic to the area and cholera epidemics are frequent. With 20% of the total population, the Far North Region is home to 30% of all Cameroonians living in poverty.

The Maroua Programme Unit was created in January 2009, and Plan Cameroon is currently working with 7 of the 45 councils to introduce our work to the region. Plan holds awareness raising campaigns on its Child Centred Community Development approach and is preparing to launch child sponsorship programmes in the region. 

Programme highlights

Early childhood care and development

Plan Cameroon is working in the area with other stakeholders to raise awareness of the importance of birth registration – only around 60% of children possess a birth certificate, which provides easier access to services such as health and education. As a result, school completion and enrolment rates are low. Plan Cameroon is advocating with local authorities, especially councils, to facilitate the process of birth registration for all children. 

Quality basic education

With the net primary school enrolment rate at 82% and a low girl/boy ratio, the region is one of the worst in the country as far as education is concerned. Plan Cameroon is working with local officials from the Basic Education Ministry to improve government policy on children's education and to promote girls’ education.

Plan is advocating for mayors to allocate a consistent budget to children’s education in their council plans. 

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