As COVID-19 figures soar:
Government extends holiday, announces distance learning

Initially programed to start on the 6th of April 2021, the third term of the 2020/2021 academic year in Cameroon will instead kick off on the 12th of April.

A release by the ministers of basic and secondary education, Prof. Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa and Prof Pauline Nalova Lyonga says from March 29th to April 10th 2021, distance learning will be encouraged for students and pupils that are not in examination classes.

While other pupils and students continue with holiday till April 12th, government says all pupils and students in examination classes will continue to attend school unperturbed while respecting physical distancing measures such as the wearing of face masks and effective washing of hands.


Fears of an incomplete school year


The announcement of government Monday March 29th on the extension of holiday and encouragement of distance learning has left Cameroonians afraid that pupils and students not in examination classes may not return to school this academic year.

David Ejangwe, a parent in Douala says he believes “… By announcing distance learning, government is in a way trying to condition the minds of Cameroonians that the second wave of COVID-19 might not permit pupils and students to return to school”.

He expressed his fears citing a similar situation which took place last year when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak.

At the moment, the Minister of higher education has not announced any change of date in the school calendar.

Note that some universities like the university of Buea says negative COVID-19 test results will be obligatory at the beginning of the second semester for all students and staff.


Mbatho Ntan