Douala: Hundreds of students join their teachers to protest non-payment of salaries

It was a spectacular scene today Wednesday, April 24th, 2023, at Saint Gabriel Rita College in Douala, as students joined their teachers who were protesting against the non-payment of their salaries.

Hundreds of students held green leaves and peace plants, chanting and calling for the school administration to address the plight of their teachers.

According to one of the teachers who spoke to MMI on the basis of anonymity, the protest is the outcome of months of failed promises.

“Saint Gabriel Rita college in Yassa Douala since February has not paid its teachers for no good reason. This school has over 2700 students and 95% of the children have already paid their school fees. The teachers could not continue to accept this,” our source disclosed.

The source continued that: “This is happening at the time when teachers are struggling to revise the mock exams. And parents have paid an additional 5000frs each for this examination.”

The school which has been existing for over 20 years is said to be reputed for “its inconsistency in paying the salaries of teachers.”

“Most often teachers come back in September to have their salary for the months of April and May. Those who could not wait are immediately replaced by new teachers,” our source explained.

Teachers at Saint Gabriel Rita College in Douala say besides the non-payment of salaries, they also want to be treated with respect and dignity.

Mimi Mefo Info has not been able to get reactions from school authorities.

By Amina Hilda