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There have been mixed messages over the media in Cameroon as government prepares to reopen schools Monday, June 1st.
While government ministers and regime sympathisers have been advancing reasons and measures for examination class students to resume, others have a different opinion.
In a declaration signed by Edith Kah Wallah of the CPP and Albert Moutoudou of the UPD MANIDEM political parties, they say now is not the best time to resume classes.
Accusing government of trying to playing with the lives of its citizens again, Standup for Cameroon says government did same with the Anglophone Crisis.
After waiting for the Government to revise its position in order to obtain better mastery of the disease, improve its preparation with all parties concerned and effectively put in place measures to ensure the safety of students and teachers before re-opening schools, the movement says the state has failed to do so.
The shortcomings it says are many: Not all schools have received the materials to adequately ensure the safety of students and teachers, not all schools have adequate equipment for the regular disinfection that is required.
In light of this, Stand Up For Cameroon believes parents must take responsibility for the health and well-being of their children and their families.
Calling on them not to send their children to schools where the minimum requirements for safety and health are not in place, it says the health and the life of a child are a priority.
“Stand Up For Cameroon stands in solidarity with the Teachers’ Unions as they continue to demand safe working conditions for themselves and their students,” the declaration states.
Among other moves, Stand Up for Cameroon says government should take the time to get control of the disease and its spread in all 10 regions of Cameroon, met with all of the parties concerned with Education including Teachers’ Unions, Religious Organizations, Private School Owners, parent Teacher Associations, etc. to develop a realistic plan that effectively ensures safety in schools of all levels before reopening.
“Parents should keep their children at home until the minimum requirements are met for their safety and well-being,” it urges.
In opposition to calls by some teachers trade unions for schools to stay closed, private school teachers say it hinders their only means of livelihood as they have had to stay for months without salary already.
Cameroon has over 5,900 COVID-19 cases with 191 deaths.
Mimi Mefo Info
