By Daniel D.
Administrators, education stakeholders, and politicians in the South West region of Cameroon have emphasized the need for children to study peacefully as schools resume across the nation this Monday, September 9.
In his back-to-school message, the Bishop of Buea, Michael Bibi, likened education to lighting a fire that provides light in times of darkness.
“If children are the future of tomorrow, then they must have what it takes to brighten the future. Let’s give children the education they deserve today,” he urged.
Similarly, in Manyu Division, Senior Divisional Officer (SDO), Yve Bertrand, stressed that development is impossible in a society where children do not attend school.
“We are going to put everything in place to ensure our children and teachers can attend school hitch-free this academic year,” he affirmed.
Ayuk Sarah, the Divisional Delegate for Secondary Education in Manyu, called on teachers and principals to open their schools and advised those in “red zones” to relocate to safer areas where they can continue teaching.
She expressed optimism about the reopening of more schools, stating, “Out of the 87 schools in Manyu Division, 47 have already reopened. I believe the number will exceed 50 this time.”
She also praised the security measures in place, noting they have been effective in protecting functional schools in the area.
Fako Division’s Senior Divisional Officer, Viang Mikala, echoed the same sentiments, urging parents to send their children to school and assuring them that the division is prepared for the new school year.
Insecurity Remains a Challenge
As schools prepare to reopen, separatist fighters have once again declared a lockdown in the region, aiming to disrupt the educational process.
Despite this, South West Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai, during a security meeting on Friday, praised education stakeholders for their resilience in ensuring that schools remain operational.
“We have suffered enough as a region, and our teachers, parents, and students deserve a peaceful environment to not only study but also to engage in economic and professional activities,” he stated.
The Governor called on parents to send their children to school and urged the public to “terrorize the terrorists” by reporting them and denying them refuge within communities.
Governor Bilai emphasized that the region can only achieve peace by actively opposing those who seek to sabotage education.
He warned that separatists, who continue to deprive children of their right to education, are relying on fear tactics to prove their presence.
Last week, separatist groups released a video threatening a lockdown during the first week of school resumption.
They issued warnings against anyone attempting to resume normal activities during this period. In the past, such threats have often materialized through kidnappings, killings, arson attacks, and torture.
Nonetheless, the push for education continues, with regional leaders determined to provide a safe learning environment for the children of the South West.
