In the remote village of Mbokom Nguilawa, in Cameroon’s Far North Region, education has long been a challenge. Families depend on farming and livestock, but poverty and insecurity from the ongoing insurgency have left many children without access to quality schooling.
Until recently, the local primary school was barely functioning. With only three classrooms, two built from mud and stones, students from six grades were crammed together. There were just eight benches for more than 300 children, forcing most to sit on the floor or on stones. None of the four teachers were officially trained, and without proper teaching materials, lessons were difficult to deliver.
The headteacher, Albert, recalls the difficult conditions.
“The learning environment was very harsh; the students sat on the ground and stones, and many ended up dropping out before the end of the year.”
The community tried its best. Years ago, parents pooled their resources to build the school, but despite their efforts, dropout rates remained high. Last year, more than one in three children left school before finishing the year.
That reality began to change when Good Neighbors Cameroon built a new block of two classrooms and provided 70 benches, giving children a safe and comfortable space to learn. Ten teachers also received intensive training in effective teaching methods, along with didactic materials to improve lessons.
That reality began to change when Good Neighbors Cameroon built a new block of two classrooms and provided 70 benches, giving children a safe and comfortable space to learn. Ten teachers also received intensive training in effective teaching methods, along with didactic materials to improve lessons.
To spark a love for learning, a storytelling club was created, now with 30 pupils building their confidence in reading and public speaking.
Albert has already seen the difference.
“The teacher training, creation of storytelling club, and training on visual learning activities have made a huge difference. Our kids are learning faster and becoming more confident. We are also expecting more children to enroll next academic year because of the newly constructed classrooms,” Albert said.
For a community that once struggled with conflict and poor school facilities, the progress is already visible. Children now learn with dignity, teachers have the tools they need, and parents feel hopeful again.
Although the project is still ongoing, Mbokom Nguilawa is beginning to experience a new dawn where every child has the opportunity to stay in school, grow, and dream of a brighter future.
Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development organization founded in 1991, working in over 50 countries to make the world a place without hunger and where people live in harmony. Engaging with over 200 communities globally, we empower people and transform communities through social and economic development initiatives. Good Neighbors has General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 1996.
For further information, please contact Good Neighbors Global Partnership Center.
Good Neighbors is a global NGO dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities in over 50 countries.
Good Neighbors has held a General Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1996.
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