Cameroon
In the spring of 2018, government troops began systematically burning down villages in the jungles of western Cameroon and families had to flee for their lives. Schools in these forest communities have been closed even longer – since the fall of 2016. Many children who desperately want to receive an education have been migrating outside the war zone to access towns where schools are still operating. Tiko has become home to many such refugees, but children from such poor families simply couldn’t pay the school fees. In response, CBB’s partner, Etuge Sumbede of COREDA, began a school to serve orphans and displaced children, and CBB is funding the education of 50 of the neediest girls at this school.
Etuge believes in the importance of a wholistic approach to help these traumatized children. The school not only provides them with a strong academic program, but also serves them a hot, nutritious meal daily (sometimes the only meal they eat all day), gives them access to clean water, and runs a traditional dance program to celebrate their diverse cultures and bring psychosocial healing. Typical pass rates on the national exam hover around 40% in this region, yet 100% of his students have passed the exam since he began the school in 2019. We like to think this astounding result is because of the talented and dedicated teachers, but, in truth, we think most of the credit goes to these highly motivated students!
Queenivette’s Story
In the spring of 2018, government troops began systematically burning down villages in the jungles of western Cameroon and families had to flee for their lives. Schools in these forest communities have been closed even longer – since the fall of 2016. Many children who desperately want to receive an education have been migrating outside the war zone to access towns where schools are still operating. Tiko has become home to many such refugees, but children from such poor families simply couldn’t pay the school fees. In response, CBB’s partner, Etuge Sumbede of COREDA, began a school to serve orphans and displaced children, and CBB is funding the education of 50 of the neediest girls at this school.
Etuge believes in the importance of a wholistic approach to help these traumatized children. The school not only provides them with a strong academic program, but also serves them a hot, nutritious meal daily (sometimes the only meal they eat all day), gives them access to clean water, and runs a traditional dance program to celebrate their diverse cultures and bring psychosocial healing. Typical pass rates on the national exam hover around 40% in this region, yet 100% of his students have passed the exam since he began the school in 2019. We like to think this astounding result is because of the talented and dedicated teachers, but, in truth, we think most of the credit goes to these highly motivated students!
