There was elation and euphoria at the Nkambe Community in Donga Mantung Division of the Northwest Region where Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Secretary of State for Mines, Industries and Technological Development and Gerard Ngala, a business magnet based in Douala were coroneted with the prestigious “DOMAJ 2011 Achievement Awards” by Donga Mantung Association of Journalists-DOMAJ. The colourful historic event that took place under the auspices of the Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung Division on Saturday January 27, 2012 also registered the presence of 106 fons of Donga Mantung Division. For doing extraordinary things in an ordinary manner, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry as well as Gerard Ngala, according to DOMAJ jury members were role models in the spheres of politics, sustainable development and philanthropy to the point that their savoir-faire ignited a change in mentality in Donga Mantung Division. Accordingly, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry was voted “Donga Mantung Man of the Year” while Gerard Ngala was also voted “Donga Mantung All Round Best Rising politician”. The Donga Mantung Achievement Award it should be noted was only given to two individuals who have proven beyond reasonable doubts their commitments to serve others, promote sustainable development and reorienting youths into politics. It should be noted that Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry won public admiration in the areas of politics, sustainable development and philanthropy. As a matter of fact, through his scholarship fund, African Model village program to renovate palaces and his level-headedness in politics placed him on the pedals of appreciation.
On the other hand, Gerard Ngala in 2011, became the Obama of Donga Mantung Division due to the dexterity he addresses burning issues. He introduced a new style of politics and was able to combine business, development, philanthropy and politics in one basket. He moved out of the madding crowd to not only preach politics of development but did it through practical demonstrations. Donated support to schools, support construction of community buildings, water schemes, roads and above all gave youths the aspiration to take part in decisions.
To Sammy Mbgatta CPDM Section President Donga Mantung IV, Dr. Fuh Calistus is a model. On the other hand HRH Fon Benchep Nfor of Binka describes him as “the most practical man of all men in action” while Dr. Ndam says “the choice was factual”. On his part Alhadj Borno Kamfon described Gerard Ngala as a “politician with conscience and character”. To Barrister Yembe, “Gerard Ngala and Dr. Fuh Calistus make up the breed of new politicians that Donga Mantung people should be proud of”. In his words, Shufai Njilangotong (Njila Isaiah Tata) cum Divisional Delegate for Secondary Education for Donga Mantung Division praised DOMAJ efforts in stimulating hard work. Njila Isaiah Tata it should be noted was voted the All Round Best High School Principal in 2009 when he was principal of GBHS Nkambe by DOMAJ. Gemandze John opined that “if Dr. Calistus continues this way, his actions will go a long way to solve the vexing political development issues in the Division”. He added that Dr. Calistus as well as Gerard Ngala all deserve a stimulant to do more for the people and that the award was timely because “they deserve that recognition. “ I am happy this recognition is coming from journalists” says Tangong Oliver.
One of the major challenges and debate nationwide has been the capability of some elected officials to tackle development process in their sphere of influence. The mayor of Ndu Council, D K Nfor has been able to delineate that politics is development and that alleviating poverty and miseries in rural areas is precedence of priority that makes politics and development bedmates. In enumerating his achievements, at the helm of Ndu Council he said slowly and surely he has been able to make a difference in the fight against poverty through the provision of potable water, construction of classrooms, health centers, improvement of road infrastructure and others. Elected mayor in 2007, after he completed the mandate of late Bunyui Jonathan who passed onto the Lord, D K Nfor against all odds has proven that exceptionally his being there at the helm of the Ndu Council was by merit and not a favour from his fellow colleague councilors. He established a program aimed at supporting local initiatives and projects that are geared towards sustainable development. From all practical demonstrations, D K Nfor is going into record being result oriented and attaching a lot of devotion on social inclusion in his municipality.
From 2006 up to date, D K Ndu has achieved the following;
Road Infrastructure: Farms to
Market Road
Priority of Priorities
Developing farms to market roads and linking villages to villages was one of the major axes of the Ndu Council under DK Nfor from 2006. Taking advantage of the presence of some heavy machines in his municipality in 2006, the council used the opportunity to carry out maintenance work on the Ndu-Ntamru road. In collaboration with GP DERUDEP, the Ndu-Ntamru road was graded to the point that vehicles easily move from Ndu to Ntamru. To D K Nfor, the grading of that road has facilitated the movement of persons, farm produce and communication not only to Ntamru but also to Nwa. That same year, the council started work on the Ndu-Njialah,-Wowo-Mangu-Sehn-Ntaumbaw road thus giving it a face-lift. The council also adopted an approach with the department of Public Works, to stimulate community work by village on road maintenance. This new approach ignited the council and the department of Public Works to empower road maintenance committees of some six villages with basic road maintenance tools made up of spades, wheelbarrows, digging axes etc. In 2007, the road leading to the Ndu Council Rest House and the stretch from Ndu-Jirt was also maintained.
In order to restyle Ndu town, the council with the collaboration of the Ministry of Public Works also carried out maintenance and rehabilitation work on a number of streets even though some of the streets still need maintenance work due to the heavy down pour of rains, yet, DK Nfor is however optimistic that the level of dust and mud in the town has reduced considerably.
Taking into consideration the construction of the Ndu Council Chamber at the old market, there was the need to give the site more visibility. In that light, the frontage of the Ndu Council Complex was also given a face-lift giving that all the old market sheds were demolished and the entire new Council premises could be seen by anyone.
Moreso, the council with support from GP DERUDEP also constructed 1 bridge and 8 culverts along the Mbokop-Njimnjong road and in 2010, 02 culverts were also constructed along the Total Petrol Station and
JMBC Road
to ease the movement of water rain at Mbalele.
Infrastructural Development Program
Following complaints from the population of Ndu arguing that Ndu Council office should be located in Ndu town, in 2009, the council lobbied and obtained funds from FEICOM for the construction of a Council Chamber to accommodate all the council services. Ndu Council became the first in Donga Mantung Division to put up a befitting Council Chamber which enabled council services to move from the old building at Mbiyeh to NduTown. The Council Chamber is one of the numerous legacies of DK Nfor at the helm of the Ndu Council that always attracts the admiration of travelers along the Ring Road. Moving the council from an obscured location at Mbiyeh to it present site according to DK Nfor has helped to bring municipal services closer to the population.
Considering the fact that Ndu market is one of the biggest in the North West Region, the council also succeeded in erecting at the NduCouncilPark a multi-functional structure to contain the services of the motor park access revenue collector and a warehouse. A modern toilet and a urinary were also constructed below the Sash Hall to provide convenient services to travelers who while at the park feel like using them.
The construction of a goat/pig market at the lower end of the Ndu main market and a gate round it for security purposes have come to reduce risk of theft, an action which many users have applauded as being foresighted.
In order to increase council revenue and put in place convenient revenue collection points, the council also constructed four control sheds along the Ndu-Mbiyeh road, Ndu-Kakar road and Kakar-Ntaba road.
In line with the ongoing decentralization process, the Ndu council also built double classrooms for the following schools; G S Ngarbuh, GBPS Kakar, G S Ntaba and G S Mbucop in Ntamru zone with the assistance of GP DERUDEP. The Ndu Council also supplied the newly created GTC Sop with 60 benches. To DK Nfor the construction of the classrooms is part of the access to education program of the council.
Improving Access to Potable Water
One of the major problems in the Ndu Council area is the scarcity of water due to the abusive cultivation of eucalyptus trees around watersheds and catcment areas as well as the controversy surrounding the Ndu Water Authority. During the months of July/August 2011 when AES-SONEL disconnected electricity supply at the water pumping station because the Ndu Water Authority could not pay the bill of FCFA 1.500.000, the Ndu Council intervened and paid the bill for the population to have water. As part of its social inclusion it was necessary for the council to come to the rescue of the population because the town had gone for weeks without water and the fear that scarcity of water could lead to the outbreak of cholera and other water borne disease was high. To DK Nfor, keeping the population without potable water was not safe at all especially at a point in time much is being talked about cholera.
With the collaboration of GP DERUDEP, the council constructed some giant water schemes were constructed to serve three communities in the municipality. The Njialah Water scheme, Mbajeng Water scheme and the Nseh Makop water supply were realized to provide the population with potable water.
Considering the fact that no amount of assistance is so small when it comes to project implementation, the Ndu Council also adopted a concept whereby small water scheme projects are supported with cash. The following water schemes received financial support from the Ndu Ndu council, Mbandfung and Kakar water supply benefit 150.000 FCFA, Ngarum water scheme-200.000 FCFA and Nguluh Water scheme received 100.000 FCFA. Besides, the council also supported the construction of a water point at Ngarum.
Empowering Community Sustainability and Access to Education Facilities
Supporting local initiatives towards achieving the localized MDGs have been one of the axes of the Ndu Council under D K Nfor from 2006 when he became mayor. Empowering village development associations, community initiatives and individual projects according to D K Nfor is one of the current development policies which are being encouraged to foster participatory development. The Ndu Council considered it appropriate to encourage this policy by giving financial and material support to individual projects in order to stimulate the notion of rational development. From 2007 that the program was introduced, the following projects have benefited financial assistance as follows;
Assistance in Cash:
Support for the construction of classrooms at G S S Mbawrong- 200.000 FCFA, construction of classrooms at G S Wowo-150.000 FCFA, construction of the Njimnkang-Mbanjeng bridge-300.000 FCFA, renovation of the Mbipgo Fon’s palace-100.000 FCFA, roofing of the school building at Kuma-Talla-150.000 FCFA, construction of classrooms at G S S Taku-100.000 FCFA, roofing of the school building at G S Ntunge-Ntundip-100.000 FCFA,construction of the Health Center at Luh-200.000 FCFA,school equipment for G S Sehn-100.000 FCFA, financial support to G S/CBC schools, Sinna and Mbago CBC Church building-150.000 FCFA, support to Ntumbaw fon’s palace after wind disaster-300.000 FCA, support to families of fire disaster at Njinsa and Njimnjong-100.000 FCFA and fire accident at Ngar-Ntumbaw-100.000 FCFA.
In 2008 after an assessment of the impact of financial support, the Ndu Council realized that financial support to communities and individual projects could lead to poor management. Even though cases of mismanagement we not registered, some projects were realized late and thus, the mayor decided to henceforth give the support in material.
Assistance in Material in 2009
Bundles of Zinc
The following schools benefited from a bundle of zinc each (06 bundles shared to 6 schools). They are G S S Talla, CBC school Boyar-Ndu, G S S Ntamru, G S S Njilah, G S Nseh-Makop and Islamic Secondary School Ntumbaw.
Bags of Cement
The following projects were supported with bags of cement. A total of 100 bags of cement were shared to the following projects, CBC Mbucop-Taku received 10 bags of cement, G S Ngarbuh in Ntumbaw had 25 bags, Lfulfu quarter in Ngarum was supported with 10 bags for the construction of the water point, the Njimnkang-Mbajeng bridge received 30 bags to boost construction while Ntumbaw-Ngarbuh bridge was given 25 bags of cement.
49 Bundles of zinc in 2010
In 2010, the council increased it support to school construction project from 01 bundle of zinc to 07 each per project. In all, 49 bundles of zinc were shared as follows. 07 bundles of zinc for G S Kuma-Talla for the construction of classrooms, 07 bundles of zinc for G S Ngarum for the construction of classrooms, 07 bundles of zinc for the construction of the Integrated Health Center in Ndu, 07 bundles of zinc for GHBS Ndu, 07 bundles of zinc for CBC Mbaw-Sop that suffered from a wind disaster, G S Njirong for roofing of the school building and 07 bundles for the newly created Government Nursery school at Sehn village.
120 Bags of Cement in 2010
In 2010, the Ndu Council raised the number of bags of cement from 100 to 120 bags. The following projects benefited. The following projects received support. Construction of the bridge at Luh-25 bags, the construction of the bridge at Jirt (Jirt-Njirtu-Mbipgo) 25 bags, the construction of the Multi-purpose sub-palace hall at Mbakfu-Ndu-20 bags, the construction of a bridge at River Mbabur, between Sehn and Mangu-20 bags and the construction of the bridge Njikang-Mbajeng-30 bags of cement.
Support Program in Basic Materials to Schools
Through the decentralization policy, the Ndu Council also provided some schools with basic materials. The head teachers’ offices of GBPS Kakar, G S Ntaba and G S Ngarbuh were equipped with tables and chairs.
Promoting Social Inclusion
From 2006, the Ndu Council has been able to carryout some actions aimed at promoting the welfare of the underprivileged and social amenities to the needy. Since then, the council has been able to provide holiday jobs to university students on an average of 30 students each year. To D K Nfor, it is intended to boost the moral f both parents and students as well as provide them additional income to afford for their needs when they return to school. It also reduces the burden on parents.Under this program, the council also supported JMBC with a sum of 100.000 FCFA for the construction of the school library. During the 2010/2011 academic year, some 102 students were awarded scholarship and majority of the beneficiaries were students with disabilities.The fact that the Ndu Council was among the first council areas in the North West Region to introduce the health insurance commonly known as Mutual Health Organization clearly justifies the council role as a local institution that continues to cater for the needs of it rural population. The Mutual Health in Ndu stands as a unique model in the region thanks to the ability of the council to combat societal ills. Since 2009, that the MHO was created, D K Nfor says that access to health facilities has improved tremendously.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture through Mini Agro-pastoral shows
Ndu Council generates more than 75% of its revenue from the buying and selling of agricultural and livestock produce. The Ndu market is third in the North West Region after Guzang and Kumbo food markets. The most interesting thing about Ndu Council is that it has the biggest goat and pig market in the North West Region. This could not leave the council indifference in promoting these activities. Since 2006, the Ndu Council has made the farmer’s jamboree a yearly event. The council disburses at least 3.000.000 FCFA every year to finance the show. Farmers are awarded prizes and certificates as a way to stimulate growth and perfection. To D K Nfor, the best way to go industrial is to promote the agro-pastoral sectors. Through the show, the best speculations in the municipality are promoted and awarded compensation for hard work.
The scope of intervention of the Ndu Council in the fight against poverty and promoting sustainable development, the mayor acknowledges that in providing assistance to beneficiaries as indicated above, “ we take into consideration the needs of the concerned and it should be an ongoing project that it impact will reach the entire community or village”. Talking about the achievements of the Ndu Council, it should be noted that there are also very useful and important projects achieved before 2006 such as the Ndu Grand Stand, the purchase of the tipper, the partial construction of the Ndu Market through FEICOM financing, the construction of the public toilet near the Total Petrol Station at Ndu which has been rehabilitated and the construction of the bridge linking Njimnkang with Njilah village.
Although an administrative injunction denied former minister delegate for Justice, Maurice Kamto, the chance to explain his recent resignation from government through a press conference, it did not however prevent the university professor from using other means to elucidate his act and sell his dreams of a better Cameroon to the public.
In an email sent to local media houses, Kamto unveiled a personal manifesto sharing his views on how Cameroon can get better; called for hope in the population and promised to propose “ideas and a team to carry them” in the future.
The move was widely seen as a thinly-veiled launch of Kamto’s presidential campaign, even though elections are officially seven years away yet Maurice Kamto is ‘calling for a new dawn’, I declare that the road is open to a new hope,” this declaration issued by the man described by U.S. diplomats as Cameroon’s version of Barrack Obama states.
In a messianic tone only typical of a political discourse, the statement invites all political forces and civil society movements that have made sacrifices for collective freedom to defy the odds and “carry the new hope to its accomplishment”. “We shall be in the movement. For this, we shall present to the country, in the coming days, ideas and a team to bear them,” the concluding words of the declaration announce.
To political analysts, Maurice Kamto is on his way to succeed President Biya.
In an assessment of the present state of affairs in Cameroon, Kamto highlighted that “unanimity in politics, Cameroonian democracy is regressing offering the people only a chance to make an improbable choice between a state party and itself”.
“The state of law stammers in the face of useless violence and families are crying for justice in vain,” the man who only recently supervised the work of Cameroon’s justice and human rights system complains. Commentators are of the opinion that Maurice Kamto’s resignation could easily be zoomed from these declarations. However, Kamto’s declaration has poked a new wave of reflection about his political ambitions. Coming from an astute intellectual mind whose heroic resignation from government last November engendered intense comments that exposed the weaknesses and failures of the Biya regime, the statement has pushed some observers to affirm that Maurice Kamto is gunning for a full-blown career in the opposition as head of state come 2018.
Yet, following his resignation, Gregoire Owona, the outspoken government minister who often speaks on behalf of the ruling CPDM party as its deputy secretary general said Kamto resigned to “put himself in the logic of 2018”, the year President Paul biya’s recently acquired 7-year mandate expires. However, Kamto noted that “I did it with patriotism,” Kamto explained in his Wednesday’s declaration. “I took the 30 November 2011 decision for the sake of the future,” but could not clarify what was at stake in the future that necessitate his resignation from government.
A future which the law professor fears is greatly compromised by venomous tribalism.
“I could not resolve to stand by indefinitely and watch tribalism poisoning the life and the soul of the Cameroonian nation for generations to come,” Kamto declared creating the link between his resignation and ethnically offensive comments about the political succession stakes in Cameroon made by his former immediate boss at the Justice ministry, Amadou Ali and released by Wikileaks and widely reported by the media.
To some critics, Kamto’s resignation is coming too late because the publication of the said Wikileaks cable last August should have been the right moment for him to slam the door on the Biya regime. Worthy to note that according to the U.S. diplomatic cable, former vice Prime Minister of Justice Amadou Ali told then U.S. Ambassador Janet Garvey that it was impossible for a person of Bamileke descent to succeed President Paul Biya.
Amadou Ali also hinted that elite from the northern regions would gladly support President Paul Biya for as long as he desires to stay in power but will not allow another southerner from the President’s ethnic Beti group to ascend to power. Conclusively, Ali suggested that Anglophones from the Northwest and Southwest regions and Bamileke from the West region, from which Kamto hails, are completely left out of the current succession plans of the regime. This political act immediately attracted many comments, insults, passionate reactions and questions. Many observers in the political scene, academic circles, social networks and private circles, have questioned whether the method, timing, scope and unspoken of this approach which precedents are as little as the hairs on the head of Manu Dibango. The most recent resignation of a member of the government dates back to 1992 (Garga Haman Adji). More seriously, it is obvious that in a country where democratic governance is far from dynamic facts, it goes without saying that the resignation of a minister is anything but ordinary act without implications.
First, the arguments raised by the SDO to ban the press conference by a former cabinet minister was questionable, especially when one has to face the caciques of those in power who always describe the political system of Cameroon as "peaceful democracy". How do we explain that a Press Conference by a former cabinet minister could be seen through the contours of a political act, a threat to security and public disorder? Is it not a case of clear violation of human rights? Yet, Maurice Kamto’s Press Conference was banned by the regime he served and played numerous roles for it to survive.
Faced with this decision as arbitrary and unjustifiable legally and administratively, Maurice Kamto nevertheless released, albeit in very general terms - the motivations for his resignation that many Cameroonians are still to understand his political agenda.
That the ideas of Kamto are subject to the sanction analytical seems quite normal, even necessary for the quality of public debate and democratic vitality, but they would come to criminalize those "political ambitions" and the future of this great nation.
However, several actors from the political scene in Cameroon were quick to qualify Maurice Kamto as a versatile and an opportunistic character. Do we not say that it is often the opportunity that makes the thief. In reality, the issue of opportunism that is posed here refers more to the issue of inexhaustible interest in the governance of human actions. At this level, I have the weakness to think that with the exception of the Son of man, every human being is self-interest or opportunity. To return to the versatility supposed Kamto, do we not often say that only fools do not change? He has previously supported the opposition in what he thought was right. If God did for us all, who could cope?
Maurice Kamto seems to have endorsed this thinking of Martin Luther King Jr. suggests that: "There comes a time when people can not endure more, and where men no longer bear to be plunged into the abyss of injustice where they experience the blackness of despair corrosive. [...] There comes a time when silence is betrayal.
If we stick to his "political career", there is little doubt of his patriotism and his positions critical of the Biya regime. It seems to me that by entering the government, Maurice Kamto wanted above all to gradually understand the system from within and to fight it from without.
The mayor of Nwa Council has declared that conspiracy, blackmail, backstabbing, the resort to native and witch doctors should be strongly discouraged within the CPDM party. Dr. Ngomfe Loma-David Moloh made the declaration during the mini agro pastoral show that took place at Sabongari recently. Addressing farmers, traditional rulers, ardos as well as CPDM militants and sympathizers, the mayor of Nwa Council, Dr. Ngomfe Loma David instate of transforming politics into a sinkhole for character assasination he told the population that in politics, “we should individually and collectively accept our responsibilities and put this party, the CPDM, above our individual and selfish aims”. As if to confirm that the CPDM in Nwa is tearing apart, the mayor warned that “My father has always told me that you cannot tap palm wine in one bush and mix it in another”.
Notwithstanding, the Mini Agro Pastoral show that took place at Sabongari confirmed the popular saying that the Mbaw Plain is the breadbasket to Bui, Donga Mantung Division and others. The mayor however noted that Nwa with very rich agricultural potentials is handicapped by poor road infrastructure but added that sooner or later the problem of road infrastructure will be a forgotten nightmare. Sabogari, he said is a strategic town in the municipality reasons why the council focuses it attention to make sure that it economic potentials are fully exploited to the benefit of the population. Like any politician that would use any given opportunity to preach his political dogma, Dr. Ngomfe Loma-David told the population that African politics is based on negotiation. And given the results of the last Presidential elections, the development agenda for the next seven years is known to everybody. “Let nobody be fooled. Therefore all active forces have to join hands with me to develop this council area”. He called on the population especially those still in the opposition to join the bandwagon so that they could negotiate for a better future for Nwa Council.
The Mazie Sector flourishing in Nwa
(pic) Mayor of Nwa: Ngomfe Loma-David Moloh
On his part the Senior Divisional officer in his inaugural speech said that Donga Manting Division and especially Nwa Sub Division shall develop through agriculture. He said the coming back of CDC to Donga Mantung Division is testimony of government actions to foster development process in the Division. Reacting to the notion already established that the CDC is coming to seize land; Nzeke Theophile said on the contrary the CDC is coming to support and empower smallholders.
It should be noted the SDO also visited some plantations in the Mbaw Plain. At the MIDENO farm at Ntem, the SDO and entourage visited the Animal Traction site, where he recommended that the large piece of land be put into proper use.
Civil society organization and some opposition political parties in Cameroon have urged for the dissolution of the independent election body. The call to dissolve Elections Cameroon has become a burning issue in Cameroon after President decided that the electoral registers used during the last October 9, 2011 Presidential election be canceled.
However, in a statement some aspirants for the 2012 Legislative and Municipal elections have also argued that President Biya should create a new body to organize, monitor and proclaim results and not ELECAM.
It should be noted that Elections Cameroon is mainly made up of members of the ruling party and majority of the candidates are afraid that they could wave sentiments. Tension is reported in all electoral councils as more and more aspirants continue to express doubts and uncertainty on the impartiality of Elections Cameroon
My dear young compatriots,
In my message to the Nation a few weeks ago, I reminded all Cameroonians
that we are caught in a pursuit race between our development and our population
growth. By this, I meant that there should be a correlation between wealth
generation in our economy and our population growth such that the first may not
only meet the needs of our compatriots, but also improve their living standards
progressively.
Indeed, it does not suffice to undo the damage caused by successive crises –
which is what we are doing - but to give a fresh impetus to our economic
activity to attain the status of an emerging country, which is what we have
embarked on.
I am by no means deploring our population dynamics. A strong and ambitious
nation must rely on a youthful and large population. As I said moments ago, the
wealth it generates should therefore be sufficient to meet its development
requirements.
And of course, this concerns you primarily.
Without going into details, I wish to briefly revisit the meaning of the
"fresh impetus" we are going to provide in order to achieve our
goals. Since the said goals have been clearly defined by our growth and
employment strategy, we will soon launch our "agrarian revolution"
and implement our major mining, energy and infrastructure projects. In fact,
some of them are already under way.
This will not only revive our economy, but also significantly boost
employment opportunities, notably for the youth, be they certificate holders or
not, who are now unable to find work. This challenge is so important that I
have decided to make it a veritable "national cause" that should
mobilize the country’s vital forces as a whole, notably the youth who are
particularly concerned.
This battle to become an emerging country – for it is indeed a battle –
requires serious preparation on your part. In fact, the world we live in is a
competitive world where only the best make it. In this regard, you are not
without assets. It is generally acknowledged that Cameroon is endowed with quality
human resources.
The State will continue to support you to back up this good reputation by
providing you with one of the best educational systems in Africa.
In that regard, I wish to recall that the budgetary allocations of the
ministries in charge of the different levels of education in the State Budget
are among the highest.
I cannot elaborate here what public authorities are doing in the educational
domain, but to give you an idea, I will provide an overview of the actions of
the ministries that cover this domain. You will see that the numbers speak for
themselves.
Before delving into the subject, I would like to say that I am aware of the
objections that may be raised against creating numerous institutions and fields
of study. Will the increase in quantity not be detrimental to the quality of
education? The question is well worth asking. I personally believe that at the
present stage of our development, we really had no choice.
In a country like ours, what should be expected from the educational system?
On the one hand, that it should enable the large majority of the population to
acquire basic knowledge. On the other hand, that it should help mould
responsible citizens who are conscious of their rights and duties and their
belonging to one and the same nation. These are the objectives we are striving
to achieve, while recognizing that the outcomes sometimes fall short of our
expectations.
Accordingly, we should, as soon as possible, start reflecting on the future
of our educational system and consider devising far-reaching reforms that will
be implemented only progressively.
Let us now look at what is being done on the ground.
Regarding basic education, in 2011, seven hundred new primary and nursery
schools were established or rehabilitated. Hundreds of classrooms and
administrative buildings were constructed and equipped, enabling greater school
access for thousands of students.
Concerning the improvement of the quality of education,
substantial efforts have been made in terms of teaching and recruitment of
qualified staff.
Last year, about 7 500 teachers were recruited within the framework of the
contractualization process, 500 Grade One teachers assumed duty and 2 200 new
teachers entered the public service under the operation to recruit 25 000 young
certificate holders.
Measures have also been taken to ensure the implementation of free primary
education in government schools. The Ministry of Basic Education has also
received much support from national and international bodies, notably the
Chantal Biya Foundation, the Islamic Development Bank, the French Development
Agency, the World Food Programme and Plan Cameroon.
As regards secondary education, the numbers also speak for themselves.
In 2011, 670 classrooms, dozens of workshops, multimedia facilities, halls
for laboratory work and computer lessons, as well as offices, were constructed
in technical and grammar schools. Over 13 000 teachers were recruited, of which
3 500 as part of the recruitment of 25 000 young certificate holders mentioned
earlier on. 185 new schools, of which 66 technical and 119 grammar, were
opened. At the same time, private secondary education received 700 million
francs.
During the same period, special efforts were made to improve the quality of
education. As concerns technical education, 21 new specialties were introduced
and several partnership agreements signed with the production sector. Regarding
general secondary education, the teaching of information and communication
technologies, as well as computer science were introduced in curricula at all
levels and will be included in examinations as from 2012.
The alignment of higher education with our universal policy is being
pursued. Every Cameroonian, irrespective of his or her ethnic or social
background, will ultimately find a place in our university system. We now have
eight universities that are being supplemented over time, with the
establishment of new institutes, faculties and advanced schools. We are
therefore diversifying training so as to match Cameroonian universities with
the needs of our society.
At the same time, we are increasing university infrastructure such as
amphitheatres, libraries, laboratories, etc. and constructing buildings such as
hostels and university restaurants to improve the living and working conditions
of students, teachers and support staff. In addition, we continue to support
the modernization of research and academic excellence by granting various
allowances and awards. Last but not least, we are pursuing the implementation
of a process for the professionalization of higher education, in a bid to ease
the entry of young graduates into the business world and self-employment.
In fact, professionalization or training, as the case may be, is a prerequisite
to resolving the problem of youth employment. Emerging countries began by
putting in place an efficient education system and urged their youth to acquire
knowledge that is indispensable for rising to the level of the best. We must
follow their example.
Besides, our youths, who are naturally gifted, will only benefit from
drawing from the Latin saying "a healthy mind in a healthy body". In
this regard, Government has undertaken the construction of two modern stadiums
in Bafoussam and Limbe, two multisport gymnasiums in Yaounde
and Douala, as well as five community gymnasiums
in our Regions, without forgetting the renovation of the Yaounde,
Douala and
Bamenda Parcours-Vita.
In addition to the huge efforts made in education and sports, the State is using
its available resources to act directly for the benefit of the youth. Hence, in
the past months, thousands of youths were recruited into the security services
and, more recently, 25 000 certificate holders were absorbed into the public
service.
I must also mention the initiatives of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Civic Education aimed at preparing our youths to participate in social life and
facilitating their socio-economic integration. The National Youth Council was
established and is expected to coordinate the activities of the various
stakeholders. Also, it goes without saying that programmes such as the Rural
and Urban Youth Support Programme (PAJER-U), the Socio-economic Integration
Programme for the Youth through the Creation of Micro-enterprises and
Manufacturing of Sports Equipment (PIFMAS) and the Community Multimedia Centre
Project (REMUDEV) that seek to facilitate access by the youth to working life
and that have helped to create hundreds of micro-enterprises and junior
enterprises will be pursued.
I am also counting greatly on the National Civic Agency for Participation in
Development and on Youth Promotion Multipurpose Centres to raise the awareness
of youths on the importance of our efforts towards becoming an emerging
country. In my view, this is an opportunity to once again call for economic
"patriotism" as I have often done when referring to our economic
recovery.
In fact, you should not content yourselves with acquiring knowledge with a
view to ensuring your personal success. It is also your duty to be part of our
common grand vision at the service of our country which assisted you throughout
your studies. It will be a rightful contribution and a mark of good
citizenship. Clearly put, I am counting on you to be the builders of the
exemplary Republic to which we all aspire.
My dear young compatriots,
Last year I asked you to have confidence in the future. That was true
yesterday. It is all the more so today.
Happy Youth Day to you all!
Long Live the Cameroonian youth.
Long Live Cameroon.
A ban on the public meetings of the Cameroon Credit Cooperative Union League-CAMCCUL and its affiliated credit union movements in the country has been lifted but the ban on elective general assemblies in all credit union affiliated to CAMCCUL has been maintained. Addressing CAMCCUL members today, February 13, 2012, North West Governor said that following a decision by the Minister of Finance, Ousmane Mey, all elections have been suspended nationwide till further notice. However, it should be recalled that North West Governor issued the decision suspending all public meetings and activities of CAMCCUL and affiliates on February 3, 2012 a day to the date the Bamenda Police Cooperative Credit Union-BAPCCUL had announced its elective General Assembly, February 4, 2012 at the Bamenda Congress Hall. Yet, Governor Abakar Ahamat announced that he decided to slam the ban on CAMCCUL due to some violations of the law of 1992 by officials of CAMCCUL and following complaints and security threats. He also added that the decision was taken after consulting the hierarchy. Notwithstanding, Governor Abakar Ahamat allowed himself to be diverted from the main issue which was the manipulation of the constitution to listen to trivial issues masterminded by a group of self-centered individuals based in Bamenda town. The most pathetic thing that transpired during that meeting was that a group of people who had been feeding the administration with distorted and fake information. Seemingly, a mafia seems preparing to take over the savings of the poor because instead of debating on the issue of the change of constitution as recommended by COBAC and OHADA LAW, the intrigues were centered on tribal tendencies. The Governor even voiced out that he was aware that buses transported members from Nkambe to Bamenda as if to say the BAPCCUL branch in Nkambe does not have members or it members based Nkambe are not suppose to attend BAPCCUL meetings. Besides, Governor Abakar Ahamat also gave room to some overzealous members to question why CAMCCUL building was being constructed in Nkambe whereas it is the only chapter that had no office of its own. He also ignored that following article 9 of the OHADA Treaty once a law is adopted it is not subjected to any ratification. In the case of the 1992 which Governor Abakar Ahamat argued that it has not been impeached, it is therefore clear that the OHADA LAW on cooperatives and Credit Union must change existing policies and by laws, organize elections and put in place new officials and structures as well to suit changes. It was astonishing that some members went as far as asking the Governor to set up an ad hoc committee as if to say the present President was appointed by government.
Local leaders in Nkambe Central in recent and past times might have done so little to overcome the disadvantages of poverty within the basic education milieu to achieve any extraordinary success. But behind almost every story is the essential influence of not only individual personal qualities, but also the good fortune of finding an excellent development oriented person who would think of the kids as leaders of tomorrow. The world population has crossed 7 billion. So competition for the best educational provisions and resources will increase, especially for poor rural areas. Consequently, there is a risk of education improving in cities and the education gap between rural and urban areas widening further reasons why the Organization for the Improvement of Standards of Living was in the field in Nkambe Central to provide basic materials to schools so that they could deliver good quality and relevant education to all pupils preparing for examinations. To the Chief Executive Officer of the organization, Gerard Ngala, who personally handed volumes of books and other didactic materials to all primary schools in Nkambe Central, “improving access to education is a challenge for his organization”.
He said that the most pathetic thing is that most children go to schools where teaching standards are low and classrooms are seriously under-equipped. “For children in examination classes, vital textbooks are absent, and their parents can't afford to buy them” reasons why he decided to tackle the problem of access to basic education. “We are here to invest into the future and that investment is help”. However, breaking the barriers and improving access to basic education is certainly what pricked the CEO of the Organization for the Improvement of Standard of Living. Besides, Gerard Ngala told parents and teachers everywhere he went that children should grow up aware of their right to a sound education.
From private to government schools, the CEO of the Organization for the improvement of standards of Living revamped hopes in children as well as teachers as he distributed basic needs to examination classes.
There was fanfare and commotion at Catholic school Njap, when Gerard Ngala and his delegation stormed the school premises with goodies.According to Gerard Ngala, his organization seeks to help get access to basic education in rural areas. “You cannot imagine that next to our MP is a CatholicSchool that operates without a single building. It makes me feel for these kids who are ignorant of social responsibility. I will make sure that I work in collaboration with some elite of Njap to put in place a building for this school”. Everywhere he went he took time to explain to parents why education is worthwhile. He said that an educated society is more productive because it could easily face the challenges of globalization.
“No amount of excellent exam results or enthusiasm can help children whose parents are unable to pay for their college education. Needs-based scholarships are not available, so we will grant scholarships to the prospective students who need them most and if the children give us the desired results at FSLC and Common Entrance, we will make it a yearly event” Gerard Ngala told this reporter.
The key message is that a first step to improving education quality and equity in rural areas is through encouraging pupils Gerard said. The evidence indicates that providing "value added" data to policymakers and practitioners will improve processes at all levels of the education system - national, regional, divisional, school, class and learner.
To the head teachers, Gerard Ngala’s gesture will go a long way to improve the standard of education in Nkambe Central as well as stimulate pupils to work hard for exams. “We are very grateful for this gift. In fact we have never experienced such a donation” says the head teacher for Catholic School Njap. “This is a sign of love” says the head teacher of Government School Chup. By Fai Cassian Ndi
