Avoid school dropouts

Problem

Education is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of a country, but there are considerable challenges in the education system in Cameroon. Despite a high enrolment rate of 92% of primary school children in 2009, 248,000 children of primary school age, including 210,000 girls, were still not in school. The gender ratio is unbalanced, as there are only 87 girls for every 100 boys enrolled. Education also suffers from poor quality, with 15% of pupils having to repeat a grade and 31% of children dropping out of school in 2008. Only 55% of enrolled pupils completed elementary school, and the ratio of teachers to pupils was 46:1 in 2009, with only 57% of teachers qualified. The transition rate to secondary school is around 40%, and the high repeat and drop-out rates continue there.

Goal

Our project aims to improve educational conditions in Cameroonian primary and secondary schools and reduce drop-out rates, particularly among girls. To help pupils concentrate, we organize daily meals at school, as many children often have to travel long distances to school without food. In addition, we offer tutoring for pupils who need special support and set up school libraries to promote children’s reading skills. We are also committed to improving sanitary facilities in schools and information and communication technology (ICT). In the long term, we are planning a training program for international teacher trainees who will work as teachers in various subjects and help to improve school management and promote dialogue between schools and parents’ associations. Through these measures, we aim to improve educational opportunities in Cameroon and ensure access to quality education for all children.