Cameroon: Uncertainty looms over Jan. 9 school re-opening in West Cameroon

There is ever-growing uncertainty over the resumption of schools in the English speaking regions of North West and South West where teachers have been on strike for a while now. Despite numerous consultative talks than ended in a stalemate, the government has called on teachers to call off their strike and for parents to send their kids to school come January 9.

The teachers on their part have vowed to continue the strike action and have even threatened to extend the strike to schools of Anglo-Saxon structure throughout the national territory.
The Sun visited some families who have children in schools in the English speaking regions of Cameroon and sought to know from them if they will let their children back to school come January 9. as instructed by the governmental or would they rather heed to the call by the trade unionist asking them to keep their kids at home.

Eric, a pedagogue said “As a parent, I wouldn’t risk sending my children back to school amidst a situation of uncertainty. If Prof. Ghogomo thinks he is on the right track, he should reach an agreement with teachers on this issue; jointly sign a communiqué assuring parents and students that all is well. I don’t care about what I have paid as school fees. The life and future of my kids is worth more than the money.”

Pearl, another parent insisted “There’s a reason for the strike, and there are people who called for it. Until they call off the strike, no call from any professor can make me send my children to school on the 9th of January 2017.”
Peter advised parents to keep their kids at home “Keep the children at home. This struggle is for the future and that future is ultimately theirs. Won’t allow mine back to class until the strike is called off by those who initiated it.”
“I won’t send kids back to school except the problems have been solved. If teachers don’t go back to class who will teach the children?” Collet, another parent asked.

Cletus said “I’ve got lots of siblings schooling that way. I won’t support their going back to school come January 9th until I’m sure that everything is in order especially assurance coming from the teachers’ union.”
Geoffrey Mbong expressed worries but said it was worth it “As a parent, I am worried that my kid isn’t going to school. I’m comforted by the fact that the strike is bigger than all of us and the eventual result will guarantee her a better future than what the status quo provides.”

The Sun