The Zeal for Education by the Children of Ichim Village of Oku,
Bui Division of the North West Region of Cameroon
Back in my primary school days in the 1980s, it was common for some parents to accompany their children right to the school grounds. Many children either didn’t want to learn or would leave home only to spend the day playing until it was time to return, then lie to their parents about attending school. Some wise parents would check their children’s exercise books to see if they had done any work. If the pages were empty, they would discipline their children to ensure they went to school and learned.
Since the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon began in 2016, I am sure that the children who never enjoyed going to school would have been thrilled. They might have thanked God for the opportunity to avoid school.
However, after nearly seven years of being unable to attend school, and growing weary of the constant sound of gunfire—from both locally-made weapons and well-crafted imported ones—almost every child seems to have discovered the true value of education. This realization has come not only to them but also to their parents and everyone who understands the impact education has on a person’s life.
From 2021, when we had a brief opportunity to reopen schools in Oku, it was a great joy for both the children and their parents. Despite the crisis impoverishing many families, we were determined to help these children learn, as they had already lost many years of education. Their futures would not be the same again without schooling.
In every village I visit in the Jikijem and Ibal areas, children gather around me with concerns such as: “Father, when will schools reopen? Start a school for us, Father. We’ve never been to school, or we’ve stayed home too long, Father.” Parents shared their children’s worries, looking to me as someone who could solve this problem.
I took it upon myself to ensure that each village had a place where children could gather and learn. Despite facing numerous threats and challenges, I couldn’t give up—I refused to let the future of these children be lost. One of the villages I recently assisted by establishing a school is Ichim.
In the current academic year, according to our arrangements in Ichim village, classes began at the end of August 2023. We managed to recruit teachers, and children arrived in large numbers. Since we had no buildings, we borrowed spaces from homes abandoned by people displaced by the crisis. Whether it was someone’s kitchen, storehouse, or living room, all we needed was a place where children could sit and learn. The joy on the children’s faces as they come to school has been indescribable.
Many of them arrive well before their teachers, eager to learn. Interestingly, on one public holiday, I encountered children with their school bags on my way from church. They were heading to school. When I explained that it wasn’t a school day, they begged me to call the teachers and have them come and teach. It struck me that these children are now desperate for any opportunity to attend school.
I can say that times have changed. The children are now eager to study, but the facilities are lacking. Please pray for our situation, and if you feel moved to support in any way, your help would be deeply appreciated. Even the smallest gesture can make a big difference in the lives of these children.
Fr. Cyprian Ta-ah, MHM.
