By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi
The Divisional officer of Buea sub-division Kouam Wokam Paul in a joint meeting with members of the media and other education stakeholders has called on the effective resumption of schools in his division of command.
During the meeting aimed at brainstorming on ways to ensure the effective resumption of schools, the DO regretted that despite the declaration by the all Anglophone Teachers Trade Unions, calling off their strike, classes are yet to resume effectively.
“The future of our children is being overshadowed by irrelevant forces. Education remains the right to every child and this should not be jeopardized for whatsoever reason. The children need to be educated. It is their future which matters most’’. D.O Wokam Paul noted.
As a result, the divisional officer opened the floor for solutions to be brought forward as regard to the ongoing crisis. Major concerns were brought up from the media as well as the education sector, some of which were the then absence of internet connection as a means of communication. Security, the already existing mindset of the parents and children which will be extremely difficult to change especially for those in urban areas, the detention of some media men which has shown that there is no freedom of press, amongst others.
Possible Solutions
“When there is a will, there is a way’’ The divisional officer suggested. He assured all present that their security will be ensured and that the mindset of parents and children could be changed only if they are being educated on the importance of education.
“In all, let us look at the educational aspect and not the political. Let us focus on the educational side. Our children need to go to school’’. He reiterated. Television and radio stations took upon themselves as a responsibility to broadcast programs pertaining to the issue and encouraging the effective resumption of schools. A delegation was assigned to urban areas to re-educate parents and children making them understand the importance of education. Those in authority were equally told to set the pace for others to follow suit by sending their own children to school.
The over two hours closed door meeting ended with the parties involved verbally agreeing to ensure that classes resume effectively in the region.