The Diocesan Association of Parents of Students in Yagoua has issued a heartfelt plea for assistance as Catholic schools in the region struggle to recover from devastating floods. The heavy rainfall this year has resulted in significant damage, leaving many families homeless and schools in ruins.
For years, the northern regions of Cameroon have faced challenges during the rainy season, but the flooding in 2024 has proven to be particularly severe. The aftermath has been catastrophic as lives have been lost, homes destroyed, crops decimated, and livestock gone missing.
In Yagoua, the impact on education is especially troubling. Many Catholic schools have been completely devastated, depriving students of access to their classrooms. To address this crisis and salvage the school year, the Diocese, in collaboration with local authorities, has taken urgent measures. They have relocated schools to makeshift facilities, a difficult but necessary decision to ensure that children can continue their education.
“Almost all the schools in the Yagoua area have been flooded, making access impossible. With the collapse of the main bridge that connects to many of these schools, we had no choice but to move some institutions to temporary sites. This has posed significant challenges, especially as some classes had to be split into multiple locations due to ongoing access issues.” Guiswe Galgaba Giscard, the Diocesan President of Yagoua for the Parents' Association, shared.
Although the waters are beginning to recede, many schools, particularly in the Kousseri area, remain submerged and inoperable. Giscard emphasized the need for immediate support, stating, “We are calling on everyone with a generous heart to help us rebuild the structures that have been destroyed. While the government has made commendable efforts, there is still so much more to be done. The Diocese has worked tirelessly to ensure that children can continue their lessons despite the circumstances.”
Despite the ongoing challenges, he expressed gratitude that many students are still able to attend classes, thanks to the community's resilience and dedication. However, he noted that the situation requires urgent attention, including the repair of school buildings and compensation for teachers who have stepped in during this crisis.
Giscard Galgaba during the recent 33rd general assembly of the Organization of Associations of Parents of Students of Catholic Education (ONAPEEC), made a passionate appeal to lawmakers, local leaders, and members of the diaspora. “The time has come for collective action to save our nursery, primary, secondary, specialized, and higher education institutions. We urgently need support to ensure that our children’s education does not suffer further.” He said, at the event which held at the Headquarters of National Episcopal Conference Center in Mvolyé, on Wednesday November 20, 2024.
Meanwhile, the Yagoua community is now looking to local leaders and generous individuals to step up, hoping that the Diocese will be able to rebuild its schools and ensure that the children can continue their education without further disruption.
Sa’ah Siona Ikei,
Creative Storyteller.
(This was first published in The Herald Tribune Newspaper)
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