Some 250 children and youth in the Far North region who are unable to participate or participate ineffectively in class due to existing barriers received inclusive learning materials and assistive devices at the start of the 2025 school year. This initiative aims at strengthening equitable access to education for children with disabilities and those from vulnerable communities, in a context marked by multiple socio-economic challenges.
The distribution of this support is part of the project, “Building Resilience for Enhanced Access to Basic Services of Health, Education and Social Inclusion in the Far North region” funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), and implemented by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS).
The kits provided included sign language flash cards, braille tablets, corrective glasses, white canes, crutches as well as essential school supplies such as school bags, exercise books, scientific calculators, maths sets, pens, pencils, pencase, armboards and chalk. This assistance will enable learners with visual, hearing, mobility and cognitive disabilities to follow lessons more effectively and reduce barriers to their inclusion in school.
During the distribution, the project team emphasized that inclusive education remains both a fundamental right and an essential lever of community resilience. They also reaffirmed the commitment of the partners to support the efforts of the Cameroonian government in promoting equal opportunities in the education sector. The beneficiaries are from 8 primary and 9 secondary schools in Mayo-Sava, Mayo-Tsanaga and Logone and Chari Divisions.
Parents and beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude, highlighting the relief this support brings and the hope it represents for the children’s future. “These supplies will ease our burdens and above all allow our children to learn in better conditions,” said Chetima Modou, a parent at the Minawao Refugee Camp.
Little Myriam Haoua from the Bilingual High School of Mora was equally delighted with the corrective glasses she received: “I have difficulty following lessons. When I look at the blackboard, my eyes water and my vision becomes blurred. But with this pair of glasses, I am convinced that I will see better and that it will have a very positive impact on my academic performance,” she said.
Through this initiative, the project is not only improving access to education for vulnerable children but also strengthening social cohesion and community resilience in the Far North region of Cameroon.
