The 2025 “We Ring the Bell” campaign, a global initiative of the Liliane Foundation championed locally by CBC Health Services, has been officially launched in Cameroon by the Minister of Social Affairs, Mme Pauline Irene Nguene, with a powerful call for inclusive education. This year’s theme, “School for all: The promotion of education technology to advance inclusive education,” took center stage at a press conference on May 12, 2025, attended by key partners, stakeholders, and the media.
Mr. Ngum Samuel, Director of CBC Health Services, expressed his delight at the Ministry’s embrace of this crucial work. The Director of the CBC Health Services was in attendance with great fulfillment that this great initiative planted in Cameroon by the CBC Health Services has been embraced and upheld by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS), a close collaborator of social services rendered by the CBC Health Services.
Minister Pauline Irene Nguene, during the conference, underscored that education is a universal right, advocating for inclusive schools that welcome all children irrespective of their background or abilities. She highlighted the government’s dedication to this principle, aligning with national directives for free primary education and disability protection, while acknowledging the persistent exclusion faced by many children with disabilities due to societal prejudices.
A central focus of the campaign is the transformative potential of assistive technology in education, enabling equal access to learning for students with special needs through tools like adaptive software, text-to-speech, alternative entry devices, accessible platforms, and interactive whiteboards. The Minister emphasized how these technologies break down physical, sensory, and cognitive barriers, personalize learning, empower students, and support teachers, all in pursuit of leaving no child behind and guaranteeing every child’s right to a dignified future.
Highlighting the stark reality that 90% of children with disabilities globally do not attend school, the Minister of Social Affiars outlined the government’s multi-pronged strategy. This includes raising community awareness (already reaching 5 million Cameroonians), strengthening legal and institutional frameworks (resulting in new schools and a national inclusive education policy), enhancing teacher training, improving school accessibility, providing direct support to children with disabilities, and fostering partnerships, such as those with the Ministry of Basic Education and CBC Health Services.
The “We Ring the Bell” campaign 2025 thus marks a significant step towards leveraging technology to create a more inclusive and equitable education system for all children in Cameroon. Enhancing physical and material accessibility of schools, through the use of practical guides on accessibility, leading to the refurbishment of schools with ramps, adapted furniture, and specialized materials.
Providing direct support for children with disabilities, including specific allowances for participation in official examinations and fee exemptions for students with disabilities in higher education. Strengthening partnership and coordination, evidenced by Memoranda of Understanding with the Ministry of Basic Education and CBC Health Services. The “We Ring the Bell” campaign 2025 signifies a renewed commitment to leveraging educational technology to break down barriers and ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to learn and thrive.