This annual program is aimed at facilitating back to school activities for the less privileged, in the struggle to regain lost ground due to education gaps resulting from armed conflicts in the NW and SW Regions of Cameroon.
Background:
Due to the socio economic and political crises that has rocked the Anglophone regions of Cameroon for close to six years now, many children have dropped out of school and in the nearest future may become problematic to their communities and the nation. This isn't an idle speculation given the fact that crime rates are on the rise in IDP communities. Many young internally displaced girls have resorted to prostitution, leading to an increase in the number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and more. With this background knowledge, COEDEM is helping to combat the above problems by giving assistance to Orphans and Vulnerable Children.
The first project within this program was carried out in August 2022, with 300 children identified for support, and 180 actually receiving some form of material assistance. In view of getting better results in the coming years, the following observations were recorded.
Challenges encountered:
During the distribution exercise the following difficulties were encountered as follows;
- Limited financial resources. This limitation caused a lesser number of beneficiaries to reach.
- The number of recipients that came during distribution was more than the targeted number of 150
- Difficulties in the transportation of the materials to the community.
- Classes like form four upward where disgruntled because they were not on the list of recipients.
Successes:
The distribution was successful because other beneficiaries who were not targeted received materials.
Weaknesses
The above activity was carried out within the shortest space of time because the authorization from the government came late and so the number of children to benefit was less since the organization had no time to canvas for more support from other goodwill benefactors who are always willing to support such a gesture. Also there was enough time and resources to properly train the community volunteers and the Board members on how to properly carryout such activities.
Opportunities
The Community through its Lord Mayor welcome the project and promised his support when ever it will be available. Also the Local Administration provided the organization with both the oral and security support that were needed.
Threats
Due to the rains, and the topography of the area, not every child could be identified and registered.
Feedback:
The parents and the recipients expressed joy and the community leaders expressed joy after they were given some didactic materials help with reopening the doors of their community school.
Recommendations:
- The BOD should start planning against next year so that all the children identified and registered will also benefit.
- The organization should create partnership with other organizations and individuals who are willing to promote the activities of the organization and make sure that the financial resources for any activity to be carried out is made ready at least three months before time.
- Umbrellas, rain coats and rain boats should be made available to the community volunteers. S
- The organization should more financial resources in communication.
- Conclusion: Despite the above challenges the distribution exercise went well. A total of 180 pupils and students were reached out to though with some minor difficulties All beneficiaries were happy after they received their materials. They were also called upon to uphold good values which are a means to success in education.
