Academic Genocide: Parents withhold Children in Protest

          The current scenario in some schools in the North West Region of Cameroon , particularly around the Mezam Division, whereby some student-teachers of French expression from some training schools particularly ENS and HTTTC Bambili have been sent to teach different subjects in a language they themselves barely master is brewing tension in the region. Describing the situation as an “academic genocide,” the PTA President under the canopy of UPTA held a meeting on 17^th February, 2015 chaired by the Interim National President of UPTA, Mr......... in which they deplored the scenario and resolved to withdraw their children from schools where those student teachers teach until they are recalled.

          According to the communiqué, the protest starts today Monday 23^rd February, 2013 and would last for two days. This according to the parents is to create awareness and to call on the powers that be to take a quick decision before things degenerate to an uncontrollable situation. They parent have questioned how on earth a teacher can teach in a language he does not master except he does so in sign language.

          The Cameroon Teachers’ Trade Union-CATTU of recent has been very vocal about this disturbing scenario and has petitioned the authorities that be on several counts to no avail. The indiscriminate admission, training and the flooding of student into ENS and HTTTC of the University of Bamenda by French speaking Cameroonians have been a bone of contention amongst education stakeholders in the region so few months ago.  What is interesting is that despite the gnashing of teeth by CATTU and some concerned parent, no one seemed to have budged an inch, thus making the whole scenario ridiculous.

         The decision by the PTA of the affected schools in the region has been viewed by many as the right step in the right decision since the only language this government seems to understand is that of a strike action. The hope is that in order not to perturbed the school years and rock the precarious peace reigning in the region. The powers that be should act and fast too because UPTA and the affiliated PTAs have vowed not to give in until their demands are met and their children assured of a decent education.