Daniel OJONG
SECRETARY GENERAL OF SYNAEEPCAM NATIONAL |CAMEROON
Causes of the Anglophone
Crisis in Cameroon
1. Historical Context: The crisis has roots in the colonial history of Cameroon, where the country was divided between French and British colonial rule. The differing legal and educational systems created divisions.
2. Marginalization: Anglophone regions feel marginalized by the predominantly Francophone government. This includes political underrepresentation and a lack of investment in infrastructure.
3. Language Discrimination: Anglophones have faced challenges in accessing public services and education in their native language, leading to frustrations and demands for more recognition of English.
4. Education System Issues: The Anglophone education system has been perceived as inferior and has faced disruptions due to policy changes imposed by the Francophone government.
5. Political Grievances: Calls for greater autonomy and federalism have been met with resistance from the government, leading to increased tensions.
6. Social Injustice: Issues such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to resources have fueled discontent among the Anglophone population.
Effects of the Anglophone
Crisis on Education
1. School Closures: Many schools in Anglophone regions have been forced to close due to violence and threats from separatist groups, leading to significant interruptions in education.
2. Displacement of Students: On going conflict has displaced many families, resulting in children being unable to attend school or accessing educational resources.
3. Quality of Education: The crisis has led to a decline in the quality of education due to the lack of trained teachers, inadequate facilities, and disrupted curricula.
4. Shift to Informal Education: With formal education disrupted, many children are turning to informal education settings or learning
from home, which may not provide the same quality of learning.
5. Psychological Impact: The trauma of conflict can affect students‘ mental health, leading to anxiety andother psychological issues that hinder their learning.
6. Future Opportunities: The prolonged crisis risks creating a generation of children with limited education and skills, impacting their future employment opportunities and overall socio-economic development.
The role of the Teacher’s Trade
Union ( SYNAEEPCAM) with
regards to ending the crisis in Cameroon.
The Teacher’s Trade Union in Cameroon has played a significant role in addressing the Anglophone crisis, which has its roots in long-standing grievances regarding marginalization and inequality in the English-speaking regions. Here are some key aspects of their involvement:
Advocacy for Educational Rights
– Promotion of Bilingual Education: The union has advocated for the implementation of bilingual education policies that respect the linguistic and cultural rights of Anglophone communities.
– Protection of Teachers‘ Right : They have fought for the rights and welfare of teachers, ensuring that they have a voice in educational reforms.
Mobilization and Organization
– Strikes and Protests: The union has organized strikes and protests to draw attention to the plight of English-speaking teachers and students, highlighting issues such as inadequate resources and discrimination.
– Coalition Building: They have formed coalitions with other civil society groups to strengthen their impact and advocate for peaceful resolutions to the conflict.
Dialogue and Negotiation
– Engagement with Government: The union has participated in dialogues with the government, pushing for reforms and better representation for Anglophone regions.
– Mediation Efforts: They have sought to mediate between conflicting parties, promoting peaceful solutions to the crisis.
Educational Initiatives
– Community Support: The union has initiated programs to support communities affected by the crisis, including providing educational resources and support for displaced students.
– Public Awareness Campaigns: Through campaigns, they have raised awareness about the importance of education and the need for inclusive educational policies.
Challenges
Despite their efforts, the union faces challenges, including government repression, divisions within the Anglophone community, and the ongoing violence that hampers educational activities.
The Teacher’s Trade Union in Cameroon remains a pivotal actor in advocating for the rights of Anglophone teachers and students and in seeking to bring about a peaceful resolution to the Anglophone crisis through education and dialogue. Their role underscores the importance of education in fostering peace and reconciliation in conflict-affected areas.
More than 2000.000 learners are out of school meanwhile, thousands of teachers and school authorities are being kidnapped and killed in the affected Anglophone areas daily. Hundred of school campuses have become camps of separatist fighters.
In a nutshell, the unions have continued to advocate for inclusive dialogue between separatists and the government.
