Interview: “31 clandestine schools uncovered in NW region”

Susan Fon, Delegate of Basic Education for the North West Region, explains the circumstances.

What is the situation of clandestine schools in the North West Region?

At the beginning of the academic year 2014/2015, there are some 31 clandestine private schools in the North West Region. 10 schools have been banned Belo Sub-division; 13 in Ndu Sub-division and two in Fundong Sub-division. Benakuma sub division has one and Menchum Valley Sub-division has five clandestine schools. Most of them lack declaration orders for creation, as such are not supposed to open their doors this academic year.

How do you explain the persistence of clandestine schools in the Region?

It is not forbidden to create schools in a bid to partner with government to promote and enhance education in Cameroon, but this must be done the right way by following the correct procedure. There are some people who think that since they own a house, the latter can just become a school.

Those involved in creating clandestine schools are those who think that creating a school is a fast way of making money. There is no accountability in clandestine schools and they lack credibility. Reasons why the government has outlined some procedures in creating schools that all must respect in order to be on the right track.

How can these clandestine schools be effectively closed?

The administration was very involved in closing this category of schools some two years ago. In effect, the responsibility of the hierarchy of technical services such as Basic Education is to report to the administration for action.