Creative Writing Contest Vol. 16: Some of my Educational reforms if I were made Minister of Education

Indeed reformation is what humanity needs on a daily basis, it is what we need in order to get what we want.

BACKGROUND OF THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OF CAMEROON.

Education these days in Cameroon starts from

• Pre-nursery: A stage where children from 1-3 years in most cases just learn how to identify and name objects. Some places call ot day-care.
• Nursery: Children here learn already basi writing and reading skills. Nursery 1 and 2
• Primary Education: Calculations set in to the learning process while continuing with further syllables of writing and reading. Generally primary 1 - 6.
• Secondary education: Made of Technical and General education. A primary school pupil from class 6 chooses a field and is drilled for 7 years
• Higher Education: The University where everyone is literally free and does whatever they like even if they have no base.

Its quite a system and I applaud the initiators for it, at least the majority of us steeming from this community are able to read and write content here because we went through it. Just like anything, it has its ups and down.

In my opinion to make education better I will propose the following;

1.) More Emphasis on ARTS and CRAFT LESSONS from primary education since it already exists.

I remember during my First School Living Certificate days, each pupil had to do a handwork in order to be graded at the National exams. The activities included makimg bamboo mats, brooms, farmwork, cookery, needing and stitching amongst others. We had pediods for this activity on our timetable which most of us hated. It was my wish to take part in cookery during the exams but my teacher refused, I will never forget that day though.
I mean there aas pride in doing something and bringing it back home to your parents. But the time allocated for that activity was small and as years go by it has drastically reduced to man knows where. But it is from here that someone could choose to be Chef in future and decide to take whicj educational system after that.

I will delegate more teachable hours to a the subject ARTS and CRAFT and modify its content to include even toys, machinery, robots. The grading at the end of the National exam will be made to the pupils and prizes given to the best hardwork. With this be sure the intellect is stillmulated more to absorb other subjects.

2.) Revise the Subjects and set a harmonize program

I remember switching schools ome time in primary school from a private school to government school. After 1 week of learning im the government school, my parents sent me back to the private school. Why? The contents given were totallh different. This holds for both primary and secondary education. Some schools have the name tags pf the Rich and therefore the children are thought differently which is different from the Poor man tag. Rich or poor, education is thesame and should be served as such. There is no need to create walls in between children. Some of these curriculum are sent out same but some schools go to the edge of changing. Defaulters will be sanctioned for such acts.

3.) Set a clear difference between French and English system of Education.

Cameroon is known for some diversity and in a way this story has helped us in places. The present story is really pitiful, teachers whether first or second cylce leave teacher training from francophone background to teach Anglophones and vice versa. Language is a barrier to education but how do we cope when some institutions are only in French and others only in English. Those that even exist in common teach 2 different things in 2 different languages.
The curriculum for the two languages will be made thesame and equal, i.e. the maths thought in French will be same with that thought in English. If you are to leave French teachers training and must teach in English area then a translation of the lectures should be exactly the same. This way too certificates given are all thesame and equal.

4.) Set practical Laboratories in Secondary and Higher Education sectors

The Secondary milieu has labs already fpr just some activities, while some State called Universities have nothing.
Let all the practical courses be taught practically. Let the students touch and feel what they are supposed to. Give them the mindset of doing what they feel. Listening goes with a touch
I will make sure 70% of learning institutions have their laboratories be it secondary or higher education. Thiis way we are sure to have graduates who can at least do something even before waiting for government.

5.) Ensure Equitable distribution of resources to all schools in particular educational level.

There is no need to have 10 teachers go to the Far North and 90 go to the West. What should become of those in the Far North. Teachers a didatics should be shared in the proportion of those in need and not on favouritism.

6.) Reset the regulatory boards of Exams/Concours in the country.

People should pass exams based on merit not favouritism or regional balancing. No need to buy concours for millions. Let the child just write if 1 side doesn't work he or she should try another. We don't need to have students in fields they don not like jusy because of some prestige or matricule syndrome.

Let's start with these and ensure its effectiveness. Remember its not how much you want but how best you can do little thoughts. For sure there must be ups and down but at every point there us chance to sit back and monitor for evaluation.

Thank you @thegreens for an opportunity to share my thoughts for a better country.