Cameroon leaders expand education for vulnerable children

In Babungo, a community deeply affected by the multi-year crisis in Cameroon's North-West and South-West regions, many children have grown up far from any classroom. Prolonged insecurity and economic pressures have kept thousands of children out of school, leaving them highly vulnerable to negative influences such as drug abuse and early marriage.

Yet, inside a UNICEF-supported Temporary Learning Space (TLS), local facilitators are working tirelessly to protect children's futures. Every day, Tem Clara works as an assistant facilitator, supporting children in Level One lessons, helping children return to learning and providing a safe environment where they can grow, learn, and stay protected from harmful influences. Her commitment is driven by her simple concern for the well-being of children in her community

"I sacrifice my time because I want to see these children do something meaningful. When I see children roaming around doing nothing or worse, smoking or taking drugs at a very young age, it disturbs me."

Tem Clara, an assistant TLS Facilitator in Babungo,

Bringing Children Back to Learning

When the TLS first opened in Babungo, the vast majority of local children were completely detached from the academic system. Clara recalls that convincing traumatised families to prioritise education again was an uphill battle.

“We had children who were not going to school, and some had already started taking drugs. When the programme started, we went into the community, including the Muslim community, and encouraged parents to bring their children.”

Tem Clara, an assistant TLS Facilitator in Babungo,

Gradually, the community responded. Children who had spent years away from learning began returning to class. For young girls facing the risk of early marriage, the learning space offered a protective shield and a second chance. 

"We have young girls who are married already who cannot even read or write their names, but they are coming to the TLS now, learning how to read and write."

Tem Clara, an assistant TLS Facilitator in Babungo,

Making Learning Come Alive

As a Level 1 facilitator, Clara takes her preparation seriously. Before arriving at the TLS each day, she listens to the scheduled radio lessons at home to craft supplementary, hands-on teaching materials out of locally available resources. For instance, during a mathematics lesson on geometric forms, Clara cuts cardboard into triangles, rectangles, and circles before class starts. As the radio broadcast names a shape, she holds up the corresponding cutout.

 "When they call a rectangle, I bring out the rectangle; when they talk about a triangle, I show them the triangle. They listen, observe, and participate. It makes learning easier."

Tem Clara, an assistant TLS Facilitator in Babungo,

This interactive approach has completely transformed the classroom dynamics. Children who were once withdrawn and quiet now lean forward eagerly the moment the radio jingle