Empowering through remedial classes: Blaise & Uzufa’s stories of transformation

For children living in crisis-affected communities, staying in school can be difficult. Years of school disruptions, displacement, and time away from the classroom have affected learning, leaving many children struggling with basic skills such as reading, writing and mathematics. In Cameroon’s North West and South West regions, these challenges can make it harder for children to keep up with their peers and progress to the next level of education.

Ensuring that every child can learn is at the heart of UNICEF’s mandate. Through remedial education, UNICEF, working with the Regional Delegations of Basic Education, is helping children catch up on missed learning, strengthen their skills and continue their education.

A SECOND CHANCE TO LEARN

Remedial classes provide targeted learning support to children who are performing below expected standards. Rather than simply repeating lessons, teachers identify children’s specific learning needs and adapt their teaching approaches accordingly. Through group learning and individualised attention, children receive the additional support they need to strengthen their literacy and numeracy skills.

The programme focuses particularly on reading, writing and mathematics, and the foundational skills that children need to progress successfully through school. Remediation targets pupils in Classes 4, 5 and 6 who underperformed in their first-term assessments.

Teachers are carefully selected and trained by regional pedagogic inspectors to deliver the sessions, including training in multigrade teaching methodologies and approaches for supporting children affected by crisis.

Among them is Rosaline Nkenglefack, a teacher who has witnessed first-hand the difference targeted support can make.

“Before the classes, most of the children were unable to solve basic mathematics problems and faced difficulties with reading and writing. But with constant follow-up, we saw that they were able to improve and perform better in their examinations. This makes me happy to continue supporting them and helping them build better futures.”

FINDING CONFIDENCE AGAIN

Kwinyuh Blaise, 11, is one of the children who benefited from the remedial classes.

Before joining the programme, he struggled with some of his schoolwork. With additional support and regular follow-up, Blaise was able to strengthen his learning and successfully transition to the next class.

“The remedial classes have helped me perform well in my studies. Now I can read and write well. I passed from Class 5 and I’m going to Class 6.”

For Blaise, moving to the next class represents more than an academic achievement. It is a renewed opportunity to continue learning and pursue his dreams.

A PATHWAY TO SECONDARY EDUCATION

For UZUFA Yanyuh, 12, the remedial classes came at a critical moment. As a Class 6 pupil, she faced difficulties preparing for the examinations required to transition from primary to secondary education. With the support provided through the programme, UZUFA was able to strengthen her learning and prepare for her examinations.

“We started the classes from April to June. Thanks to these classes, I was able to pass my Common Entrance examination and move from Class 6 into Form One.”

At the end of the 2026 remedial education cycle, children completed end-of-year assessments. A total of 6,167 pupils benefited from the programme across Cameroon’s North West and South West regions.

Behind this number are individual stories like those of Blaise and Uzufa, children who struggled, received additional support and found renewed confidence in their ability to learn. Their stories are among thousands of children whose education has been disrupted by crisis.

Continued support is needed

The progress made by these children demonstrates what can be achieved when children affected by crisis are given the right support and opportunities to learn.

But the need remains significant.

Across crisis-affected communities, many children continue to experience disruptions to their education and face learning gaps. Continued support is needed to reach more children with remedial education, strengthen teachers’ capacity and ensure that children can learn in safe, supportive and inclusive environments.

With the support of partners such as EU Humanitarian Aid, UNICEF and the Ministry of Basic Education are working to ensure that children affected by crisis are not left behind.

For UNICEF, education is a right for every child. Supporting children to learn, develop their skills and reach their full potential is central to UNICEF’s mandate.

The stories of Blaise, UZUFA and thousands of other children show what is possible when that right is protected.

With continued support, more children can catch up, stay in school and build a brighter future.

For every child, a chance.