"The neighborhood learning corner gave me hope when I thought my education was over"
In crisis-hit Cameroon, children like Marvelous, Keri, and Emmanuel are finding hope through education. Thanks to UNICEF, Republic of Korea and partners, their futures are being transformed
In the heart of the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon, the ongoing crisis has profoundly affected the lives of children, depriving many of their right to education and leaving their futures uncertain. Schools have been closed, livelihoods have been lost, and the dream of a brighter tomorrow seems distant for thousands of children. However, amidst these difficulties, hope is being rekindled thanks to the collaborative efforts of UNICEF, the Republic of Korea, and dedicated implementing partners.
With the support of the Republic of Korea, UNICEF and its partners have been working tirelessly to provide access to inclusive and quality learning opportunities for children affected by the crisis. This essential support complements ongoing emergency responses in education, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), and protection, reaching even the most remote and hard-to-reach areas. The project has not only identified and assisted out-of-school children but has also created safe and protective learning environments tailored to their psychological, emotional, and cognitive well-being, especially for those who have been exposed to traumatic experiences.
Marvelous’ Journey: Overcoming Barriers to Education in Crisis
When Marvelous first stepped into the UNICEF-supported Mobile Inclusive Neighborhood Learning Corner, he was met with the sight of his peers attentively engaged in lessons, their hands moving swiftly across notebooks provided by the project. Marvelous, however, had no notebook or pen—only a fierce desire to learn. Refusing to be left behind, he collected banana leaves from a nearby farm and used them as makeshift paper, determined to join the lessons.
With the steadfast support of the Republic of Korea, the Mobile Learning Corner now offers structured lessons, learning materials, and trained facilitators who guide Marvelous and his classmates through foundational literacy and numeracy. Today, Marvelous is not just attending classes, he is excelling. Having passed key assessments, he now stands at the threshold of formal education.
I learned so much here, and I am ready for school. I now have notebooks, and I can write clearly.
Marvelous' story is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination children bring to their education when given the right support. Thanks to this project, over 3,000 children like Marvelous in the North-West region are accessing quality, inclusive education, transforming their learning experience and offering a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Keri’s Courage at Chui mobile neighborhood learning corner, Babessi
Keri, a bright 10-year-old from Chui 2 Neighborhood Learning Corner in Babessi, knows all too well the pain of interrupted education. Forced to drop out of school in Class One when her parents lost their livelihood due to the ongoing crisis, Keri’s future seemed bleak. Yet, the Neighborhood Learning Corner became her sanctuary, a place where she could reclaim her right to learn.
With the provision of essential learning materials such as exercise books and pens, Keri found new motivation. Today, she reads and writes with confidence, embracing the support that reignited her academic journey.
I am very happy for this support, and I believe these essentials will pave the way for my enrolment back into school. Your kindness has brought hope and opportunity into my life.
Keri’s story is not just hers alone, it echoes the struggles and triumphs of thousands of children battling to overcome the barriers imposed by conflict and crisis.
Emmanuel’s Determination at Ntouncho 1 mobile neighborhood learning corner
Emmanuel, a 12-year-old from the Ntouncho 1 neighborhood learning corner, faced a heartbreaking setback when his parents lost their tailoring workshop, which was their only source of livelihood, during a confrontation related to the crisis. As a result, he was forced to abandon school in primary four and believed that his dream of receiving an education had come to an end.
However, hope returned when he found support at the learning corner. Thanks to the assistance of UNICEF and the Republic of Korea, Emmanuel was able to resume his studies and thrive once again.
The neighborhood learning corner gave me hope when I thought my education was over. Now, I can read, write, and dream again
The generosity extended to Emmanuel has brought light into his life, inspiring him to envision a future once deemed impossible.
A Community's Gratitude: Ngeh John’s Reflections
Ngeh John, President of the management committee of the Mbaw neighborhood learning corner in Babessi, praised the profound impact of the project on his community. Reflecting on the combined efforts of UNICEF, the Republic of Korea, and implementing partners, he emphasized the transformative role the initiative has played in supporting out-of-school children.
We are truly grateful for the generous donations of exercise books and pens from the Republic of Korea. These supplies will help the children transition smoothly into formal education.
Ngeh John highlighted the joy of seeing some of these children already enrolled in formal schools in Babessi, a crucial step toward reclaiming their futures. His heartfelt appreciation extended to all partners involved, calling for continued collaboration to reach even more out-of-school children still struggling in the shadows of crisis.
With funding from the Republic of Korea, UNICEF has provided critical educational support to over 10,000 children in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon. This initiative has created pathways for education in hard-to-reach areas, offering sustainable solutions for children whose futures are at stake.
However, the crisis is far from over. Of the 471,000 children targeted by the Education Cluster in 2024, many remain at risk and are still out of school, yearning for the opportunity to learn. The road ahead requires a collective effort from all partners, governments, and communities. It is a call to action for everyone to unite in ensuring that no child is left behind.
Together with the unwavering support of partners like the Republic of Korea and collaboration from UNICEF’s implementing partners—FIED, AMEF, SHUMAS, TeenAlive, and Street Child—we can build resilient education systems, foster hope, and create lasting change. We have already seen this transformation in the lives of children like Marvelous, Keri, and Emmanuel, who have benefited from access to education. Nonetheless, there is still much work to be done. Continuous support for these projects is crucial for molding young minds and strengthening community-led initiatives.
