The issue of Cameroon becoming an emerging country by 2035
has become another rhetoric that inundates people’s ears in Cameroon in almost
every gathering whether political or not. The issue has become so serious that
even in activities that have no lifespan or direct bearings on the daily lives
of the people 2035 is the focus. The recent inauguration of Tele centers in the
country and the region in particular is one of those steps taken by government
en-route to 2035. But providing a tele center to a community with no roads,
doubtful water and electricity supply, questionable health, educational,
hygiene and sanitation facilities cannot go unnoticed.
As to whether or not the people in rural areas need
information communication technology centers is another issue. It is simply
like many other projects that have been forced down people’s throats in
Cameroon even when they are not in need of them. It is now normal to hear the creation of
schools in almost every locality in the region yet the construction of
classrooms for the same is not the business of those who create it. Even if it is their business it is given in
tea spoons. The construction of two classrooms for schools that are five years
plus with over 200pupils all studying in bamboo constructed classes is very
common. When the roof of a fifteen years old school in Alabukom Mankon in
Bamenda two was removed by heavy rains while students were attending afternoon
classes it meant very little to those whose responsibility it is to manage such
circumstances. Apart from the Mankon water community project it will require
further investigation to ascertain that the government gives out assistance for
the development and increase of community water projects. The case of
electricity is just a no go area. The sorry state of our roads is equally
another cause for concern. All these challenges stand clear in front of every
community where the tele center has been planted.
And so how necessary these tele centers are without the
basics life necessities of food, adequate shelter, and even clothing is a
subject for another time. But if we must consider the need for Cameroonian
youths to go global through the use of information and communication technology
tools then improving similar facilities currently owned by schools could
possibly be a way out a way out. No one
will dispute the fact that some people will be employed to manage such
structures but what about its maintenance? Just like street lights in Bamenda
were cherished by everyone when the haed of state visited the region in 2010
and a few days up till date are disappearing one after another with no
replacements or maintenance. This might be the case with the equipment at the
IT centers if care is not taken. Could it also be a destination to promote
scamming? That certainly depends on its
control mechanism.
We are not in any way saying that the tele center are of no
value but the point here is that if more attention could be given to developing
our already existing educational structures with appropriate IT tools the
education of Cameroonian youth will be holistic and destined to putting
Cameroon’s students at the same level with others from the developed world and
that could be a better way for to 2035.