The handover of nine newly constructed and equipped classrooms at St. Paul's Nursery and Primary School Ntahkikah Nkwen in Bamenda III Subdivision on May 30, 2024, is another demonstration of the impact of building educational infrastructure in rural communities.
For over 27years, Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) Cameroon has constructed and equipped thousands of classrooms across Cameroon. This has been done in collaboration with various stakeholders thus highlighting the crucial role of both religious and community development organizations in fostering sustainable development.
With the ongoing displacements due to the seven-year-long armed conflict in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, the need for accessible school infrastructure in urban areas like Bamenda has grown significantly.
"Responding to this urgent need is paramount," Mformi Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka, Director General of SHUMAS Cameroon says. "Building new schools reduces the distance children must travel to access education, making it safer and more feasible for them to attend classes." He adds
The construction of these classrooms is not just a response to immediate educational needs but an indication to the collaborative spirit between SHUMAS Cameroon and the local community. St. Paul's Nursery and Primary School, owned by the Archdiocese of Bamenda, was initially established with no proper structures. The Christian community of St. Paul’s Quasi Parish Ntahkikah raised funds to build classrooms, a move that catalyzed further support from SHUMAS Cameroon.
During the handover ceremony, Mformi Ndzerem Stephen expressed appreciation for the community’s effort in funding three additional classrooms. According to him, the community’s commitment is proof of the urgency and necessity of this project. He used the event to also thank Building Schools for Africa UK for their financial support and the government of Cameroon for providing a conducive environment for such projects.