By Boris Esono Nwenfor
FONTEM, PAV – Education is slowly returning to normal at the Government Technical High School (GTHS) Fontem after years of disruption caused by the Anglophone crisis. Once home to over 400 students, the school saw a dramatic decline in enrollment as insecurity forced many learners to abandon classes.
Today, however, the institution is regaining its footing, thanks to the spirit of teachers, the determination of students, and the support of organisations like LECUDO-USA.
Jong Armstrong Oben, principal of GTHS Fontem, recounted the challenges faced by the school since the start of the crisis. “Before this crisis, GTHS Fontem was hosting about four hundred students. Within the past three years, we started with a new temporary site at the YTCC with only five students. We climbed to 12 students, and at present, we have 50 students. We are operating on our temporary site, the Women Empowerment Centre, which is small,” he explained.
Support from LECUDO-USA
The principal noted that while the school continues to function, its temporary facilities pose significant limitations. “The temporal site has only about three classrooms and lacks adequate workshop space. At our permanent structure, we have at least 12 classrooms and proper workshops, which are essential for technical education,” he said.
Adding to the difficulties, many of the facilities at the permanent site were damaged or looted during the crisis. Equipment, office furniture, and other materials were destroyed, leaving some structures dilapidated and in need of renovation.
In a significant boost for the school, LECUDO-USA, as part of a courtesy visit to the school in line with the 3-day free health campaign ongoing in Fontem, made a financial contribution to GTHS Fontem. The donation, according to the principal, is earmarked for the development of the school’s ICT section.
“Unfailingly, we are going to invest in the computer and digital section. The funds will provide laptops and projectors, doubling the capacity of our ICT area,” said the principal of GTHS Fontem. “This support from LECUDO-USA will go a long way in equipping our students with the technical skills necessary for the modern workforce.”
The donation comes amid a growing recognition of the need to equip students in rural communities with digital and technical competencies, particularly as Cameroon seeks to strengthen its vocational and technical education sector.
Technical education, a means to contribute to community development
For students like Atengwa Francis and Ngunyi God Promise, the opportunity to pursue technical education at GTHS Fontem is transformative. Both are first-year plumbing students, determined to use their skills to address critical needs in their communities.
“I chose plumbing because people here suffer from water issues. I want to learn how to supply, install, and fix taps and water systems,” said Atengwa. “My father sent me to school to learn, and my advice to others is simple: come to school, work hard, and become a better person in the future.”
Ngunyi echoed this sentiment, explaining that his goal is to provide essential sanitation services to households lacking flushing toilets. “I am here to supply materials and skills to our community. I tell my friends who are not in school to come and learn. School is the best thing,” he said.
Both students emphasised that technical education is not only a personal opportunity but also a means of contributing to community development. Their stories reflect the spirit of the younger generation, who are determined to rebuild lives disrupted by conflict.
While challenges remain, the outlook for GTHS Fontem is improving. Jong Oben highlighted the importance of returning to the permanent school site, which would allow for more classrooms, workshops, and improved facilities. “If we could operate at our permanent site next academic year, it would greatly enhance teaching and learning,” he said.
Support from organisations like LECUDO-USA, combined with community commitment, is helping GTHS Fontem recover and adapt to post-crisis realities. Despite years of disruption, education continues, skills are being developed, and the future holds promise for a community determined to rebuild through learning.
