Back to Schools Campaign in Crisis Hit Regions of Anglophone Cameroon (BASCA) Enters Full Gear;

 

✓Akum Champions Back to School Campaigns in Restive North West Region

Bushing threats from separatist fighters and social media activists on no school returns in the crisis hit Regions of Anglophone Cameroon late Aug 2023, Akum sons and daughters came out in their mass to say enough to the madness of school lock down by clearing and opening class rooms abandoned in the bush.

After over 6 years of school lockdown and non effective opening, the population in utter disrespect of all the threats said enough is enough and rallied behind one of it’s elite Iris TANDONG an illustrious son, a go getter and a businessman cum contractor to clear open abandoned schools in Akum.

According to them, they have suffered a lot for the last six years struggling to secure their children’s education in the French speaking zones of Cameroon at cut throat prices. When they have schools behind their house, cheap, affordable and accessible.

Hear them on the occasion, as Akum village came out in their entirety to clear open their schools “our children’s fundamental rights to education must be respected, there is no bargain about it. The future of this country shall lie in the hands of educated youths not illiterates. We have taken our stands, schools must go”

Elated on the occasion Iris TANDONG a son of the soil, brain behind the laudable Initiative donated books and registered a good number of children who showed up for registration.

Talking to the press, he admitted being who he is and what he is today thanks to education and will not seat and watch some individuals in the name of a revolution crumble or destroy a whole generation. The future lies in the hands of the youth and they must be educated.

Back to Schools Campaign in Crisis Hit Regions of Anglophone Cameroon (BASCA) Enters Full Gear;

✓DO Tubah Exceptionally Launch 2023/2024 School Reopening in Jurisdiction

That was on Tuesday the 29th of August 2023 in the DO’s conference hall with all school heads and representatives of the Sub-Division.

Tubah Sub-Division with well over 100 schools, most shutdown as a result of separatists attacks and destruction has no better option than to cause for it’s reopening as normalcy regain it’s course in this part of Anglophone Cameroon.

The Sub-Division once noted at the peak of the Anglophone crisis in 2019,2020,2021 as Red zone and today is regarded Green thanks to the peace building prioress or initiatives of the DO NARCISSE Metouge, It is now left onto teachers, head teachers and principals to regain their classrooms effectively..

It must be noted that for the past one week indigenes of the said Sub-Division came out in their masses on the call of the DO and Fons of the four respective villages that make up Tubah to clear open schools infested by bush.

In their over four hours working session, parties in the deliberation, map out strategies on how to go about their teaching activities amidst security challenge.

DO NARCISSE the porte parole in his magnanimity celebrated parties who heeded to his call last year and have answered present this year to push for effective school resumption in his area of command.

Parties in their respective interventions at the back to school meeting praised the DO for pacifying their working environment and for laying the ground work for effective school resumption.

"Label World Currencies and Sporting Wear, Add the Discussion at COP28" CLIMATE DEMAND ACTIONS (CDA) For CLIMATE INSIGNIA CAMPAIGN (CIC) https://t.co/7K72J9XkpB

CLIMATE INSIGNIA CAMPAIGN/PETITION (CIC) Enters Phase III with already 55 Signatures. Add Discussions at COP28 on Labelling World currencies and sport outfits, Climate Insignia. JOIN THE CRUSADE under CLIMATE DEMAND ACTIONS (CDA) https://t.co/7K72J9XkpB

Climate Editorial Part VI " Waste is Wealth" Cameroon Minister of Education, Nalova lyonga Join World Decarbonization process ..The Colbert Factor

By Opting for Online Payment of School Fees, Secondary Education Minister, Nalova Lyonga, Boldly Takes Cameroon Closer to its Decarbonization Goals

Cameroon's President, Paul Biya, made a commitment during the 2021 Paris Climate Change Conference, PCCC, wherein he declared the nation's readiness to fully fulfill its obligation of reducing its carbon footprint by 32% by 2035 in comparison to the levels of 2010. This commitment was firmly grounded in the recognition that Cameroon's developmental strategy, aiming to elevate its status to that of an emerging nation by the same timeframe, could only be realized through a strategic approach to climate change adaptation. This, in turn, necessitated the formulation of a clean development mechanism.

President Paul Biya, cognizant of these imperatives, pronounced the country's resolute political determination to undertake the arduous yet indispensable decisions required to effectively coordinate the collaborative endeavors aimed at realizing this set commitment.

In a significant stride aligning with the decarbonization objectives set forth in Paris during the COP21 by President Paul Biya, Professor Nalova Lyonga, the Minister of Secondary Education, has introduced a digital payment system for school fees, commencing in the academic year 2023/2024. This progressive move brings Cameroon closer to the goals outlined at COP21. Moreover, beyond its contribution to the reduction of carbon emissions, this initiative enhances President Paul Biya's international standing as a steadfast keeper of promises, a stature that will be accentuated during the upcoming COP28 at the Expo City in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The said conference demands that nations substantiate their fulfillment of commitments made post-COP21.

This novel method of virtual and paperless fee payment in public schools, spearheaded by Professor Nalova Lyonga, not only advances the broader objective of carbon footprint reduction but also safeguards students, parents, and guardians from the perils of pathogenic agents prevalent on physical currency notes and coins that exchange numerous hands over time.

The conventional fee collection method, apart from its strain on human resources and material assets, suffered from considerable human errors in fee calculation, invoicing, and reconciliation. In stark contrast, the eco-conscious system introduced by the forward-thinking and digitally-oriented Nalova Lyonga significantly contributes to environmental well-being by markedly diminishing the volume of paper consumption in administrative processes across the nation's educational institutions.

Assuming a conservative estimate of 1,000,000 students in public secondary schools across Cameroon, it is evident that this new digital fee payment mechanism obviates the need for an equivalent number of paper receipts. By extension, it contributes substantially to reducing the carbon footprint associated with these 1,000,000 students, their parents, or guardians. Given that assessing individual carbon footprints entails accounting for daily activities, ranging from dietary habits to office paperwork, the cumulative yearly consumption of paper in processing and documenting school fees across over 23,000 schools adversely impacts the environment.

The ecological impact extends beyond paper, affecting printers, ink, and ink cartridges, all of which pose environmental hazards. Crafting a laser printer and inkjet cartridges requires over 3 quarts of oil and involves the use of chemicals that can prove detrimental if disposed of improperly, leading to water and soil pollution. Thus, apart from building upon this innovative step by promoting afforestation and the establishment of school gardens, the Minister of Secondary Education should also consider instilling environmental awareness in students, introducing them to #carbon footprint calculators.

This initiative would empower millions of secondary school students in Cameroon to utilize calculators to gauge their environmental impact, fostering not only an understanding of sustainable living but also nurturing a sense of responsibility towards the planet.

Advantages of the Digital Fee Payment System:

Beyond its eco-friendly attributes, the chosen digital payment system for secondary education in Cameroon confers various benefits, including enhanced convenience, security, and cost reduction.

This pivotal decision, while demanding, profoundly influences the upcoming generation of decision-makers and climate advocates in Cameroon. It arises from the myriad challenges previously encountered by students, parents, and school administrators when dealing with tuition fees and examination charges.

The labor-intensive process of manually organizing and tracking paper documents is both time-consuming and prone to complications arising from disorganized stacks of papers. Acknowledging the universally accepted notion that an average individual spends approximately 10 minutes daily searching for misplaced items, it can be inferred that those responsible for manual fee payment expended nearly six months annually in the pursuit of lost fee receipts.

The cost-effectiveness of digital payments far outweighs the expenses tied to outdated payment procedures. Seamless digital transactions facilitate precise record-keeping while relieving teachers of the responsibility of handling funds, which often leads to mismanagement. This, in turn, grants educators more time to focus on critical educational activities. With digital payments, parents and guardians are freed from the need to entrust students with the transportation of cash, thus substantially reducing the risk of financial loss due to theft or mishandling.

The digital payment system empowers parents to effect payments at their convenience, from the comfort of their homes, workplaces, or leisure spots, including outside office hours. This is especially beneficial for working parents who previously spent prolonged periods in queues while juggling work responsibilities. By simplifying the fee payment process with a mere click, this innovation contributes to improved student outcomes, allowing administrators to dedicate more time to designing effective curricula and exam patterns.

Instances abound of parents assuming they had remitted school fees, only to discover at year-end that their child's participation in end-of-course assessments was barred due to unpaid fees. Similarly, instances of funds disappearing between the school and the bank were not uncommon. By embracing this digital payment mechanism, the Minister of Secondary Education ensures that such issues become relics of the past.

As mentioned earlier, the online fee payment system enhances productivity not only for students and school administrators but also for parents. Furthermore, it substantially curtails CO2 emissions by discouraging millions of parents from making frequent trips to distant school campuses, thereby reducing atmospheric pollution.

Recognizing that digital services might not be universally accessible, Professor Nalova Lyonga has extended alternatives for fee payment, including the Cameroon Postal Services (CAMPOST) and traditional banking institutions like Afriland First Bank, Eco Bank, and Express Union. This accommodates parents who are unable to access MTN Mobile or Orange Money, the predominant players in the digital finance sector.

African countries present several arguments against embracing paperless money systems. They emphasize the challenges of a digital divide, where inadequate technology infrastructure and internet access hinder equal participation. Concerns over technological literacy, especially among older and rural populations, further discourage the adoption of paperless services. African nations stress the importance of inclusivity, suggesting that traditional methods cater to those uncomfortable with digital technologies. Worries about data security and system reliability in digital platforms also contribute to their hesitance. Additionally, linguistic diversity and cultural preferences for tangible documents are cited as factors. Some African countries assert that addressing climate change is secondary to their development priorities and urge Western countries, historically responsible for carbon emissions, to provide compensation and support for climate initiatives due to their disproportionate impact on Africa's resources and economy.

2023 has been one of the most challenging years for the news media in the world in general and in Cameroon in particular. Charitable giving for non-profit media outlets like The Colbert Factor has declined to the lowest levels recorded ever since we introduced the reader-supported model.

Despite such challenges,  we remain optimistic about the future of The Colbert Factor (soon to become The Gwain Factor) thanks to the incredible generosity of readers like you who chip in to support our vision and mission. 

But right NOW, we are far behind the fundraising goals we set for The Colbert Factor to support school resumption in the local Muteff community. We wish we were faster so we quickly close this chapter and settle down to our ever-demanding job of creating the kind of relevant content you have always loved. 

Will you support The Colbert Factor today to send over 200 dropouts back to school in the adjacent village communities of Muteff, Abuh, and Ngwah? Just MoMo 677852476

And you would be putting a smile on someone's face with your widow's mighty mite.

Community Mobilization Initiative for Rural Electrification and Skirmishes ✓Nkvurah Councilors Debunk False Accusations on the Misappropriation of Three Phase Transformer Funds

The peace loving, law abiding and development oriented people of Nkvurah quarter in Mankon village, Bamenda of late have known no peace in the hands of some enemies to progress and development.

As they engage in their collective plans to self mobilize funds to subsidize the quarter's re-electrification project to the tune of over 15 million francs cfa and to buy a three phase transformer.

The advocates of the false propaganda, mindful of the initiative, mindful of the fact that the said quarter has gone for long without lights and constant power failures, took upon themselves to sponsor diabolic social media reports against the quarter head, Gashu George and managing councilors.

Vexed by the ill and evil intensions of the said miscreants, annoyed by the damaging false accusations on social media, the leadership of Nkvurah quarter took upon themselves to address the press and clear the air in a press briefing.

Which is why they invited a battery of Journalists from all media outlets in Bamenda on the 26^th of August 2023 at the Nkvurah quarter hall known as the Fon of Mankon’s rest house to tell the world exact truth about the ongoing project.

On the occasion, addressing the press, Rev. Dr. Muma Stephen Che a Councilor who doubles as the project committee chairman, stated from start to finish how the project Initiative came up, where they are, at project realization and what has temporary halted work. Stating categorically that the three phase transformer plant realization is in good footing as evaluations were already made, contract awarded, poles planted, cables up, waiting for the procured transformer to be stationed. Adding that the delay is at the level of ENEO office Bamenda, whose officials are supposed to furnish the contractor Michael Smith with some documents for the said transformer to be authenticated in Douala. Concluding that they are at 90% realization.

The quarter head on his part watered down all framed complains about misappropriation and false charges, saying the quarter resolved on 50000frs per home as contribution levy and a subsequent fine of 50000frs for those who do not meet the defined day of payment. Stating categorically that the project is pro financed by Nkvurah cooperative credit union as they collect remaining contributions.

Other councilors on the occasion added their voice to condemn strongly the act the said individuals sponsored on social media. Saying, they are enemies to progress and the development of their people.

Seating in and speaking for Nkvurah quarter were, the quarter head Gashu George, Rev. Dr. Muma Stephen, Anjong Philip, Bruno Ngashu, and Nsemulah.

Climate Editorial of the Week: As BRICS Bank Seeks Ways in SA. to Introduce New Currency, it is time to Label World Currencies with Climate Insignia.

 

✓Time for a Global “Climate MARK” as we take Global Action with “CLIMATE INSIGNIA CAMPAIGN (CIC).

Climate Insignia Campaign (CIC) “is a labelling approach to climate awareness and resilience” Advocating for a climate symbol on all currencies of the World and major outfits, like sporting wears etc.

It is a general call for action which Cameroon Climate Journalism Network (CCJN) is launching under the canopy of it’s Climate Demand Action (CDA) campaign program crusading that the aspect of climate labelling be added in COP28’s agenda and parties should resolve on the labelling of all world major gadgets, articles of importance, all major outfits, sporting wears etc.

This will enrich and multiply the fight against climate change which is a global crisis.

All Mbaw Yakum’s Are Invited to the Fon’s Peace and Unity Cup Final September 2nd,2023

The cup finals will be taking place in Bafoussam at the Bamenzi stadium.

This is according to a press release signed by the Fon of Bambalang,  Kevin shomintang II on the 16^th of August 2023.

Which call on all sons and daughters of the land, members of the advisory council, notables, President of all development Association, all women groups in the village to make apparition at the occasion in their traditional attires.

On the occasion, that said Saturday the 2^nd of September the Fon of Bambalang who doubles as the President of the house of chiefs, shall be using that singular opportunity to donate school gadgets to Mbaw Yakums to enable them send their children back to school this 2023/2024 academic year at ease after years of stalemate.

According to the Fon sports and physical education is a unifying factor and a peace building tool just as important like sound educational empowerment. Which is why he took upon himself to donate the trophy and to ease back to school for his indigenes and subject.

 

 

 

 

"Waste is Wealth Part V" Building a Steep Embankment Using Thrown and Abandoned Lorry Tires ✓A Discovery this Reporter made on expedition to Abangho Catholic Sanctuary Bamenda, Cameroon.

Up on the Abangho hills jut above the lone orphanage, stands an imposing sun dry debris building on a steep slope, supported by an embankment belt using big abandoned lorry tires looking more solid than a concrete Wall, I must attest.

The mystery underlying the steep embankment is that the plastic tires gathered from garages around town are parked in steps, using ordinary red ground to bind the tires and it looks modern, more solid and lasting.

Out of it, (the thrown lorry tires) a steep solid artistic embankment stands imposing at Abangho quarter supporting an apartment for over 40 years.

it is a come and see erection cheap and affordable at the same time a proper way of disposing out used plastic tires for construction.

An initiative this Reporter took pains off to study and discovered that the embankment belt out of or with abandoned plastic tires can last for decades more than a concrete wall whose irons rods stand the possibility to depreciate in no time once it constantly comes in contact with water.

A stone throw from this erection lies another craft work made out of thrown plastic containers, a balcony belt out of plastic containers.

What an enriching experience this Reporter came across on Saturday the 19th of August 2023 in Bamenda, Cameroon? which will beat your imagination.

The hero in question and the brain behind the said initiative, I was not opportune  to meet but  celebrate him at every blessed moment for his creation out of plastic waste management once the image comes to my minds eye.

Which is why I thought it wise to share the experience with the darling audience that you are to enhance the campaign on proper waste management by blasting Plastic pollution.

Every plastic waste has use and takes decades to depreciate. Only proper plastic waste management can make use of and dispose of waste. NB: Plastic waste has undefined life span.

 

 

Climate Editorial of the Week: “Time for Soil Savers and the Movement for the Revival of the Ecology”

Three months (5^th December 2023) to another World soil day placed under the theme “Soils: Where food begins”, means that the soil is from where we get food, and we are solely dependent to. In other words, the soil is the beginner and end of everything.

This years theme posses a deep sense of one of life’s powerful mystery of creation “Beginner and the End, Starting Point and End of the Road”. Meaning the soil is the starting point and the end. “From dust man was created and onto dust man shall return” Man’s entire life depends solely on the soil. We must farm in order to harvest, we must apply nature based solutions in order to produce good yields, land must fallow in order to regain fertility, we must not use or allow fire to deplete our soils, we must not use soil additives, chemicals are toxic and harmful to biodiversity enhancement.

True to what we of Cameroon climate journalism Network (CCJN) are saying and given the importance of such a day, we are adding our voice, joining the chorus of World land media actors to canvas for a general movement to protect, conserve and revive the soil.

Whether we like it or not, time is coming under the sun that we must all “Bow to the soil”. Our land, the soil, nature and the environment is witnessing great havoc. It is time for us to harness our resources well and appropriately in order to live long.

Bambui Women (BAWOCUDA) Bambui Women Cultural and Development Association showcase Woman Power at 2023 AGM

 

✓Raise funds to complete Women Empowerment Center under construction,

✓Map out Bambui Women’s strategic development plan,

✓Resolve to work collectively for the sustainable development of Bambui village

✓While charting the ways of peace in a once turbulent  village for normalcy to return.

The last one week to 15 August in Bambui village Tubah Sub-Division has been very busy with women activities taking central stage, paying special focus on collective development and the social welfare of the Bambui woman.

The Bambui Woman known for her development strides, agrarian works and as business social entrepreneurs sat to redefine their foot path in the line of duty for collective development in Bambui village.

That was on Saturday the 12^th of August 2023 in the Palace conference hall where they joined their voice and strength with all other living forces of the land to speak one language, which is development.

The occasion, placed under the distinguished patronage of the Fon of Bambui Angafor the III, the DO of Tubah Sub-Division NARCISSE Metouge, had as theme “Empowering our children for a better community” and overall objective to raise funds for the completion of the ongoing empowerment center.

The Bambui woman gathering from  all over the Republic on the occasion, showed the strength of a woman in organizing and coordinating development activities.

Worth noting, the six hours session gave room for the presentation of the women’s annual reports, speeches from authorities, sketch, fund raising and resolutions.

Speaking at the end of the Bambui Woman’s week long cultural and development activities the DO celebrated the Bambui woman for their maturity and commitment to Development, most especially the empowerment of the girl child to better community life style.

The Fon on his part looking elated and extremely happy about the turn out praised and thanked the women for their leading force in the village’s development, taking time off to school them on good farming and development practices.

On the wise words of the Fon, BAWOCUDA 2023 AGM wrapped up in Bambui with the new impetus to reanimate pilot social activities for the effective and sustainable empowerment of the Bambui girl child.

 

 

 

 

 

Back to School Campaign Enters High Gear in Bambui Village Tubah Sub-Division

 

✓As Peace Loving Villagers Rally Behind the DO, the Mayor, the MP, the Fon, the Village Chairman and some concerned Elites to Clear open Abandoned schools and vandalized Council chamber.

Elites of Bambui in Tubah Sub-Division recently break even and waved fear to come out in their masses to all redefine their foot path and course towards destiny with regards to the socio political crisis that has since eaten into the fabrics of society, giving the population no room to breath.

What we are saying sincerely and effectively is that, the Bambui population came out on Thursday the 10^th of August 2023 in their thousands to clean the Palace, clear and open the abandoned council in it's abandoned premise since the crisis erupted and all the schools in the village, left in the hands of bush and intruders.

It must be noted that from the onset of the crisis that is in 2016, most of these structures and institutions were attacked, vandalized and even used as hide out by separatist fighters. Making it a no go zone to anybody.

With changing times and situation, plus the urgent need for peace and stability, the population of Bambui answered to the call of the Fon of Bambui Angafor the III, the DO Metouge NARCISSE, the Honorable Member of Parliament, Agho Oliver, the Mayor Tubah Tanjong Martin, Elites in the likes of Mulutakwe Sunday, controller Bamenda city Council, Atibatim Cyprain, Regional Assembly Councilor etc.

This was replicated in the surprising turn out and the commitment of the population waving fear aside with the utmost desire for change, for schools to resume effectively in the village and for Tubah Council to regain it’s place at the ramshackle Council premise in the Administrative head quarters.

Speaking to the population on the occasion, the Bambui village chairman, saluted the population’s bravery, the DO Tubah thanked the Population for answering present and for showing truly that they have unanimously embraced the path of peace, the Fon on his path praised all the living forces of the land of Bambui for ancestral guidance and benedictions. The Mayor on his part taken aback and overwhelmed with the unexpected turn out officially made it known to the population that the council will rehabilitate and regain their ramshackle premise which was abandoned in the bush for almost seven years. The MP for Tubah Bafut on phone, said all is working for the common good of peace and that the turn out was an indication that the population is feed up and have headed to their plea for peace and unity.  Concerned elites  in the likes of the Bamenda City Council Controller, said the massive turn out was a dream come through and a major break through in the hands of the dying Anglophone crisis. The Regional Assembly Councilor for Tubah thanked population and the village at large for their cooperation and collaboration for schools to effectively resume in the village and for peace to regain it’s course promising in the days ahead to come with school gadgets to assist the impressive population.

In the whole exercise characterized by clearing, cleaning, opening of major roads and foot paths, entrances and outlets of the said institutions, the Honorable Member of Parliament gave the population 20 Cartoons of savon and the Mayor of Tubah Council added 10 promising to foot school bills, help rehabilitate vandalized establishments and provide school kids, what to them was a symbolic gesture in appreciation of the bold step they have taken to accompany the state in peace and nation building.