Babadjou: The turnout for the Second Term of the academic year was timid at Government Bilingual Primary School Babadjou Toumaka, one of the main primary schools hosting Internally Displaced Children (IDPs) in the Bamboutos region. Only two-fifths of the students were present on the first day of the term at the school premises.

According to Cameroon News Agency, Mr. Achaiangia Aloysius, the school’s headteacher, attributed the low turnout to the fact that most children traveled back to their hometowns in the North West and South West Regions for the Christmas Holiday. He expressed optimism, stating, “On the second day, the turnout will be satisfactory.”

The headteacher explained that many children are based in neighboring areas such as Santa Subdivision in the North West and Wabane in the South West, making it challenging for them to travel on the first day due to lockdowns. During his address to the pupils at the morning assembly, he stressed the importance of the Second Term, highlighting the numerous breaks due to events like Youth Week, Easter, Bilingualism, and the FENASCO Games. He urged teachers to expedite the curriculum and called on students to be attentive in class.

All teachers were present and were encouraged to complete the syllabus within the term, with plans to conduct evaluations by the end of January. In contrast, at Ecole Publique groups 1 and 2 of the Babadjou Toumaka School Complex, the turnout was impressive, with over 97% of children and all teachers present on the first day.

The same emphasis on concentration and syllabus completion echoed throughout the schools. The Second Term is scheduled to conclude on Friday, March 27, 2025.