Catholic Bishops of Cameroon’s Bamenda Province Decry “scary increase of deviant behaviours” in Schools

The Bishops called for a holistic response involving all stakeholders. They urged students to take responsibility for their formation by cultivating discipline and moral and social values, while avoiding practices that compromise their health and the purpose of education.

They described parents as “the first and most important teachers,” urging them to shape their children’s character by modelling truth, honesty and integrity.

Teachers, they said, should serve as mentors and guardians rather than merely transmit knowledge.

The Bishops expressed concern over teachers who become “co-operators in evil” and appealed to educators to uphold honesty and integrity and contribute to students’ character formation.

They also acknowledged communities’ role in confronting drug abuse and other harmful practices, while stressing that action must respect human rights and dignity and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

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The Government

The Bishops called on the government to adopt a holistic approach that combines law enforcement, public healthcare, rehabilitation, education and prevention.

They urged authorities to enforce laws against examination malpractice, drug abuse and trafficking, while providing affordable treatment, mental healthcare and rehabilitation services for victims of drug abuse.

They further recommended public awareness campaigns on the health risks of drug abuse, alongside peace education, moral integrity and a sense of merit within the curriculum.

An Urgent Appeal

The Bishops appealed to Christians and all stakeholders to respond to the challenges, saying that “the future of humanity and of our country depends on the emergence of a youth that is carefully prepared, morally and academically, to act responsibly.”

They called for effective interventions at every level and assured the faithful of their prayers and apostolic blessing.

The Bishops, however, acknowledged efforts by stakeholders to provide quality education to the young even in a crisis situation.

“We affirm our determination to implement Christ’s mandate to teach all nations and reiterate our call for the strict respect of each child’s fundamental right to education,” they said, adding, “The loss of education can be huge and regrettable for any individual and society.”

The Bishops said that education is a powerful driver of social and economic progress, and a powerful means through which we strengthen communities, foster inclusive societies and prepare the future.

They further warned that “to willingly deprive anyone of the possibilities of the upliftment that education brings, is to sin grievously.”