Revelation made by Minister Haman Adama who went promoting bilingualism in the province.
After years of crying in the rain, the North West will soon welcome their own share of Japanese built schools with Bali sub division privileged to host the first. Basic Education Minister Madam Hamam Adama was cheered for the revelation over the weekend when she crisscrossed some divisions promoting the virtues of bilingualism. In effect the 6th National Bilingualism Day first took the Minister to Fundong, Boyo division where she encouraged youths to stand by the nations official languages as a source of strength, unity and pride.
After week long activities that sensitized the public on the need of being bilingual, celebrations proper in Fundong were characterized by sketchers, poems, songs and dance. Pupils and students demonstrated the importance of being bilingual. They showed their capacity in speaking French and English and encouraged others to do same.
Celebrated under the theme "Bilingualism a Key To Success And Progress", the 6th edition of the National Bilingualism Day came as a blessing to the education family of the North West province. The Minister of Basic Education was not only in Fundong to commemorate the day but also to handover gifts worth millions of CFA to the education family in the province. The gifts comprising 15 computers 100school bags and other didactic materials was to improve learning and teaching.
The Minister took time off to state government efforts to promote bilingualism in Cameroon with the creation of government bilingual nursery, primary, secondary and high schools in most part of the Country. The introduction of French as a main subject in the First School Leaving Certificate and the introduction of English as a main subject in the Francophone equivalent is another step forward she said. The Minister was a role model in bilingualism with her speech in both languages. Given that Boyo division is the most underscholarised in the North West, she encouraged parents to send their children to school especially the girl child. However after visiting some primary schools in Mezam and Boyo divisions, Minister Adama was impressed with the number of girls in primary schools.
It is however not all a bed of roses for the education family in the province .The Provincial Delegate for Basic Education Boma Christopher told the Minister about the lack of infrastructure. He complained that many primary schools are yet to have permanent structures. He added that the main hitch to the promotion of bilingualism is the lack of French teachers in some schools in the province. He thank the Minister for the gifts and promised to use them judiciously. The national day of bilingualism was instituted some six years ago to foster national unity, integration and to encourage citizens to stand by the country's commitment to make the difference as a bilingual country.
Regina LIENGU ETAKA
