🇨🇲 Cameroon: a country of culture and resilience 🇨🇲

Cameroon is a unique country with a rich history and diverse culture. The Central African nation is known as ‘Africa in Miniature’, and is home to varied landscapes, languages, communities and traditions. Here are some unknown facts about the country. 

More than 250 languages are spoken 

Cameroon is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in Africa, with more than 250 distinct languages locally, along with French and English, which are the official languages of the country. Many people speak several languages; one at home, another at school, and a different local language in their communities.

Known as ‘Africa in Miniature’

Cameroon features a range of ecologies, including rainforests, mountains and beaches. This diversity adds to the range of traditions, clothes, food and daily living that the country offers. These all add to the unique charm and ‘Africa in Miniature’ label.

Children do not have access to equal education

Primary education in Cameroon is officially free for all, there are hidden barriers that make it difficult for all children to enjoy. The cost of uniforms, exams, transport and resources means that some children do not have access to education. In many rural areas, long travel distances and school shortages make it harder to access education for some children. In northern regions of Cameroon, it’s estimated that around 60% of children finish primary school. 

Agriculture is an important way of life

Most families in Cameroon rely on farming. Coffee, plantains and maize are common in many households. Children in Cameroon often grow up and help out their families maintaining the fields, giving them a sense of responsibility from a young age. Unfortunately, this adds to the cycle of poverty in the country, because when families cannot afford to send their children to school, they often work instead. 

Why is this important to us here at Children of Cameroon?

At Children of Cameroon, we support children and young people from a variety of regions. Due to the vast diversity across the country, it means that every child’s situation is different, barriers to education vary from region to region, and support needs to be flexible and personal to the individual. Whilst some children need their school fees covered, others will need help to buy uniforms and textbooks. Other young people, like Betila and Azandra, benefit from help to support their vocational training. 

At Children of Cameroon, we are investing in the futures of children and young people, their families and local communities. 

Learn more about how you can support today.