School bus for northern Cameroon.
Safe journeys to school.

Context and background.

Bamianga is a small, poor village in the Ngaoundéré district in northern Cameroon. Most children there are forced to walk several kilometres to school. Unfavourable weather conditions such as heavy thunderstorms and heatwaves make it difficult to arrive on time. Public transport such as school buses is not available.

Reliable and safe school transport makes an important contribution to education. It enables regular, uninterrupted school attendance and an easier journey to school.

Unfortunately, the cost, reliability and safety of transport influence many parents' decision to send their children to school — and the enrolment rate suffers as a result.

Project goal.

Supporting children who must overcome long journeys to school. Additionally, raising parents' awareness about choosing safe transport for their children.

Activities.

• Procurement of a school bus for the village primary school
• Creating a daily, child-friendly timetable
• Partial coverage of maintenance costs for the new school bus
• Educating parents about the dangers of unsafe transport — including avoiding motorcycle taxis carrying up to 4 children per ride