FSLC 2020: Bafut Mayor Encourages pupils, promises scholarships

Bafut Mayor distributing facemasks to pupils

At the wake of the Anglophone crisis in 2016 that started with teachers and lawyers protesting for reforms, the educational sector was also brought to it's knees in the North West and South West Regions

In 2019, no pupil in Bafut could brave the odds and write the First school Leaving Certificate this 21st July 2020. However some 60 pupils are sitting the exams at Government School GMI in Bamenda.

This mark of strength demonstrated by the pupils was saluted by Ngwakongoh Lawrence, Mayor of Bafut as they sit the first day of the First school Leaving Certificate examination

Pupils sitting in the first school Leaving Certificate

Writing materials such as pens, pencils, rulers, erasers, sharpeners were provided to these pupils to facilitate writing for a better future. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks were also given to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Mayor used the opportunity to promise scholarships for the overall five best pupils at the exams

“I have come here as a Mayor to encourage them. To tell them that let a change of environment not cause panic in them. The Bafut council has put in place five spaces for the best who will make it to have scholarships in secondary school.”

Bafut, an area characterized by gun battles and no school, forced these pupils to study at home. He acknowledges the difficulties in Bafut and thanked the efforts of various actors.

“For this number of children to have been here to sit for the FSLC, is something I need to thank the inspector of Basic Education and all who have made it possible for this over 60 pupils from a tensed environment like Bafut to be part of the writing exercise.”

Inspector of Basic Education to the right

Nsuh Nkwain Christina, Inspector of Basic Education narrates the journey to writing and thanks the Mayor.

“These pupils have not gone to school but have only attended private lessons but they were having home teaching. That is why we could register these few. To participate in this exams, the pupils used the weekend to migrate to town inorder to be early for the process.”

“We want to thank the mayor for this gesture. Last year there was no candidate from Bafut but due to him we have over 60 pupils this year.” Inspector Christina added.

Pupils in the likes of Tafili Solita and Christian have applauded this effort and promised the best results.

“We say thank you to the mayor for encouraging us. I promise to do my best because I prepared well and hope to have the scholarship.”

Pupils from Bafut recorded 100% during the just ended Common Entrance examination.

By

Anye Nde Nsoh

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