Education is a fundamental human right that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to lead fulfilling and productive lives. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon not being exempt, access to education is often limited due to various socioeconomic and cultural factors.
In this blog post, our approach will first be to paint a picture of what a world without education looks like, highlighting the social, economic, and political consequences. We will then demonstrate how education can address these issues and provide individuals and communities with the tools they need to thrive.
By the end of this article, we hope to emphasize the urgent need for increased investment in education in Cameroon and Sub-Saharan Africa, and highlight the positive impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.
1. Poverty
According to the World Bank, in 2020, 84.5% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa lived on less than $5.50 a day. In Cameroon, 37.5% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2014. Education can play a key role in reducing poverty by equipping children with the skills and knowledge they need to secure better-paying jobs and lift themselves out of poverty. Through education, children can learn skills in areas such as math, science, and technology, which are in high demand in the modern job market.
Furthermore, education can promote economic growth and development by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. As children grow up with access to quality education, they are more likely to become innovators and entrepreneurs who can create new businesses, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
2. Economic stagnation or decline
Education can spur economic growth and development by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity. Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth rate in 2021 is projected to be 3.4%, which is below the global average of 4.4%. Cameroon’s GDP growth rate was 3.8% in 2019, lower than the average growth rate of 5.3% for Sub-Saharan Africa.
By investing in education, countries in the region can build a skilled workforce that is capable of driving economic growth and innovation. Education can equip individuals with the skills they need to start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the economy. It can also support the development of new industries and the diversification of economies.
3. Gender Inequality
According to UNESCO, in 2020, 29 million girls of primary school age and 33 million girls of lower secondary school age were out of school in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, the adult literacy rate for females was 68.4% in 2018, compared to 81.1% for males.
Education is a powerful tool for promoting gender equality and empowering girls and young women. It can help to break down the barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential, such as social norms and stereotypes. By ensuring that girls have access to quality education, they are more likely to marry later, have fewer children, and earn a higher income. Education can also improve women’s health and reduce their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
Access to education empowers young people, especially girls, who are often marginalized in this region, to make informed choices about their lives and to participate fully in their communities.
4. War and conflict
According to the United Nations, in 2020, there were 18.7 million forcibly displaced people in Sub-Saharan Africa due to conflict and persecution. In Cameroon, the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions has resulted in the displacement of over 700,000 people. An estimated 3.9 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance in 2020, primarily due to conflict and displacement.
Education can play a critical role in promoting peace and stability in conflict-affected areas. By providing education to children and young people, we can help to mitigate the negative impact of conflict and promote social cohesion.
Education can also help to reduce the risk of children being recruited into armed groups or engaging in other forms of violence. In Cameroon, education can be a tool for bringing together communities that have been divided by the conflict in the Anglophone regions. Education can also help to create a sense of normalcy and routine in the lives of displaced children, providing them with a sense of stability and security.
Education can contribute to peace and stability in the region by promoting understanding and tolerance among different ethnic and religious groups.
5. Poor health and environmental degradation
Poor health and environmental degradation are major challenges in the region. In Sub-Saharan Africa, one in five children does not receive basic vaccinations, according to the World Health Organization. This can lead to the spread of preventable diseases and a lack of access to quality healthcare. In Cameroon, only 52% of the population has access to clean water, and only 16% has access to basic sanitation, according to UNICEF. Poor sanitation and water quality can contribute to the spread of diseases and environmental degradation.
Education can play a critical role in addressing these challenges. By educating children on basic hygiene practices, disease prevention, and environmental conservation, they can become agents of change in their communities. Additionally, education can lead to better health outcomes, as educated individuals are more likely to seek medical care and adopt healthy behaviors.
6. Social decay or regression
Social decay or regression is also a significant challenge in the region. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 40% of the population lives in fragile or conflict-affected states, according to the World Bank. In Cameroon, the country faces challenges in promoting human rights and democratic governance, according to the United States Department of State.
Education can help address these challenges by promoting social cohesion, peacebuilding, and human rights. Educated individuals are more likely to participate in democratic processes, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and respect the rights of others. Furthermore, education can empower individuals to advocate for their rights and hold their governments accountable.
Education provides a platform for promoting human rights and social justice, which are essential to personal and social development.
7. Population vulnerability
A region’s prospects of growth are based on its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and build resilience in the face of adversity. Various factors demonstrate the vulnerability of a region. Some of them include:
- Food insecurity:
According to the World Food Programme, more than 26 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa were in need of emergency food assistance in 2020. Education can play a critical role in addressing food insecurity by equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to engage in sustainable agriculture and food production. Education can also raise awareness of the importance of nutrition and health, which can help to prevent malnutrition and food-related health problems.
- Extreme poverty:
The economic impact of COVID-19 is projected to increase the number of people living in extreme poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa by 9.1 million in 2021. Education can provide individuals with the skills they need to create income-generating opportunities and improve their economic prospects. By investing in education, we can help to break the cycle of poverty and create a pathway to a better future.
- Forced displacement:
In 2020, an estimated 16.6 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa were forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence, or persecution. Education can play a critical role in addressing the needs of displaced populations by providing children and young people with access to quality education. By ensuring that displaced children have access to education, we can help to promote their social and emotional well-being, provide a sense of normalcy, and equip them with the skills they need to build a better future.
Education is a crucial tool for addressing population vulnerability in Cameroon and Sub-Saharan Africa. By investing in education, we can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to changing circumstances and build resilience in the face of adversity. Education can help to promote social and economic development, improve health outcomes, and create a pathway out of poverty and vulnerability.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by Sub-Saharan Africa and Cameroon in particular are numerous, ranging from poverty and economic stagnation to gender inequality, war and conflict, poor health, environmental degradation, social decay, and population vulnerability. However, education presents a promising solution to many of these issues. By providing children with access to quality education, we can equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to changing circumstances and build resilience in the face of adversity.
As individuals, organizations, and governments, we must prioritize investing in education in Cameroon, and Sub-Saharan Africa in general. Let us take action today to ensure that every child in the region has access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. Together, let us work towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Learn more about how Pierre Thierry Noah Foundation contributes to education of children in Cameroon. Click Here!
