Gov’t introduces cinematic arts in secondary education curriculum.

This was in a recent press release signed by the Minister of Secondary Education, Prof Nalova Lyonga.

According to the release, the initiative is in line with government’s policy to professionalise education and prepare for the emergence of the film industry in Cameroon. 

It has as aim to provide students with a comprehensive education in the visual and performing arts, encompassing professions such as production, directing, acting, and screenwriting, among others.

Students who will embrace this branch will learn film history, film language, and grammar. They will graduate from secondary school with a diploma in cinematic arts after producing a screenplay or a short-film. 

The release revealed that five schools including Government Bilingual High School Molyko, Buea; Government Bilingual High School, Ebolowa; Government Bilingual High School, Bertoua and Government Bilingual High School, Maroua, were selected for the pilot phase.

To be eligible, candidates must hold a GCE Ordinary Level certificate or a Diplôme National du Brevet, BEPC, with a pass in their first language. 

The press release from MINESEC further called on interested candidates to approach the establishments concerned to enquire about admission requirements. The application window, as provided by the release, runs from August 19, to September 6, 2024.

According to an official from the Ministry of Secondary Education, Ottou Omgba, it is time for schools to stop being factories that produce unemployed people. 

“We advocate the training-employment adequacy,” Omgba stated.

While the initiative has been welcomed by many, some parents have expressed concerns about the availability of human and technical resources needed to supervise their children.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3219 of Wednesday September 04, 2024