West Region: Senator Françoise Puene offers didactics to kids in Bafang.

Some teachers were equally distinguished for their hard work. It was as part of activities of the 9th edition of the Excellence in Education event, which took place over the weekend at the Bafang ceremonial ground. The heart-warming event took place in the presence of the Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustine.

The gifts were given out to the beneficiaries through the Fondation Puene Françoise pour la Liberté. The event, the Senator said, aimed at alleviating the financial strain of the new school year for students, pupils, teachers, and families in the West Region. 

The gifts, it should be said, did not only target underprivileged schoolchildren, but also sought to assist Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, from crisis-hit Anglophone regions, Muslim students, and persons living with disability resident in this part of the country.

Affectionately known as Mamy Nyanga, Senator Françoise Puene, noted that her foundation, which was created some years ago with the objective to provide assistance to less privileged persons, has over the years, stood the test of time by answering present in the promotion of education in the Upper Nkam Division.

“The smiles on the children’s faces as they received their school kits remind us of the importance of supporting our youth. Education is the foundation of our future, and these children are the future leaders of Cameroon,” Senator Puene said in her opening address.

She said this year her foundation was able to distribute kits containing essential school needs such as books, pens, pencils, and mathematical instruments to schoolchildren.

She went on to note that in addition to the school kits, she equally provided scholarships to some 50 students with outstanding performance. 

The scholarships, she said, aimed to reduce the financial burden on parents while motivating students to excel in their studies. Again, top-performing students who succeeded in the baccalaureate received computers.

“We want to ensure that our brightest students have access to the resources they need to continue their education and become the innovators and professionals of tomorrow,” Senator Puene stated.

To promote reading culture and academic excellence, the senator, via her foundation, also donated several textbooks and learning materials to the school libraries across the Division.

The books, she said, are designed to make educational resources more accessible to students and to encourage a culture of learning and self-improvement among the youth.

She equally handed over 500 pieces of fabric for the commemorating of the International Teachers' Day which will be distributed to all teachers in the Division. 

The symbolic gift, she said, will not only recognise the teachers’ invaluable contributions, but also motivate them to continue their efforts in shaping the minds of future generations.

“As a society, we owe a great deal to our teachers. They are the ones who guide our children, imparting knowledge and values that are essential for their growth,” Senator Puene remarked, adding that “this is just a small token of appreciation for the critical role they play in our communities”.

“We cannot underestimate the power of education, and we cannot overstate the importance of those who make it possible,” she added.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Governor Awa Fonka commended the efforts put in place by the senator in the promotion of education in the division, while noting the positive impact her actions have had on local schools and families.

The super-scale civil administrator, in his remark, tasked the beneficiaries to make good use of the gifts and continue to work hard so as to succeed in their studies.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3234 of Thursday September 19, 2024