The sudden and prolonged absence of a 13-year-old boy from school in the Cameroonian capital has brought to light serious concerns about the country’s education system, parental responsibility, and child protection policies.
The case has ignited public debate and prompted renewed calls for urgent reforms to address the growing risk of school dropouts among vulnerable children.
The boy, who reportedly has learning difficulties, has not attended school for several weeks.
Neighbours and members of the local community first raised the alarm after noticing his repeated absences and behavioural changes. According to his mother Jeanne, his struggles at school had become increasingly apparent.
“He came home from school late and was very undisciplined,” she said, expressing the challenges she faces as a parent.
Her account has resonated with many families in Yaoundé, where similar stories of parental difficulty and limited support systems are becoming all too common.
The situation has spurred debate across the capital, highlighting the fragility of the education system and its failure to support students with special learning needs.
Experts warn that this case is not isolated and may signal a broader trend affecting many young Cameroonians.
“Punishment is not an end in itself,” said Urbain Claude Niate Ndongo, a concerned parent and community leader.
He is among many who advocate for a more compassionate, constructive approach to child discipline, focusing on dialogue and early intervention.
Education specialists are now calling for reinforced monitoring systems within schools to detect warning signs of dropout risk.
They also stress the importance of providing adequate support for children with learning disabilities, as well as training for teachers and parents.
The incident has also reignited concerns around the state of child protection in Cameroon. As the country grapples with rising dropout rates, experts argue that a more unified, multisectoral approach is needed—bringing together families, schools, social services, and local authorities to create a safety net for at-risk youth.
In the wake of this case, pressure is mounting on the Ministry of Basic Education to outline clear strategies for tackling school absenteeism, especially among children from low-income or fragile backgrounds.
With growing public scrutiny, the hope is that this one boy’s story will be the catalyst for long-overdue reforms across Cameroon’s educational landscape.
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