Date: September 2, 2023
This report presents the outcomes and impact of the Back to School project conducted by Tendos Foundation at the Bakoko and Wutoto IDP Camps in Limbe. The project aimed to support children in the camp to access education and create a conducive learning environment. This report outlines the importance of the project and the benefits it provided to both the children and their parents. A total of 230 children were impacted in both camps by this project
Importance of the Back to School Project
The Back to School project holds significant importance for the children and parents in the IDP camps. Its objectives were as follows:
a. Access to Education: The project aimed to ensure that children in the camp have access to quality education. Education plays a vital role in their holistic development, providing them with essential knowledge and skills for their future.
b. Psychological Support: Returning to school after experiencing displacement and trauma can be challenging for children. The project aimed to provide psychosocial support to help them cope with their experiences and facilitate a smooth transition back to the learning environment.
c. Parental Engagement: The project recognized the importance of parental involvement in children’s education. By engaging parents, the project aimed to strengthen their awareness of the value of education and support their active participation in their children’s educational journey.
d. Promote Stability and Normalcy: The Back to School project aimed to restore a sense of stability and normalcy in the lives of the children by providing them with the opportunity to attend school, interact with peers, and engage in learning activities.
Project Activities
The Back to School project encompassed the following activities:
a. School Enrollment Support: Tendos Foundation worked closely with local education authorities to facilitate the enrollment of children from the IDP camps into nearby schools. This involved providing necessary documentation, liaising with school officials, and addressing any barriers to enrollment.
b. Provision of School Supplies: Tendos Foundation distributed school supplies, including textbooks, notebooks, pens, and backpacks, to the children in the IDP camps. This ensured that they had the necessary materials to actively participate in their studies.
c. Psychosocial Support: Trained counselors and social workers engaged with the children to provide psychosocial support. This involved individual and group counseling sessions, recreational activities, and peer support programs to help them process their experiences and develop resilience.
d. Parental Engagement Workshops: Tendos Foundation organized workshops and information sessions for parents to raise awareness about the importance of education and provide them with tools to support their children’s learning. Topics covered included parental involvement, creating a conducive learning environment at home, and understanding the benefits of education.
Benefits to Children and Parents
The Back to School project provided the following benefits to both the children and parents:
a. Children’s Education: The project ensured that children had the opportunity to attend school and access quality education, which is crucial for their intellectual, social, and emotional development. Education also empowers them with skills for future opportunities.
b. Psychological Well-being: The psychosocial support provided by the project helped children cope with their traumatic experiences and develop resilience. It created a safe and supportive environment for them to express their emotions, build relationships, and regain a sense of normalcy.
c. Parental Involvement: The project fostered parental engagement by equipping parents with knowledge and skills to support their children’s education. This involvement positively impacted children’s academic performance, motivation, and overall well-being.
d. Community Integration: The Back to School project facilitated the integration of IDP children into mainstream schools, promoting social cohesion and community acceptance. It encouraged interactions with local students, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Conclusion
The Back to School project conducted by Tendos Foundation at the Bakoko and Wutoto IDP Camps in Limbe played a vital role in supporting children’s access to education and creating a conducive learning environment. By providing school enrollment support, school supplies, psychosocial support, and parental engagement workshops, the project positively impacted the educational journey and well-being of the children. Additionally, it fostered community integration and promoted stability and normalcy in their lives. Tendos Foundation remains committed to supporting the education and overall development of children in crisis-affected areas.
NOTE: Same project was carried out in Yaoundé and Bamenda with a total of 30 and 50 children benefited from the project respectively.
