Apostolic Nuncio in Cameroon Urges Protection of Children's Right to Education ahead of New Academic Year

This month of September, he appeals, “let us not prevent children from going to school. Let us free the children. Let us allow the children to build the future.” 

Referring to the late South African President, Nelson Mandela, the Apostolic Nuncio emphasizes the need to educate “all of our children”, and making it “one of our most urgent priorities.”

Education is the cornerstone of any society’s development, he says, adding, “We all know that educating more than anything else improves our chances of building better lives. It is through education that we can break the cycle of poverty and violence and create a society where peace and prosperity are the norms.”

The member of the Clergy of Canada’s Ottawa-Cornwall Catholic Archdiocese goes on to cite Pope Francis, who he says has consistently emphasized the importance of education. 

“Pope Francis reminds us that the mission of schools and teachers is to develop an understanding of all that is true, good, and beautiful,” he says, and adds, “This mission is especially critical in times of conflict, where the temptation might be to give in to despair and hopelessness. But we must resist that temptation and continue to provide our children with the tools they need to build a better future.”

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“Violence is never justified. Only peace is the way of the future,” Archbishop Bettencourt reiterates, and calls upon all Cameroonians, especially those in positions of power, to work together to ensure that children can return to school in safety. 

“Please, let the children attend school, and together let us work for peace,” he says, and goes on to implore, “May God give us the strength and the wisdom to create a future where every child can wake up without fear and go to school with hope in their hearts.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.