What is the Cameroon Tutoring Project?
Cameroon is currently undergoing an Anglophone Civil War. The current crisis has around eighty percent of schools shut down since conflicts have progressively worsened. There is a major division between the French and English speakers in the country. There is a strong progression to have English as the official language for Cameroon.
This was one of the driving forces that led IUDI Youth to organize a tutoring program to provide an English education for the students. The students' first language is French and with the help of tutors they help the students learn more about the English language. Everyone in our program understands that they need to reach out to those in Cameroon to help them get access to a learning environment that might be an escape due to the current crisis
Our Impact
School Impact
The Cameroon Tutoring Project gave La Mirada High School’s education career pathway, APPLE Academy, the opportunity to partner with them. The students in this pathway have a desire to work with children as a career or to become educators. Advanced-Placement (AP) students were also extended an invitation based on their individual reputation to go above and beyond in the service of others. Not only were they given the opportunity to work with children from across the world, they were also exposed to other cultures aside from their own.
Through IUDI Youth training, they have acquired communication skills that are essential in the future, the ability to discuss their ideas, and if pursuing a career in education, understanding how students learn. La Mirada High School has made a global impact helping students across the world obtain the education that they have a right to. Tutors made an effort to connect with the students and ensure that Cameroon students will learn from their teachings. In a survey sent to the tutors, they were asked about what their favorite part of tutoring with us was, in which one person responded, “Being able to tutor the kids and having them learn something as well as myself learning some French,” (Brisa K.). In addition to French lessons, training on lesson planning was also required so the progress of the Cameroon students could be tracked. They were also trained in using WhatsApp to teach their lessons, using whiteboards and flashcards to keep their attention, and engaged. All the dedication that has been acquired from this program will help students in their future careers.
Community Impact
Due to the virtual nature of the Cameroon Tutoring Project, it impacted the Cameroon community. Cameroon has seen a rise in tensions between anglophone speakers and primarily francophone speakers, with the whole country divided over two of Cameroon's official languages, French and English. This program connects the youth to a language that can promote peace and unity instead of destruction, and broaden the opportunities presented to them. Students were immersed with thoughtful tutors, who are trained weekly in order to provide students with the opportunity to grow academically and emotionally in a chaotic environment. Literacy in both French and English were reported at 11.6% in a 2005 study (recent data is unavailable) and that number is expected to be on a rise. Our program aims to raise that percentage even more, which in turn will allow them to integrate with the language of international communication. Students have shown increased interest and involvement, excited to grow through our learning program. IUDI Youth is honored to hear raving reviews from parents commenting on how energetic and involved our tutors have; and the positive psychological impact associated with those traits. Students have emerged with a newfound appreciation for the English language and a supportive community through difficult times.
What was the most enjoyable part of volunteering with IUDI Youth?
The most enjoyable part would be seeing the students smile and have fun while learning.
Rebecca Chan
Being able to tutor the kids and having them learn something as well as myself learning some French.
Brisa Kooptaporn
I really enjoyed working with the students and with my group, both of them are amazing tutors.
Megan Sanders
Awards
The Cameroon Tutoring Project has competed in many competitions and won many awards.
2020 SkillsUSA California Regional 3 Competition Gold Medalist
2021 SkillsUSA California State Competition Gold Medalist
