IVVN ASOP Launches in Cameroon, Engaging Over 500 Students in the Northwest Region
The IVVN African School Outreach Programme (ASOP) embarked on its first-ever visit to Cameroon from 31st October to 3rd November 2023. Taking place in the Northwest Region, the programme actively engaged over 500 students from three secondary schools, namely Presbyterian Secondary School Bamenda-Station, Government Bilingual High School (GBHS) Bamendakwe, and GBHS Bayelle.
The launch of ASOP activities in Cameroon was led by Dr Glory E. Mbah from the University of Bamenda, who was supported by Dr Esther Kanduma from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and Dr Funmilayo Deborah Afolayan from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. These esteemed scientists played a crucial role in guiding the students and Dr Esther Kanduma and Dr Funmilayo Deborah Afolayan shared their valuable insights into delivering IVVN’s ASOP in Kenya and Nigeria, respectively.
Prior to the first school visit, Dr Glory Mbah, Dr Esther Kanduma and Dr Funmilayo Afolayan engaged with school administrations and then visited the School of Engineering, University of Bamenda to train nine female scientists on how to deliver the planned schools outreach activities.
The next day, the team visited Presbyterian Secondary School Station Bamenda, where they organised laboratory sessions for 50 female and 10 male students, aged 10-13. Following the hands-on experience, three lecturers from the University of Bamenda delivered enlightening career talks, sharing valuable insights with the students. On the last day, the team proceeded to G.B.H.S Bayelle, conducting two sessions that involved 137 females and 2 males, all aged 11-15 years.
The launch of the IVVN-ASOP in Cameroon was a resounding success and received great support from the Northwest Regional Delegation of Secondary Education, school principals, and the students. Many students expressed eagerness for the team's return. The success of this initiative sets a promising precedent for future initiatives and underscores the importance of fostering scientific curiosity and career exploration among students in Africa.