Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
School activities risk been disrupted as the Collective of Cameroonian teachers’ Organizations (C.O.R.E.C) have issued a strike notice, citing an “urgent national crisis” in the country’s education system. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the teachers denounce the government’s failure to address long-standing structural and functional issues that jeopardize both educators’ welfare and students future.
Below are the demands that should be met by the government and failure to do so, their strike warning will be acted upon.
1. National education forum: Teachers demand the immediate convening of a long-overdue national education forum to discuss urgent reforms.
2. Special status for teachers: They call for a special legal framework ensuring dignified working conditions, fair wages, and career progression.
3. Regulation of private education: The group urges the government to establish a collective agreement to safeguard teachers’ rights in the private sector.
4. Regularization of “Parent Workers”: They seek official recognition and proper integration of staff working in public schools under informal arrangements.
5. Recognition of pedagogical facilitators: The collective insists on the formalisation and financial recognition of pedagogical facilitators who have been sidelined for over a decade.
6. Timely payment of exam allowances: Teachers decry delays in remuneration for those supervising national exams and demand immediate financial settlements.
The letter warns that if these demands remain unmet, teachers will launch a week-long “École Morte” strike beginning April 21, 2025, which is date of third school term’s resumption. The protest could escalate if no tangible solutions are provided.
Signed by multiple education unions, the letter reflects growing frustration over what they describe as government indifference. This is not the first time the teachers collective have issued a strike but with its recurrence it shows the government hasn’t really been sincere in treating their petitions. As the deadline approaches, the response from authorities remains crucial in preventing a major disruption to the academic calendar.
