The teachers we need for the education we want

Bih (pseudonym) grew up in Alakoro, a small community, where chronic teacher shortages repeatedly disrupted her education. To mitigate this challenge in schools, head teachers often recruited unqualified community members to fill gaps.  These recruits, though well-intentioned, lacked subject knowledge and pedagogical skills, which meant that lessons were often inconsistent and ineffective, resulting in weak foundational skills, low academic achievement and reduced competitiveness in national examinations. This, in turn, limited opportunities to access higher education for Bih and her classmates, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.  Bih՚s low grades in primary and secondary school made it challenging for her to attain her full potential. She struggled to gain admission to the University of Buea and, because of her poor academic record, she could not pursue her dream course.  The cycle Bih experienced as a child continues today as early-career attrition remains o...