The 21st edition of the Day of the African Child in Cameroon has come and gone. As the 180 Junior Parliamentarians from the ten regions hit the road for their various constituencies, they have made their presence felt and positions clear on issues impeding the success of children in Cameroon. Yesterday, June 16, during the Junior Parliamentary session at the National Assembly presided over by the President of the National Assembly, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, the junior MPs questioned what is being done to punish teachers who sexually harass and exploit students, parents who fail to take proper care of their children, why there are still high infant mortality in Cameroon as well as acute water and energy problems.
Honourable Kadijatou Bouba from the Mayo-Danay Division in the Far North Region was the first to take to the rostrum of the Ngoa-Ekelle Glass-House with a question to the Minister of Secondary Education, Louis Bapes Bapes. The Mayo-Danay MP expressed worry over sexual abuse in schools. Kadijatou Bouba asked the Minister of Secondary Education what is being done to sanction teachers who sexually harass students. Louis Bapes Bapes said this is an issue which mostly involves girls between the ages of 10 to15 years. But recent statistics show that more boys are becoming victims of sexual exploitation in classrooms. The Minister of Secondary Education said it is difficult to tackle the problem because victims hardly report cases. He however assured the MPs that any student accused of sexually abusing his mate will be punished to the extent of dismissal. School authorities involved in the phenomenon will face administrative and judicial punishment provided by the Penal Code.
Honourable Chima Itoe from Ndian Division was concerned about the high infant mortality in the country with several health centres in rural areas without medical personnel. The Minister of Public Health, André Mama Fouda, reiterated the measures the government has taken to curb infant mortality through free nationwide vaccination campaigns against disease. André Mama Fouda also said that there are plans to increase the number of institutions that train medical personnel in the country.
The young MPs were also concerned about children who are forced to seek refuge in various streets in the country because their parents have failed in their parental role. The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF), Marie-Therese Abena Ondoua, said her ministry is involved in sensitising families on responsible parenthood. The Minister of Water Resources and Energy gave detailed explanations of projects the government is carrying out to solve the problem of water and energy in the country.
