The third edition of Buea Intensive English Programme (BIEP) aimed at teaching Francophones the English Language, saw its close with an end-of-course ceremony on Saturday August 27, 2011 at Chariot Hotel Banquet Hall, Buea. In a welcome address by one of the participants Nstobe Lionel, he mentioned that to learn English in 35 days was not impossible, and thanked their parents for aiding them and believing that they can be bilingual. According to Mr. Ning Elijah Ningamai, BIEP Coordinator, this programme is out to instil respect and self confidence in the minds of the participants, and most of all, to teach them how to live in a community with humility. The aim of the programme is to teach English Language to Francophones so that they are able to read, write and understand English. Mr. Ning Elijah explained that the major problem the project faces is financial, due to lack of sponsors. So far, he added, parents who send their children or adult participants are the sole contributors. However, he hoped that some good Samaritans will invest financially in order to promote this educational project.
Some participants Cameroon Tribune talked to like Vanessa Enanga, explained that her objective was to learn English so that she can write the proficiency test, which is a requirement for admission into the University of Buea (UB). Another participant from Gabon, Chris Nguema, a civil engineer, said that he could not utter a word in English before, but after 35 days of training, he can read, write and understand English.
It should be noted that BIEP is managed and organised yearly by teachers who are members of the National Orientation and Information Service for Education (N.O.I.S.E), a Buea-based association. The programme began in 2009, mainly to prepare students for the proficiency test into UB. It was later on opened to individuals who intend to improve on their English Language skills. Mr. Ning Elijah announced the next edition for September 15, 2011. Meanwhile, he raised the hopes of extending the programme to other regions, as well as creating a similar exercise for Anglophones to learn the French Language. Highlights of the closing ceremony were debates for participants to demonstrate their acquired skills, animation, fund raising, etc.