Study blames some head teachers and insurance companies for mishandling the social security.

Government usually signs a convention with insurance companies at the beginning of every school year to ensure social protection and security of public and private school pupils throughout the school year. But most often the result is not what is expected.

A study by the National Circle of Parent Teachers Initiative, CENIPE, carried out with financial support from the Civil Society Strengthening Programme, PASC, and the European Union, EU, titled “Advocacy for the implementation of a mechanism of application, protection and follow-up of school insurance in Cameroon,” presented to the press in Akwa-Douala on May 12 accuse some head teachers and insurance companies of collusion and mishandling of insurance dues.

The study was carried out in 12 Divisions and 74 Subdivisions in the Littoral and West Regions, with emphasis in the divisions of Moungo and Wouri in the Littoral and Mifi and Upper Nkam in the West with a total of 500 thousand nursery, primary and secondary school pupils.

According to CENIPE President Kalla Victor, one out of three pupils does not have an insurance cover in time, and zero pupils have an insurance cover by head teachers within the sectors of Basic Education, Secondary Education, and Employment and Vocational Training. He attributed the problem to unknown pupil enrolment, arrogation of titles and functions by certain education officials, and the fact that some head teachers demand a reduction of up to 30 percent of all insurance fees, among others.

Report of the study condemns the fact that parents unduly bear the cost in case of body, material and immaterial damages, as well as accident, death as a result of accident, funeral dues, disability, medical fees, among others, whereas insurance dues were included in the fees paid to school.