31^ST EDITION OF WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY

Celebrating Collaboration and Commitment in Education

The Multipurpose Sports Complex of Yaounde was alive with colour and enthusiasm on Sunday, 5 October 2025, as Cameroon joined the international community to celebrate the 31st edition of World Teachers’ Day under the inspiring theme “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”

Presided over by the Minister of Secondary Education, Professor Nalova Lyonga, President of the National Council for the Award of Academic Honours, the event brought together members of Government (MINEDUB, MINTSS, MINPROFF), various officials, representatives of international organisations and teachers. It was a vibrant moment of recognition, reflection, and reaffirmation of the noble mission of teachers in shaping the nation’s future.

In a stirring address, the Minister of Secondary Education affirmed the profound significance of the day: “The International Teachers' Day is a moment of recognition where we affirm the central role that education plays in building the nation and the central role that teachers play in helping the youth build the nation. That is, we are empowering our youth with the necessary competencies that they need throughout their academic and professional or vocational training.” She also underscored, among many other aspects, the importance of collaboration between teachers and the government. Her message resonated deeply with the day’s theme, which emphasises the importance of teamwork.

In a similar tone, Dr Said Voffal, UNESCO representative at the ceremony, spoke about the crucial role of collaboration in education: “The theme reminds us of the fundamentally collective and relational nature of education. It calls for teachers’ collaboration in the classroom, in the digital sphere, and in decision-making spaces, in order to strengthen the motivation and resilience of these essential professionals and enhance the quality of education for millions of students.”

The celebration also honoured outstanding teachers who received medals and Academic awards in recognition of their exceptional service and dedication to the education sector. As Cameroon continues to strengthen its educational system, with numerous innovations this year’s celebration stands as a powerful reminder that teaching is not a solitary mission, but a shared endeavour.

ABILAMEKOU BADJEL THEODORE

SENIOR OFFICIAL / CELCOM

The Grand Cultural and Sports Jamboree is on

The ceremony to officially launch the 25^th Edition of FENASSCO League “A” Games took place on Sunday, 25 May 2025, at the Blue Grand Stand within the sports arena of GBHS Abong-Mbang. The colourful event which celebrated unity, sportsmanship, and cultural heritage, brought together participants and spectators from across Cameroon.

It was presided over by the Minister of Secondary Education, Professor Nalova Lyonga, in the presence of top government officials including the Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family, Professor Marie Therese Abena Ondoa, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reform, Joseph Le, Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Secondary Education in Charge of Teacher’s Training, Boniface Bayaola, and a delegation of parliamentarians led by Honourable Gabriel Fandja,  President of the Commission for Education, Vocational Training and Youth Affairs at the National Assembly.

After the heartfelt welcome word from the City Mayor of Abong-Mbang, Gustave Mouamosse, who emphasized the importance of such events in fostering community spirit and encouraging youth participation in sports, the Director of Guidance Counselling, School Life and Assistance, Dr. Shewa Madelienne (DOVAS) took the stage to present the game, highlighting the main innovations and stating the number of disciplines involved. Four collective sports namely basketball, volleyball, handball, and football, and eight individual sports, notably gymnastic, table tennis, badminton, Paralympic sport just to name a few.

The spotlight shifted to Professor Marie Therese Abena Ondoa, Minister of Women's Empowerment and the Family, who officially read Cameroon’s commitment to the African Union Campaign dubbed #AfricaEducatesHer under the distinguished patronage of Madam Chantal Biya, the First Lady of Cameroon and UNESCO’s goodwill Ambassador. The declaration resonated the transformative power of education for women and girls.

Professor Nalova Lyonga, Minister of Secondary Education and President of the FENASSCO Federal Council in her opening speech expressed her enthusiasm for the games and encouraged all participants to embody the spirit of fair play and camaraderie. Professor Lyonga emphasized the significance of sports in personal development and national unity.

The second phase of the ceremony featured the presentation of the Olympic Flame, followed by the vibrant parade showcasing delegates from all ten regions of Cameroon. Then came the cultural parade where students performed traditional dances from their respective regions. The colourful displays and rhythmic performances captivated the audience, celebrating Cameroon’s rich cultural diversity.

The event culminated in a football encounter which brought together players from the Adamawa and East Regions. The opening ceremony of the FENASSCO League “A” Games was a resounding success, marking the beginning of a week filled with competition, entertainment, and social cohesion.

JOSO SOPHIE, ARO 2