The Union of Founders of Private Secular and Denominational Educational Institutions in Cameroon (SYNFEPLC) has announced measures to strengthen regulation of private education and combat illegal schools. These measures were agreed upon during an assembly in Douala on October 21, which aimed to relaunch the union's activities and define its priorities for the new operational year. Founders of private educational institutions and vocational training centres from across the country attended the assembly.
The assembly discussed a circular from the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT), which authorises SYNFEPLC representatives to work with administrative authorities to identify and shut down illegal educational establishments. According to SYNFEPLC's national president, Jean Nyamsi, this measure will reinforce efforts to tackle clandestine schools, with local administrative authorities expected to support enforcement operations.
Two categories of establishments were identified as illegal: schools operating without ministerial authorisation and institutions holding authorisation but operating from premises that do not meet required standards. These standards include residential homes and unsuitable rented buildings. The union aims to address these issues through its new measures.
To implement the initiative, SYNFEPLC plans to establish monitoring structures across all regions of Cameroon. These structures will identify suspected illegal institutions and collaborate with relevant authorities to take action. This move is expected to improve the overall quality and regulation of private education in the country.
The union's efforts are focused on ensuring that private educational institutions operate in accordance with established standards and regulations. By doing so, SYNFEPLC aims to provide a safer and more reliable learning environment for students. The union's president, Jean Nyamsi, emphasised the importance of collaboration between stakeholders in achieving this goal.
SYNFEPLC's measures are also aimed at improving the financial sustainability of school proprietors. By strengthening regulation and combating clandestine schools, the union hopes to create a more stable and secure environment for private education providers. This, in turn, is expected to benefit students and the broader education sector.
The launch of SYNFEPLC's nationwide monitoring network marks a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal schools in Cameroon. The union's efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the quality and regulation of private education, ultimately benefiting students and the education sector as a whole.
Key points
- SYNFEPLC launches nationwide monitoring network to combat clandestine schools.
- Two categories of establishments identified as illegal: schools operating without authorisation and institutions operating from unsuitable premises.
- Union aims to improve regulation of private education and financial sustainability of school proprietors.
