Education is a key part in our relationship with the Archdiocese of Bamenda, and children both here and in Bamenda benefit from the connection. This is achieved in a number of ways.

  • Contributions to the Archbishop’s Education Fund. Each year, from the Bamenda Sunday collections a contribution is given to the Archbishop’s Education Fund. There are a total of 123 Catholic nursery and primary schools in the Archdiocese with a population of 38,000 pupils, 30 secondary schools with about 11,000 students. More than half of this pupil/student population are in rural parishes which are particularly vulnerable to the impact of the conflict and poverty. The donation last year helped about 300 children to come to school, receive food, school equipment such as text books and other support to get their education.

  • School refurbishment. In many areas, due to the conflicts, schools were stripped of essentials including electrical fittings and buildings left in various states of repair. In other places, populations have changed and grown meaning more schools are needed. The church in Bamenda is working hard to get children into school, and your donations support this work. Recent projects include the installation of solar panels at St Bede’s College, Ashing-Kom and the building of a new nursery provision in Ntenefor.

  • School Twinning: This is an opportunity for schools here in Portsmouth Diocese to connect with a school in Bamenda, encouraging prayer, worship and learning together.

There are resources designed for UK schools on the website and to learn more about the twinning process contact jwoolgar@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk