Video Discription |
“The Long Walk to School” - Primary Education in the 1940s-1960s, North-West Cameroon.
An offshoot from the documentary “In Search of the Doctor”, this initiative examines primary school education in the Donga-Mantung Division and other parts of the North-West region of Cameroon, in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, by listening to the testimonies of what can be considered the 2nd and 3rd generations of educated elites of that area. The interviews were carried out in 2020. Some of the stories and anecdotes are breath-taking, funny, sad, but nevertheless telling of the attitudes, stereotypes, and implications of primary education in that era. What motivated them to study? What was the reaction of their parents? Which position did they occupy in their family (in order of birth) and if/how that influenced their parent’s choice of sending them to school. Did their female siblings also go to school? If not, why? The project was conceived and sponsored by Dr Gilbert Shang Ndi. Gratitude to the following for reaching out to the respondents/helping out with the logistics: Ndange Etienne, Ali Melvine, Ali Hilton, Bambo Samuel, Chifu Charles, Websi Samson, Tamfu Avitus, Kwalar Beri, Bongnyesi Jill, Nformi Beltha, Shey Anne, George Tandoh, Massa Mitterand, Ta Nformi EK, Merlin Njingang, Dr. Million Getnet, Thierry Boudjekeu, Tumi Brutus, Njeba Festus, Clarine Bakari, Njang Albert, Bomnsah Nixon, Rev. Koyo Lawrence, Ndi Caroline, Nyamngong Januarius, Shey Kenneth, Shang Julius Kongnyu, Ngiri Ivo, Taa Tamfuh Dr. Ndi Richard Tantoh, Mbunwe Elvine, Julius Shang Nyerere and Njoh Valentine. Many thanks to Stephane Douanla for doing the editing and the technical design. Camera: Njang Photo. Soundtrack by Share'on. |