Located in Cameroon’s tropical North Region, the city of Garoua is both the political and industrial capital of the district. Once a popular tourist hub and starting point for trips to nearby national parks, the city has fallen on harder times as it is affected by the violence and extremism crossing the nearby border from Nigeria, the birthplace of Boko Haram.

The Cameroonian government and military are working hard to provide basic services to their community and newly arrived refugees displaced by Boko Haram. Of these basic services, education is seen as the highest priority as it will help keep local children from falling under the influence of violent extremists.

A US Civil Affairs Team, their Cameroonian Military Partner and the local Headmaster discuss the needs of the community’s school and students

One local school visited by a US Civil Affairs team working in the area, serves over 900 students in two daily shifts. The school is staffed by six local teachers and is currently undergoing a significant expansion. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, the school lacks essential items such as desks, chalk for teachers, and supplies for students. The US team, working alongside the Cameroonian military, brought these needs to the attention of Spirit of America and with your help, SoA can fill this gap, ensuring that vulnerable Cameroonian students receive the education they deserve and Boko Haram fears.