Pupils receive insufficient insurance cover - Study

A recent study blames some head teachers and insurance companies for mishandling social security.

Government usually signs agreements with insurance companies at the beginning of each school year to ensure social protection and security of public and private school pupils throughout the academic year.

But most often, the result is not what is expected. A study by the National Association of Parent Teachers’ Initiative, CENIPE, carried out with financial support from the Civil Society Strengthening Programme, PASC, and the European Union, EU, titled “Advocacy for the implementation of a mechanism of application, protection and follow-up of school insurance in Cameroon,” was presented to the media in Akwa-Douala on May 12, 2015. It blames some head teachers and insurance companies of colluding and mishandling insurance dues.

The study was carried out in 12 Divisions and 74 Subdivisions in the Littoral and West Regions, with focus on Moungo and Wouri Divisions in the Littoral and Mifi and Upper Nkam in the West. A total of 500,000 nursery, primary and secondary school pupils and students were involved.

According to CENIPE President, Kalla Victor, one out of three pupils does not have an insurance cover in time, and zero pupils have an insurance cover by head teachers within the sectors of Basic Education, Secondary Education, and Employment and Vocational Training.

He attributed the problem to unknown pupil enrolment, arrogation of titles and functions by certain education officials, and the fact that some head teachers demand a reduction of up to 30 per cent of all insurance fees, among others.

The study condemns the fact that parents unduly bear the cost in case of body, material and immaterial damages, as well as accident, death as a result of accident, funeral dues, disability, medical fees, among others, whereas insurance dues were included in the fees paid to school.