Emphasis on spiritual, moral upbringing

Catholic mission schools do not only focus on training the intellect, but also care for the soul.

The outstanding success of Catholic mission schools in certificate examinations in Cameroon over the years is no longer news. Students from these schools in both the Francophone and Anglophone sub-systems of education have always stood out in certificate examinations because the emphasis of school managers is not only on training the intellect, but also the souls of students.

It is therefore no surprise that in the Francophone educational system, the difference in examination performance is so clear because apart from the Roman Catholic Mission colleges, no other does that well.

And so College de la Retraite, Yaounde, College Vogt, Yaounde, College Jean Tabi, Yaounde and College Liberman in Douala, have succeeded in keeping the topmost positions in Baccalaureat, Probatoire and BEPC certificate examinations over the years.

In the Anglophone sub-system, Catholic schools like Sacred Heart College, Mankon-Bamenda, St Augustine’s College, Kumbo, St Paul’s High School, Bamenda, Queen of the Rosary College, Okoyong, Our Lady of Lourdes College, Mankon-Bamenda, St Bedes College, Ashing-Kom, St Joseph’s College, Sasse-Buea, Bishop Rogan Minor Seminary Buea, etc, have become household names in General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations halls of fame. However, the dominance is not as overwhelming as in the Francophone sub-system as other denominational colleges also do well.

Discipline in Catholic colleges is not only strict, but backed up by spiritual and moral coaching. These schools have priests or chaplains whose role is to teach, counsel and provide students with spiritual guidance. These spiritual leaders also help students to know God and may carry out deliverance for cases of demonic possession.

The fact that some of these colleges are led by priests is a plus; given the spiritual and moral authority they carry. On the other hand, moral instruction is given priority; often with certain hours on the official timetable devoted to such lessons. Teachers are therefore not just ready to pass on knowledge, but to also teach character and the fear of God.

Another distinguishing characteristic about Catholic secondary education is the opportunity given to students from varying and contrasting backgrounds to live together in dormitories.

Such a practice enables students to learn to appreciate each other’s cultural, religious and family backgrounds and differences. In effect, college dormitories serve as preparatory grounds for eventual life in society when the students grow up.

For this reason, it is no surprise that some of the country’s best brains today in different professional fields are those who passed through Catholic mission schools.