Basic Education Officials Strengthen De-worming Campaign

The Government Primary School Nomayos, Mbankomo Sub-division in the Mefou and Akono Division of the Centre Region was, on Monday October 22, the venue of the distribution of equipment for the strengthening of the on-going campaign for the de-worming of school children. The objective is to reduce the rate of intestinal worms and to prevent diseases related to hygiene and sanitation in schools.

Speaking during the occasion, the Mayor of the Mbankomo Council, Jacques Ownona, on behalf of the people of Mbankomo Subdivision and Mefou and Afamba Division in general thanked the government for choosing Government School Nomayos as the distribution point for the equipment. He used the opportunity to present some problems facing schools in the Division such as lack of classrooms, latrines, pipe-borne water and accommodation for teachers, among others.

School children also thanked the minister for coming herself to give them her support and promised to keep their environment clean and respect the basic rules of hygiene. On her part, the Minister of Basic Education, Youssouf Hadidja Alim said the Government School Nomayos is among the schools where the prevalence rate of intestinal worms is high. She urged officials of the schools to make good use of the equipment to ensure good health of the children in the division. Youssouf Hadija Alim also assured the teachers that the ministry will do everything to improve on the conditions of teachers and pupils in the Division.

The equipment which was distributed to 14 primary schools in the Division comprised of buckets, wash-hand basins, soap, wheelbarrows, plastic cups, floor rags, water bottles, cutlasses, diggers, bales of toilet rolls, spades, towels and rakes, among others. The pupils used sketches, music and dance to pass on their message.