Author: Salesian Missions

Publication Date: October 12, 2021

CAMEROON: Students learn computer science with added equipment thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

Students attending Don Bosco College Mimboman have access to additional computer equipment thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Oct. 12, 2021) More than 500 youth attending Don Bosco College Mimboman in Yaoundé, Cameroon, have access to additional computer equipment thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Prior to the donation, there were only 20 computers available to the students in the new school, which opened this academic year. With the funding, 55 computers will be available so more students can enroll in the computer science class.

“This is the first time that our students are learning computer science using a computer,” said Father Sabé José Maria, economer at the college. “Our students have been studying computer science throughout the year without using a desktop or similar device. Now, we are thrilled that they can do so, and students are very excited about it. On behalf of our student population, we truly appreciate your help to make this situation a reality.”

Fr. Maria added, “Very few schools in Yaoundé have computer resources at their disposal. We dream of providing two computer rooms with 55 computers in each room. This would give our school the golden opportunity to offer computer science education of quality, in order for our students to be properly trained, as they deserve.”

The school provides education for vulnerable youth in the Mimboman neighborhood of Yaoundé. A three-story building includes 12 classrooms, laboratories and offices, and it is allowing more youth to attend school in the region. The new building also provides space for additional educational programs including a bachelor’s level course.

More than 30 percent of Cameroon’s population lives below the poverty line and human development indicators remain low, according to the World Food Programme. Poverty is the highest in the Far North, North, Adamaoua and East regions. In northern regions, people are often affected by natural disasters and below-average harvests which contribute to a continuing cycle of poverty and hunger.

Salesian missionaries in Cameroon provide education and social development services to poor youth so they are able to gain the training needed to find and retain long-term employment. They in turn are able to give back to their families and communities.

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