Cameroonian Researcher Earns A+ for Groundbreaking Study on Child Protection in Schools
Mofor Annette Angwi, popularly known as Annie Pearl Mofor, has successfully defended her Master’s thesis in Peace, Conflict and International Relations at the Pan African Institute for Development – West Africa (PAID-WA), earning an exceptional grade of A+.
Her research, titled “An Assessment of the Implementation of Child Protection Policies in Cameroon’s Educational System: A Case Study of Selected Public and Private Primary Schools in Yaoundé VI Municipality,” tackles one of the most pressing challenges facing children in Cameroon today—the protection of children within school environments.
The study examines how child protection policies are being implemented in selected public and private primary schools in Yaoundé VI Municipality. It highlights that despite the existence of international conventions, national legislation and child protection frameworks designed to safeguard children’s rights, many pupils continue to experience corporal punishment, bullying, sexual harassment and abuse, neglect, discrimination, exploitation and other forms of violence in schools.
According to the research, these violations not only infringe on children’s rights but also have far-reaching consequences for their emotional well-being, mental health, self-confidence, academic performance and overall development.
The study provides practical recommendations for the Ministry of Basic Education (MINEDUB), the Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS), school administrators, teachers, parents, local councils, civil society organisations, policymakers and development partners, including UNICEF and UNESCO. It argues that implementing these recommendations would strengthen child protection systems, improve school governance, promote accountability and create learning environments where every child feels safe, respected, protected and empowered to reach their full potential.
One of the study’s key findings is that the major challenge is not the absence of child protection policies, but the persistent gap between policy formulation and effective implementation. The research calls for stronger enforcement of existing laws and policies through continuous monitoring, regular teacher training, increased awareness campaigns, effective reporting and referral mechanisms, and stronger collaboration among institutions responsible for children’s welfare.
Beyond the education sector, the research underscores the vital role of child protection in peacebuilding and sustainable development. It notes that protecting children from violence today helps break future cycles of violence, strengthens social cohesion, promotes responsible citizenship and lays the foundation for lasting peace and national development. Safe schools, the study concludes, are not only centres of learning but also essential pillars for building peaceful and prosperous societies.
The successful defence marks a significant academic milestone for Annie Pearl Mofor and reflects her commitment to using research as a tool to influence public policy, strengthen institutions and improve the lives of children in Cameroon and beyond. Her achievement stands as a testament to the important role of evidence-based research in addressing societal challenges and advancing sustainable development.
