PATRIZIA School Bafia
Founded in 1978, Saint Sebastian Primary School is a place of education – and so much more! The school gives the people in the region hope: not only for a self-determined life and a better future thanks to a good education, but also for peaceful coexistence between the Christian and Muslim communities of Bafia. With the planned expansion, there will also be an English-language section at the school in order to actively involve the region’s linguistic minority.
The lines of conflict between the linguistic and religious communities have characterised life in the heart of the Gondon District in the central region of Cameroon for decades.
Despite these challenges, Saint Sebastian Primary School has always endeavoured to provide high-quality education – including for children with disabilities. The PATRIZIA Foundation now wants to revitalise the school. As a model school, Saint Sebastian Primary School is to become a flagship project with a new educational concept for the entire region. The objective also includes the successful inclusion of children with disabilities across language barriers.
“Not only the children but the entire Bafia community will benefit from the innovative pedagogical concept of the PATRIZIA School Bafia. We are happy to contribute with our voluntary work as architect and project coordinator.”
Alexis Monod
Project Coordinator
Anne Monod
Architect
Real change for all children
The PATRIZIA Foundation is meeting the local challenges with a comprehensive approach that includes safety, infrastructure, energy, education and well-being. The more than 900 pupils in grades 1 to 6 and the teachers benefit directly from this project, especially the many children in the region with physical disabilities. However, the positive effects of the school will extend further into the families of the pupils. The entire neighbourhood will benefit from the innovative new features at the school.
The ageing infrastructure with dilapidated school buildings without electricity and water connections harbours risks for the children. There is also a lack of barriers and railings on the school grounds and playground. The current structure, with two buildings 120 metres apart, does not meet the needs of children with disabilities. The school faces challenges with access to water and energy, which is also evident in the only eight dilapidated outdoor toilets with no barrier-free access and no water connection. Essential elements for digital education, an area for English-language lessons and rooms for alternative pedagogical approaches are also missing.
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A holistic plan in two phases
Our plan for the sustainable improvement of conditions on site will fundamentally change the external face of the school in phase 1 of the construction and extension work. The premises will be combined into a single building. A safe playground and recreation area for the children, facilities for children with disabilities as well as common rooms and washrooms will be created. A newly drilled well and the installation of solar panels will ensure a reliable supply of water and electricity.
In phase 2, the project is focussing on comprehensive improvements to the educational concept. Among other things, an English-language section is to be developed for this purpose. In order to prepare the children for their future careers, the conditions for digital learning will be created and the teachers and carers will be trained accordingly. The inner courtyard will be designed in such a way that outdoor lessons and cultural events will be possible.
Annual monitoring at eye level with our partner and a systematic impact evaluation over five years will measure and assess the success of the project for the local community.
Our promise: