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.
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Stories of Change in Bafia
Ekoum’s* Story of Change
Anyone who sees Ekoum happily in the classroom can hardly imagine what he has already gone through in his young life. After a serious household accident, Ekoum suffered visible burns on his face. At his previous school, he was mocked, avoided, and insulted by classmates, withdrew, and gradually lost faith in ever truly belonging anywhere.
Then his parents turned to Saint Sebastian School. There, Ekoum experienced for the first time what it means to be welcomed with open arms. The principal and teachers treated him with respect and understanding. No one focused on his external scars – instead, the emphasis was on who he is.
The school places great value on community, compassion, and togetherness. In this environment, Ekoum slowly regained trust. He was seen – as a child with strengths, dreams, and a place of his own in the world.
Today, Ekoum is fully integrated, actively participates in class, has made friends, and is flourishing. For him, the school is more than just a place of learning – it has become a safe space where he can grow and thrive.
*Name and image have been changed to protect the child.
Mohamed’s* Story of Change
Mohamed is eleven years old and lives in Bafia, Cameroon. Despite his young age, he has already faced more challenges than many people do in a lifetime – as an orphan, he was left to fend for himself for a long time.
For several years, he got by with odd jobs, but there was never enough money for school fees. One of these jobs, however, changed everything: he met the principal of Saint Sebastian Primary School, who was deeply moved by his story and secured a scholarship-funded place for him.
Since then, Mohamed has been able to return to school – with opportunities, structure, and a place where he is welcome. At school, he receives not only an education but also attention, safety, and the feeling of being seen. Teachers support him wherever needed and ensure he has everything required for learning.
For Mohamed, school represents a second chance. Here he can grow, learn, and build a new life. He especially loves science subjects, participates actively in class, and dreams of one day taking on responsibility himself.
*Image has been changed to protect the child.