A School on a Hill: 50 Years of Inclusive Education in Bafut, Cameroon

In the hills of northwestern Cameroon lies the town of Bafut, home to one of the country’s most quietly transformative institutions: Inclusive Comprehensive High School (ICHS). This year, the school marked its Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 years of education grounded in academic excellence, moral formation, and inclusion.

The celebration, held on campus, drew a large crowd of students, alumni, educators, clergy, and religious sisters. The liturgical highlight was a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea of Bamenda, whose presence underscored the importance of the school’s contribution to education and community life in the region.

From Modest Beginnings to Regional Beacon

Founded in 1975 as the Girls’ Vocational School (GVS), the institution began with a narrow focus and limited resources. Over the years, it evolved—first into a general college, and eventually into an inclusive co-educational high school with a reputation for welcoming students of all backgrounds and abilities.

Archbishop Nkea, in his homily, compared the school’s story to the mustard seed of the Gospel: small in its beginnings, but steadily grown into something wide-reaching and life-giving. He praised the past and present staff, principals, and founding religious—especially the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis (TSSF)—for shaping a legacy of resilience, adaptability, and service.

A Time for Reflection

While the Jubilee offered an occasion to honour the past, Archbishop Nkea urged all gathered to view it also as a moment for strategic reflection. Teachers, he said, must recommit to academic rigour and professional integrity. Students were encouraged to take pride in their school and strive for personal and collective excellence. He also called on alumni to maintain strong ties to their alma mater and to support it through concrete contributions.

Describing the school as “a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden,” he emphasised its role as a visible centre of inclusive, values-based education in the region.

A Spiritual and Communal Celebration

The Jubilee celebration included the Sacrament of Confirmation, which added a powerful spiritual dimension to the event. Liturgical music was led by the school choir, whose voices added solemnity and joy to the occasion.

A fundraising campaign was also launched to support the construction of a perimeter fence—an initiative aimed at strengthening campus security as the school continues to grow.

Looking Forward

The large and enthusiastic turnout underscored ICHS Bafut’s enduring bond with the wider community it serves. As it enters its next fifty years, the school remains committed to inclusive, holistic education—serving not only as a centre for learning but also as a source of light and stability in a region marked by both promise and uncertainty.