The ongoing crisis in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions has had a devastating impact on literacy rates, threatening to deepen already existing inequalities and set back development in these communities for generations. Since 2016, the conflict between Anglophone separatist groups and the government has disrupted nearly every aspect of life, especially education, in the North-West and South-West regions. With thousands of schools closed, teachers and students forced to flee, and entire communities living in fear, the crisis has fueled a rising wave of illiteracy that could shape the future of the region in troubling ways.

School Closures and the Loss of Educational Foundations

The most direct impact of the crisis on literacy is the widespread closure of schools. Separatist groups, who view government-run schools as symbols of state control, have threatened, attacked, or burned many institutions, leading to the indefinite shutdown of thousands of schools. As a result, countless children are unable to attend classes or receive formal instruction in reading, writing, and arithmetic—the foundational skills necessary for literacy.

The illiteracy rate, especially among children and adolescents, has spiked as a result. Children who should be learning to read and write in their formative years are now missing crucial stages of development. In some cases, several academic years have been lost entirely, creating a growing population of young people who lack even basic literacy skills. For older students, the lost time translates to an uncertain future, as they are ill-equipped to continue their education or enter the workforce with the skills needed for most jobs.

The Impact on Adult and Community Literacy

The crisis also affects adults and community literacy as many community members have been displaced, scattered across unfamiliar regions, or forced into makeshift informal work. Adults who were previously engaged in community programs or even casual reading habits have had their routines and resources disrupted, further limiting opportunities to foster literacy. Additionally, with schools and libraries closed, community spaces for learning are increasingly scarce, and the idea of lifelong learning is becoming more of a luxury than a feasible reality.

Community literacy levels influence a region’s overall development; when a significant portion of the population cannot read or write, it becomes more difficult for people to access information, improve their livelihoods, or advocate for their rights. Adults who lack literacy skills have limited job options and reduced ability to support their children’s education, creating a vicious cycle of illiteracy that affects entire families and communities.

Loss of Teachers and Educational Role Models

Teachers have been heavily impacted by the crisis, with many being targeted, threatened, or forced to flee due to the dangers posed by separatist forces and the instability of the region. The loss of teachers is particularly damaging to literacy efforts, as teachers are not only educators but also role models and community leaders who inspire a culture of reading and learning. Their absence has created a severe shortage of qualified educators who can help children and adults alike build literacy skills.

The fear that deters teachers from remaining in these conflict zones has also deterred future generations from entering the teaching profession, leading to a potential long-term shortage of educators. Without enough trained teachers to support literacy, any future attempt to rebuild the educational system will be hampered, prolonging the illiteracy crisis well into the future.

The Psychological Effects of Conflict on Learning

Living in a conflict zone has psychological impacts that hinder literacy and learning. Many children and adults experience trauma, anxiety, and depression from constant exposure to violence, displacement, and the loss of loved ones. These psychological effects make it difficult for people to focus on learning or retain new information, further undermining literacy development.

For children, trauma can inhibit cognitive development, which is essential to language acquisition and literacy. They may struggle to grasp reading and writing skills due to the stress they endure, while adults may find it difficult to pursue educational opportunities if they are coping with mental health challenges brought on by the conflict. These psychological barriers compound the challenges to literacy, making it an even more complex problem to address.

The Generational Impact on Socio-Economic Development

Rising illiteracy rates among the population will have generational consequences for economic development and social well-being. Literacy is a fundamental skill for participation in the modern economy, and without it, Anglophone communities in Cameroon risk being excluded from economic growth, technological advancements, and job markets. As young people grow up without literacy skills, their ability to secure decent employment is significantly reduced, leading to a cycle of poverty and marginalization.

A population with high illiteracy rates also faces reduced political and social participation, as literacy is key to understanding rights, accessing information, and engaging in civic processes. The lack of literacy skills can prevent people from advocating for themselves, participating in local governance, or even understanding public health information—a gap that can be detrimental during times of crisis.

The Need for Urgent Action and Solutions

Addressing the literacy crisis in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions requires urgent action. In the short term, alternative education initiatives, such as mobile learning units, radio-based instruction, and community-based literacy programs, could provide basic literacy training in regions where traditional schooling is unavailable. Additionally, psychosocial support and trauma-informed teaching practices could help children and adults cope with the effects of the conflict and make it easier for them to engage with learning.

Long-term solutions, however, will require peace and stability. Only a cessation of violence and a commitment to rebuilding the educational infrastructure can ensure sustainable literacy development. Investment in teacher training, school reconstruction, and resources for learning will be essential to restoring education and combating the illiteracy crisis.

Conclusion

The crisis in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions is fueling a growing wave of illiteracy that threatens to stall development and widen socio-economic divides. With schools closed, teachers displaced, and communities fragmented, countless children and adults are being denied access to the skills that would empower them to build better futures. Addressing this illiteracy crisis requires both immediate interventions and a long-term commitment to restoring education and stability in the region. Without action, the impact of this conflict on literacy may linger for decades, undermining the potential of an entire generation and weakening the region’s prospects for growth