LAUDABLE CHANGES AT THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BUEA

 

In  the picture, the Bishop of Buea (left) lays the Altar Stone of the All Saints Parish Mutengene during Buea Diocesan Annual Youth  Week 2014 (Photo courtesy of CAMEROON PANORAMA)

LAUDABLE CHANGES BY THE BISHOP OF BUEA

I was recently at the Catholic Education Secretariat of the Diocese of Buea and I must say I noticed some things that pleased me. The last time I was there was over a year ago and the changes of which I talk have not been up to three months since they were put in place.

The Education Secretariat has been reorganized for the better. Previously, it had an Education Secretary and an Assistant, both of whom being clerics. Today, the Secretariat still has an Education Secretary who is a cleric, but he is now assisted by two lay officials.

One of them, Mr. Bessong Oscar Atem, is specifically in charge of Nursery and Primary Education. He is a skilled and experienced teacher of many years. There is another Assistant Education Secretary specifically in charge of Secondary Education. It is Mrs. Nkafu Maureen, an old hand at secondary education matters. Also in place is a Diocesan Pedagogic Supervisor, Mr. Sumvi Edmond Ngeh who is very much a square peg in a square hole.

I was made to understand – and I noticed it for my self – that since the Bishop of Buea, Mgr. Immanuel Bushu reorganized the Education Secretariat in this manner; there has been a marked overall improvement in delivery of services, much to the satisfaction of the public and other users.

The new dispensation now permits the Education Secretary to also devote reasonable time to generalization and ministry while at the same time keeping an eye on the workings of the education department. The three lay appointees can spend adequate time at the service of the education family and the public.

The bad news is that the diocese of Buea is bereaved. It lost its Emeritus Bishop, Mgr. Pius Awa a few days ago. He is yet to be laid to rest.