Good Shepherd Academy is preparing to welcome more than 100 students for the new academic year this month! 

Success in the Cameroonian educational exam system is making the school attractive to a wide range of Cameroonian students. Increased enrollment and academic success are mutually reinforcing and together constitute a milestone for what has become one of Cameroon’s strongest academic institutions.

Buffeted by constant reports of disease, civil war, and climate disasters, many Americans are paralyzed about what they as individuals can do to help. Headlines are dominated by Ebola, HIV/Aids, and a host of chronic diseases. Civil war rages from eastern Congo to Sudan to northern Nigeria. It can look hopeless. Too often Africans who can afford to do so send their children abroad for education.

Cameroon is no exception. There is a low-level civil war, in part the result of geriatric leadership, widespread corruption, and unresolved conflicts between the French-speaking majority and the English-speaking minority. In material terms, Cameroon is one of the world’s poorest countries. HIV and COVID resulted in many children being orphaned. Yet, a few Cameroonians and Americans joined together to respond in a practical way to an ongoing humanitarian disaster. They established Good Shepherd Academy in Bafut, Cameroon.

An English-language Anglican/Episcopal institution, the school has always been open to all and, from the beginning, has been a joint Cameroonian-American enterprise. There are two boards: one based in Cameroon and one based in the United States. Coordination between the two is close. The faculty and staff are entirely Cameroonian.

Outside funding has mostly come from the United States. For Americans, the school provides an opportunity to actually do something concrete for Africa. A scholarship student is fully supported with $1,000 a year.

Now, however, there is growing interest among Cameroonians in helping to provide financial support, despite the poverty. Cameroonian leadership has carefully interacted with the local power structure and the security services, and has maintained a dialogue with various rebel groups. As a result, there has been no credible security threat against the school to date.

So, the future looks bright, with the school’s emphasis on academic excellence and tight management. The original vision was that the school would enroll up to 350 students. That day may not be far away.

Blessings,

Ambassador John Campbell (ret.)
Former American Ambassador to Nigeria
Good Shepherd SLF Board Member

P.S. Once again, Good Shepherd SLF has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid Guidestar!

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In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of longtime board member David Farrand. David faithfully served our Board of Directors from 2022 to 2025 as our Development Director.

His love for Good Shepherd Academy and Sister Jane Mankaa shone through every time he spoke of his beloved school and in the hard work he displayed, especially in our beginning years.

In his working life, David served as managing director at Morgan Stanley & Co., and he brought this same expertise to his board service. For that, and for the man of great faith he was, we are truly grateful.

 

Their Dream, Your Mission, Keep Making It Happen!