STUDENT LEARNING, HEALTH & SAFTY, SOCIAL WELFARE & SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY – (NCIL)

NEW CENTURY INSTITUTE OF LEARNING

(STUDENT LEARNING, HEALTH & SAFETY, SOCIAL WELFARE & SOCIAL POLICY)

I-   STUDENT RIGHTS

The universal declaration of human right, gives Student the following rights:

• Education and culture;
• Affection and protection;
• Cleanliness and health;
• Dignity and respect;
• Freedom and responsibility.

The Cameroonian constitution of 18/01/1996, in its preamble provides that: “Every person has the right to life, to physical and moral integrity and to humane treatment in all circumstances. Under no circumstances shall any person be subjected to torture, to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment”.

 Article 35 of the law on the orientation of education in Cameroon, stipulates that, the physical and moral integrity of students is guaranteed by its educative system. Are therefore, prohibited:

• Physical assault and all other forms of violence;
• Discrimination of any type;
• The sale, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and drugs (narcotics).

a.    The right to study

Law N° 98/004 of 14 April 1998 bearing on the orientation of education in Cameroon, stipulates in its article 34, that, students have the right to studies prescribed by the programs. This right is exercised through the strict respect of freedom to expression, thoughts, conscience and information.

Students have a free right to the following:

• All lessons;
• School library;
• Consultation of teachers during appropriate hours.

b.    The right to individual and collective expression

Freedom to communication, freedom to expression, freedom to hold meetings, freedom of association, freedom to form syndicates (trade unions) and the right to go on strike are guaranteed by conditions fixed by the law (constitution of 18/01/1996, preamble) .

Schools prepare youths to civic life and students have the right to individual and collective expressions, with respect to their dignity.

This right should not lead to defamation, political and religious propaganda, extremism, radicalism, public disorder.

c.    The right to Publish

The right to publish in a school journal is acceptable from all students. This contribute to the pedagogic, cultural, political and creativity training of the individual. This right does not give rise to disorder and manipulation. The school administration has responsibility for the follow-up of this right.

d.    The right of association

Students have the right to take part voluntarily in an association within the school premises during extracurricular activities. However, association of a tribal, political, sectarian or proselytise religious nature are prohibited

e.    The right to medical coverage

In order to guarantee collective health, the school must not expose students to dangerous activities.

Students have the right to:

• A clean environment;
• An infirmary and school pharmacy, for first aid intervention ;
• An exit ticket for health problems and natural needs.

Students showing signs of health problems should immediately be quarantine. The school shall only rehabilitate such cases after referring them to the competent health practitioner for health assessment and clearance. However, the occurrence of any health threatening cases within the school premises, epidemics … should be denounced to the competent authorities.

Students willing to go to hospital must obtain an exit ticket issued by the disciplinary office, to serve as an authorisation of absence.

The health practitioner must sign on the exit ticket must, or else it should be considered invalid. on time. This also applies to treatment by traditional medicine. In case of hospitalization or an illness that occurred on off-school days, parents of the concerned students must inform the school administration

f.    The right to social assistance

Students have the right to solidarity, social assistance during needy moments (sickness, accident…) and to school insurance cover. The institution should promote within the confines of its possibilities, this African value.