Traffic Jams : A Major Setback in Schools

The deplorable state of some roads in the economic city, Douala, is a major reason for late coming in schools. Those taking the school bus mostly arrive at school late since the bus has to find its way out of traffic jams. To avoid lateness, which at times is not still obvious, school bus drivers start picking pupils and students as early as 5:30am which means the school-going children have to be out of bed by at most 4am daily. According to the bus driver of American Foundation Academy, Nchandi Gandi, he starts picking up kids at 5:30am. When he hoots in some neighborhoods when places are still dark, inhabitants complain he wakes them with the load hooting. Since he suffers traffic jams before reaching his school, he is obliged to take some secondary roads to avoid the kids from reaching late.
Using the school bus is challenging for parents, kids, and school authorities. It slows down the learning process and destabilizes some pupils. Some don’t attend the morning devotion while others even come after the first lesson has been taught. Though late coming is punishable according to school rules and regulations, it does not apply to those who use the school bus since it is no fault of theirs. Those who don’t use the school bus are punished for late coming because they can effectively manage their time. Some get up from bed late and before they prepare and head to school, the first lesson must have been taught. These set of pupils and students are given light punish...