The conflict in Cameroon began in 2017 when English-speaking separatists sought to break away from the French-speaking majority, leading to significant violence and instability.

Separatist fighters have enforced school boycotts and committed violence against students and teachers, including killings, abductions, and intimidation.

Unlike many of her classmates who have faced severe setbacks, Ndamei relocated to a safer, French-speaking region to continue her education and is now enrolled in a nursing program.

Nelson Tabuwe, a father of three, reported that his children have been out of school for nearly seven years due to the conflict, and their situation has worsened after fleeing to Yaoundé.

The Tabuwe family struggles financially in their cramped living conditions, with the children needing to contribute to the household income despite being out of school.

Jane Ndamei, a 20-year-old student from Cameroon, faced a life-threatening incident during her Grade 12 exam five years ago when armed men invaded her school, causing panic and fear.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 6,000 deaths and displaced more than 760,000 people, with the government accusing separatists of committing atrocities against civilians.

As of June 2023, the separatist crisis and Boko Haram incursions have left 1.4 million school-age children in urgent need of educational support in Cameroon.

In 2019, approximately 855,000 children were out of school in the northwest and southwest regions of Cameroon due to armed separatist groups targeting educational institutions.

At that time, Ndamei was one of 2.8 million children in West and Central Africa whose education was disrupted by violent conflict, according to the United Nations.

Many of Ndamei's classmates were not as fortunate and have faced early pregnancies and shattered futures due to the ongoing conflict.

Hassane Hamadou from the Norwegian Refugee Council described the targeting of schools and denial of education as a catastrophe affecting children's futures.