The 2014-2015 academic year began in Cameroon with thousands of students and teachers deserting schools in towns along the border with Nigeria’s Borno state, which is home to the Boko Haram terrorist group.
With some schools either destroyed or occupied by the militants, Cameroon officials said they will relocate populations to more secure areas.
In Kolofata this week, 1,000 children were expected to start in government schools, but only a few students showed up.
Foncha Rene, 17, who was one of the few who arrived, said Boko Haram attacks in the area have scared his fellow students away.
“There is no way we can go to school. Some time ago the Boko Haram kidnapped some students in Nigeria and they have been attacking schools in the border zone of Cameroon,” Foncha said.