Beyond Numbers: Lessons and Opportunities from a Real-World SEL Intervention in Cameroon

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in helping children manage emotions, build resilience, and foster healthy relationships. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where socio-political unrest and limited resources often disrupt education, SEL can be a lifeline for students. This blog highlights the key lessons and opportunities from the TEACHERS Big Mama Project in Cameroon, a program designed to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) through SEL.

By focusing on practical solutions and real-world applications, this blog showcases how ongoing feedback, community engagement, and flexible strategies transformed challenges into opportunities.

Project Overview: SEL for Displaced Learners

 The socio-political crisis in Cameroon displaced thousands of families, with over 143,565 displaced students enrolled in schools across the West, Littoral, and Center regions during the 2021/2022 academic year. This upheaval not only disrupted learning but also caused significant emotional distress among children.

In response, the TEACHERS Big Mama Project set out to:

Provide teachers with practical tools to foster SEL in classrooms.
Develop culturally relevant SEL content.
Build partnerships with communities to create a supportive learning environment.
The project aimed to ensure that displaced children could continue their education in a safe and emotionally supportive atmosphere.

Key Lessons and Insights from the Field

The TEACHERS Big Mama Project revealed several important lessons that were reflected in field experiences:

1. Effective Communication Builds Trust

Initially, communication gaps with schools slowed the program’s rollout. Establishing clear communication early on became essential in overcoming resistance and fostering collaboration. As one data collector noted, "We arrived at the school only to find out they hadn’t been informed about the program." This highlighted the importance of proper coordination with school leadership to prevent misunderstandings.

2. Community Involvement Strengthens Support

Parental involvement was initially low due to literacy barriers and a lack of understanding of SEL. By involving community leaders and organizing sessions in local languages, the project saw a significant increase in parental consent and support. One data collector shared, "Engaging parents and obtaining their consent was challenging, especially when they didn’t grasp the program’s purpose." Facilitating discussions in familiar settings helped bridge this gap.

3. Cultural Relevance Enhances Engagement

Standard SEL materials needed adaptation to resonate with local communities. Teachers incorporated local folktales and proverbs into lessons, making the content relatable and engaging for students. According to a data collector, "Using local stories and visuals made it easier for students to connect with the lessons." This approach fostered greater emotional engagement and participation.

4. Ongoing Support Empowers Teachers

Initial training sessions provided a foundation, but ongoing mentorship and coaching proved critical for sustained impact. Teachers reported greater confidence and ease in integrating SEL activities into their routines after receiving follow-up support. One teacher noted, "Having someone check in regularly gave me the confidence to try new SEL activities."

5. Flexibility Addresses Resource Gaps

Resource limitations were a constant challenge. The project responded by forming partnerships with local organizations to produce low-cost materials and offering digital copies of SEL guides to teachers with smartphones. As one data collector observed, "Sometimes there just weren’t enough forms to go around, which delayed data collection." Adapting quickly to such challenges ensured that the program remained on track.

Opportunities for Expanding SEL

The lessons learned from the Big Mama Project point to several opportunities for expanding SEL in Cameroon and similar contexts:

1. Strengthening Long-Term School Partnerships

Building trust with schools through regular communication and collaboration ensures sustained SEL implementation. Feedback from teachers can help refine strategies and create a culture of continuous improvement.

2. Broadening Community Engagement

Expanding outreach to involve more community members and leaders can enhance local ownership. Leveraging local media, such as community radio, can further increase awareness and participation.

3. Using Technology to Support Learning

Digital platforms offer an effective way to provide ongoing support to teachers and track program outcomes. Mobile apps and online resources can also help teachers access SEL materials on demand.

4. Customizing SEL for Diverse Populations

Adapting SEL programs to reflect the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of displaced populations ensures that all students feel included and engaged.

Practical Recommendations for Future SEL Programs

The following practical approaches can guide future SEL initiatives:

  • Assess Local Needs: Conduct thorough assessments to understand target populations' specific emotional and social needs.
  • Iterate Based on Feedback: Continuously refine SEL programs by gathering feedback from teachers, students, and community members.
  • Support Teachers Continuously: Provide initial training, ongoing mentorship, coaching, and easy-to-use resources.
  • Collaborate with Communities: Ensure that parents, local leaders, and other stakeholders are engaged throughout the program lifecycle. 

Conclusion

The TEACHERS Big Mama Project demonstrates the transformative potential of practical, real-world SEL interventions in LMICs. By focusing on communication, community involvement, cultural relevance, and flexibility, the project successfully created a model for improving both the emotional well-being and educational outcomes of displaced children.

To scale such efforts, collaboration among governments, educators, and development partners is essential. Investing in SEL, maintaining adaptability, and fostering local partnerships will help create resilient and emotionally intelligent generations capable of thriving in challenging environments.