AMERICAN SCHOOL OF YAOUNDÉ

New Teacher Guide

Local Address: BP 7475, Yaoundé, Cameroon / U.S. Address: 2520 Yaoundé Place, Washington, D.C. 20521-2520 Telephone: (237) 2223-0421 / (237) 2223-3134 / (237) 2222-9465 / Fax: (237) 2223-6011 / Web Site: www.asoy.org Emails: [email protected]/ [email protected]/ [email protected]

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American School of Yaoundé New Teacher Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

American School of Yaoundé Vision, Mission, and Philosophy

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Cameroon’s Geography, Climate, Population, and Resources

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Living in Yaoundé

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Selecting What to Bring

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Cheers and Challenges

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Visa Acquisition Information

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Recommended Websites & Books

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Welcome to the American School of Yaoundé! We are delighted you have chosen to join our community. While we have endeavored to ensure the information in this handbook is up-to-date, accurate, and inclusive of everything a new faculty member might need to know, we ask that you please let us know if you find inaccuracies or information that is lacking so we can continue to improve this handbook each year!

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Our school was first known as the International School of Yaoundé, founded in 1964 to provide a quality education for the children of U.S. diplomats and other U.S. government personnel living in Yaoundé. Over the first few decades of its history, the school’s demographic expanded to include students from all over the world. In October, 1986, the American School of Yaoundé obtained its first accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and in 2009 ASOY received joint re-accreditation from the both MSA and the Council for International Schools (CIS) which is in effect until 2019. The philosophy statement below was authored as part of that accreditation process and is the work of a number of faculty, staff, parents, students, and board members. It is an aspirational statement of the kind of teaching and learning we believe in as a community and regularly guides our strategic decision-making.

The ASOY PHILOSOPHY Vision Statement The vision of the American School of Yaoundé is to be an educational institution that is highly regarded for its focus on academic excellence, innovative practice, community service, and global citizenship. Mission Statement By offering an enriched American curriculum in a challenging, secure, and diverse environment, the American School of Yaoundé seeks to ensure that all students achieve academic success, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and become responsible and compassionate global citizens. At the American School of Yaoundé, we believe that:  Critical, creative, and independent thinking and expression are essential components of education.  It is our responsibility to challenge and encourage students to discover their potential.  High academic expectations and relationships are the cornerstone of education.  The education of children is a shared responsibility to act as agents of positive change in our world.  Learning is a life-long process.  Students are motivated by unconditional support and an environment that encourages curiosity, inquiry, and problem solving.  Diversity enriches the school community.  The school environment enhances the development of the total child – physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.  All children can learn, and children learn in different ways. All members of our community are joined in partnership to ensure that all students:  Believe they have the lifelong capacity and desire to learn and grow.  Initiate explorations, approach new challenges, and take risks.  Value and respect themselves and all other members of the school community.  Develop the skills of independent, creative, and critical thought needed for problem-solving and decision making.  Work toward excellence in their academic physical, social and emotional realms.  Develop a framework of content knowledge and skills essential for building a conceptual understanding of the world around them.  Demonstrate knowledge and skills in technology and the ability to adapt to change.  Engage in meaningful involvement in both local and global communities.  Develop an appreciation, respect, and sense of concern for the environment.  Develop a personal code of ethics for responsible world citizenship.  Develop an understanding and appreciation of cultural differences.

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Cameroon’s Geography, Population, and Resources Cameroon is a diverse country in Central Africa, often coined as “all of Africa in one country.” Spanning a total of 475,442 kilometers, from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Chad, and stretching from equatorial Africa to the edge of the Sahara region, Cameroon has coastal plains, low plateaus, rain forests, and volcanoes. The altitude ranges from 800 to 1,500 meters, with semi-desert savannah and mountains, reflecting all the geographical diversity of the African continent. Mount Cameroon, an active volcano towering 4,070 meters (13,353 ft) over the ocean, is located in the South West and is the highest point in the country. The soft, black-sand beaches at the foot of the mountain are very popular among tourists. South and East Cameroon present a classic image of Central Africa, with great rivers flowing through luxuriant, dense forests that provide a habitat for a multitude of plant and animal species. Northern Cameroon is a typical savannah of vast grassy plains, punctuated by the lunar landscape of the Kapsikis. With 400 kilometers of coastline, Cameroon is ideal for beach holidays. The two primary beach areas are Kribi with fine sandy beaches, and Limbe with the astonishing mouth of the Lobe River pouring over a waterfall into the Atlantic Ocean. Travel to those areas of Cameroon is relatively easy, with paved roads. The earliest inhabitants of Cameroon were most likely the Bakas (Pygmies). They still inhabit the forests of the South and East provinces. During the late 1770s and early 1800s, the Fulani, a pastoral Islamic people of the western Sahel, conquered most of what is now northern Cameroon, subjugating or displacing its largely non-Muslim inhabitants. The first European to reach the Cameroon coast was the Portuguese captain, Fernando Po’o, in 1472. Until the 18th century, many English traders and missionaries traveled through the country. Cameroon was a German protectorate from 1884 until the end of the First World War, and remained a French colony from 1919 until becoming independent in 1960. President Paul Biya has been ruling the country since 1982. Today, the population of Cameroon is approximately 16.5 million people, comprised of 250 ethnic groups that form 5 large regional and cultural groups: Cameroon Highlanders, Equatorial Bantu, Kirdi, Fulani, Northwestern Bantu, Eastern Nigirtic, and other Africans. The country’s rich cultural diversity is due to its large number of different ethnic groups, each having its own lifestyle, traditions, folklore, and crafts. The political climate in Cameroon has been relatively stable since the country gained independence. The economy experienced promising growth after independence until the late 1980s when falling oil prices, mismanagement of public-sector enterprises, and corruption throughout the system began to take a serious toll. A sudden and massive devaluation of the CFA (Central African Franc) in the early 1990s seriously affected the economy; however, recent restructuring agreements with the World Bank and the IMF, as well as the new Chad/Cameroon Pipeline Project, have stimulated economic growth. The Cameroon CFA is fixed to the Euro. The exchange rate between the CFA and the US Dollar varies daily as per the variation of the Euro to the US Dollar. Cameroon’s main resources are oil, mining, aluminum production, and agriculture. The major industries are petroleum production and refining, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber, coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, root starches, livestock, and timber.

Living in Yaoundé ASOY Housing Overseas-hired faculty are assigned very nice school-leased apartments by the Director. Your apartment will be selected and furnished depending upon your apparent needs with what is available at the time. The apartment will be equipped with the basics, i.e. a living and dining room set, bedroom set, and major appliances including a refrigerator, stove, hot water heater, and washing machine. There are also two air conditioners provided for each apartment. It is up to the individual teacher to provide the “extras” such as

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5 local art work or personal items that make the difference between a house and a home. Furniture and colorful fabrics are readily available in local markets. Electricity and water cuts are not frequent but do occur at times and may last for several hours. Fortunately, we do have reserve water tanks and backup generator, both at the apartments and at school, for when that happens. Basic Apartment Inventory New overseas-hire faculty will receive a “welcome kit” of household items for their apartments. A set of sheets and towels, blanket, pillows, temporary supply of household items, coffee/tea, snacks, and a few other items will be given to you when you arrive. We should be able to tell you the size of your bed before you arrive so you can plan to bring personal bedding with you. The furniture in your apartment is inventoried, and you will sign the list shortly after your arrival. You may be able to switch some items with other teachers if you like, but any changes must go through our administrative officer to ensure the inventory lists remain accurate. You are responsible for the care of the furniture, and you will be charged for willful damage of school furniture or appliances. The apartments are well-equipped but obviously do not have everything, so you may want to purchase some household items on your own. All new teachers pay a housing deposit of $300 (October through December at $100/month) which is fully refunded upon departure from ASOY, provided all furnishings are in acceptable condition.

Climate The climate is humid and tropical in most parts of the country. The dry season is from November to February, and there is a short rainy season from March to June. The heavy rainy season occurs from August to October. In Yaoundé, the average temperature ranges from 26° C (79º F) to 19° C (66º F), but hot spells are not uncommon during dry season. Yaoundé, known as the city on 7 hills, is the capital city of Cameroon. Yaoundé enjoys mild cool evenings and warm afternoons most of the year, with fairly mild humidity. The Harmattan, seasonal dust that floats down from the Sahara, occurs in Yaoundé in February - March, giving the atmosphere a hazy quality. Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, is located 200 kilometers from the coast at an altitude of 700 meters. Douala is the business capital of Cameroon and the country’s major port on the Gulf of Guinea. French and English are the two official languages; however, French is more widely spoken and is the predominant language of Yaoundé and Douala. Communication All overseas-hired teachers will be provided with a basic cellular telephone upon their arrival. Please note that many U.S. cell phones do not work in Cameroon! Most teachers use Skype, What’s App, Facetime or Facebook Messenger to talk to family and friends back home. The teacher apartments include wireless internet service and cable TV. The school provides good wireless internet throughout the campus, however we recommend that you bring your own router for your apartment, such as a Mac Airport. The school phone numbers are: (237) 2223-0421, (237) 2222-9465, and (237) 2223-3134. The school’s email addresses are: [email protected] and [email protected]. Your email address at ASOY will be your first initial last [email protected]. Driving With a population of approximately 1,800,000, Yaoundé is typically busy with taxis, motorbikes, food carts, and pedestrians. Good new and used cars are available and tend to be expensive, but hold their resale value

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6 quite well. Newcomers will have a delay in getting their driver’s licenses as it takes time to process. You may find driving in the city difficult or hectic at first, as western traffic laws and regulations usually do not seem to apply. Traffic jams occur during rush hour, but usually only cause delays of 15 - 20 minutes at most. If the President or other dignitary is traveling through the city, major thoroughfares may be blocked for several hours at a time, at times even forcing us to close school early for the day to avoid having students stuck at school! Dress Dress in Cameroon is fairly modest and conservative. It is slightly improper to wear clothes that are revealing, except for sports. To be comfortable, loose-fitting cotton clothing is recommended. Simple dresses, blouses, skirts and slacks are best. Walking shorts are fine around town; however, shorter shorts and tight strapless or tank tops may draw unwanted attention. Open-toed shoes and sandals are perfectly acceptable and probably most comfortable here. Evening dress varies from very casual to cocktail to very elegant for the occasional formal function. Household Staff Word of mouth is often the most effective way to locate good household help. Typically, ASOY overseashire teaches employ a housekeeper/cook either full-time or part-time as keeping a house clean in the tropics can be more work that we’re used to! Housekeepers can be particularly helpful with doing shopping at the produce markets, and ensuring that your fruits and vegetables are properly cleaned before cooking and eating. In addition, while many teachers do drive, you may also wish to hire a driver, particularly when you are new to Cameroon. A maid, cook, nanny, or driver may be hired for between $120 - $240 per month, depending on the level of training, experience, and hours per week. Mail Services For mail by post, allow at least 3 weeks for mail to arrive in Yaoundé. However, DHL can be used for more urgent mail and packages but is a bit expensive. Your mailing address will be: Full Name American School of Yaoundé B.P. 7475 Yaoundé, Cameroon Medical Information Contact your local public health office for current information regarding inoculations needed for Cameroon. Immunization against Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry into the country. Malaria is endemic to Cameroon, so you may want to consider taking some kind of malaria prophylaxis while living here. Consult with your physician about the pros and cons of different types and side effects of long-term use. We suggest you bring a starter supply of the malaria medication if you plan to take it, however, it is available here in Cameroon at a lower cost that in the U.S. Once in country, you will be briefed on available medical services. You will be enrolled in our health insurance program, Scholars Universal, as of August 1, 2016. This worldwide coverage plan includes a medication benefit through which you may order medication through the mail at no cost to yourself. It is recommended that you send an order for any regular medications, including malaria pills, along with a prescription to the company on August 1, 2016 in order to get them back by the time you leave for Cameroon. Pharmacies are plentiful but you should check with our nurse if you have a specific prescription need to ensure it is available in Cameroon.

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7 Money New overseas-hired faculty will receive a settling-in allowance of approximately $900 USD (payable in local currency) to meet immediate expenses upon arrival in Yaoundé. (There will be enough food provided to manage until you can get to a grocery store.) You may wish to have some funds in US dollars when you arrive or when you travel, as US dollars can be difficult to get in Cameroon. Be sure to bring your checkbook for use in the US embassy commissary. Typical expenses in the first few weeks might include additional household appliances, additional linens, a microwave, or other items of personal choice. Recreation ASOY teachers have use of the school’s swimming pool, tennis courts, and basketball court. In addition, there are a few other very nice recreation centers in town at which membership is available to the public. If you like running or jogging, you would enjoy the Parcours Vita at Mt. Fébé, with several exercise stations provided along the course. It is also a good place to take your dog for a walk. Several sports groups offer volleyball, biking, ultimate Frisbee, and Hashing. Yoga and Zumba are offered on campus after work, to staff and faculty at a reasonable fee. You should bring sports and hiking clothes and equipment such as swimwear, hiking boots, Yoga mat, tennis racket, golf clubs and golf balls with you, as these items may be difficult to locate in Cameroon. The French Cultural Center has a theater with movies in French and English. Yaoundé is home to many first-rate restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Italian, Cameroonian, Lebanese, French, and general/international. In addition, there are several excellent live music venues in town, as well as a variety of night-clubs that play both contemporary western pop and Cameroonian dance music. There is a golf-course and an equestrian club within walking distance of the teacher apartments, and the French Cultural Center and Goethe Institute offer cultural programs, film festivals, music events, etc. throughout the year, ranging from musical concerts and workshops to art exhibitions. Several embassies in town offer language courses, such as Spanish, German, or Chinese. Safety While most people drive, shop, walk and jog without problems, be prepared for local people approaching you. Generally people are simply curious about foreigners and no harm is intended, but at times the approach may seem aggressive or invasive. Bribes and other “cadeaux” are often requested but can be avoided with some practice. Though the crime rate is typical of most big cities, ordinary precautions should be followed, such as avoiding traveling or walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, locking your car, and being aware of your surroundings. Some families purchase and use a small household safe to keep valuables in their home, however, teachers can also deposit things in the school safe when they travel. Shopping Most consumer items are available locally, much of which is imported from France, though American, Asian, and South African products are also available. Imported items are relatively expensive, but fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry and meats are plentiful and cheap. Cameroon produces good beer and several brands of soft drinks and fruit juices. French, Italian, and South African wines are widely available and relatively cheap. Ready-made clothing is available in boutiques but is expensive and sizes may be limited. A large variety of fabrics are available, and tailors and seamstresses can copy your favorite patterns at very reasonable prices. Laundry is hard on clothing, as the combination of sun, perspiration, and washing will wear out clothing quickly. Most clothes should be washable, but dry-cleaning is available and reasonably priced. According to our current agreement with the U.S. Embassy, US hired teachers have privileges to use the commissary. Items available in the commissary include products imported from the U.S., including frozen meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, and pork, as well as shrimp, cheese, cereal, chips, and a variety of canned and other packaged foods. Some cleaning supplies and personal toiletries are available, and there are

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8 DVDs for rent there. However, items can be expensive, and the availability of goods is dependent on ordering and delivery cycles. Payment at the commissary is by U.S. dollar check. The use of the commissary is dependent on our ongoing agreement with the U.S. Embassy and may be withdrawn at its discretion.

Selecting What to Bring It is important to remember that most household items are available in Cameroon, and that we do have smallscale department and grocery stores. Local household items and gadgets may not be of top quality, and imported items may be more expensive here. This needs to be balanced by the expense of shipping a cheaper model or convenience of immediate access. Voltage is 220 in Cameroon. If you bring 110 voltage appliances, a transformer will be needed for conversion. We recommend that either you purchase dual voltage electronic items or wait to buy them here. Use your own discretion in bringing to Yaoundé the things needed to help make your house a home and make your adjustment easier. Pay particular attention to those goods which are expensive or difficult to find here, such as greeting cards, party supplies, Halloween costumes, shower curtains, makeup, your favorite shampoo, etc. Teachers with children might also want to bring a small supply of things that could be given as birthday gifts to friends. We encourage faculty to bring items as extra baggage, however, air freight shipping is also an option. Costs differ greatly between countries of departure, so please research this at your destination and be sure to let us know in order to assist at this end. Check with the airline for details concerning your baggage allowance as these fees also differ between airlines. Think carefully before packing and bringing valuables, antiques, or anything you cannot afford to lose. All true valuables such as family documents, money, and jewelry should be carried in your hand luggage and not in your checked luggage. Listed below is an approximate inventory of items that will be in your apartment kitchen. Items not in your apartment can be purchased locally. Stove and gas bottle Refrigerator Washing machine and dryer Hot water heater UV water filter Broom/dust pan

Pots and pans Dinnerware, glassware, and silverware Basic kitchen utensils Casserole/baking dishes Dishtowels Mosquito nets

General Suggestions from Experienced Teachers Current faculty have developed a google doc containing a list of items they suggest are helpful to bring. The link is things to note/bring, however below are some common suggestions. Do Bring:  U.S. Checkbook and driver’s license  U.S. $500 to have on hand  Dental floss  Contact lens solution  Specialty or favorite toiletries  Basic medicine cabinet staples such as ibuprofen, Imodium, z-packs, allergy medicine, etc.  Sporting equipment, yoga mat, hiking/camping equipment (boots, etc)  Musical instruments / music books  Starter supply of malaria medicine (if you plan to take it)  Sheets (available here but not the best quality)

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A few light sweaters for cooler evenings and warm clothing if you plan to travel to Europe Small tool kit Lots of summer clothing Some formal wear for dressy occasions such as the annual Marine Ball Favorite teaching materials for your classroom You may also wish to bring birthday or holiday cards (available here but limited selection), small gifts.

Cheers and Challenges The overseas-hired faculty at the American School of Yaoundé was asked to list their likes and dislikes about living and working in Yaoundé. Their responses are as follows:

Cheers!                

Great live music, cabarets, and restaurants. Yaoundé is a relatively peaceful place with a “small community” atmosphere. Cheap, wonderful fruits and vegetables. Tropical plants to beautify your balcony or home are cheap and plentiful. Carpenters, iron-workers, and tailors are all available to realize your designs. Great tropical fruit – mangos! Good quality household help is easily available Manicures, pedicures, massages and facials, are very reasonable! Good salons at reasonable prices. There are hardly any discipline problems at school; we have respectful, well- mannered, generally motivated kids with supportive parents. Small school community that is warm; teachers are cooperative and supportive of each other. The fabrics of West Africa are phenomenal. People take the time to greet and know each other as we depend on each other for entertainment and support. The people of Cameroon are hospitable, kind, and have a warm, familiar sense of humor. Awesome rainy season; overall a pleasant climate. A weekend in Kribi is a relaxing respite. Fascinating culture in all of Cameroon - a microcosm of Africa Watching the clouds settle on the hills around Yaoundé - sunsets are lovely.

Challenges  Being so visible in the community and being solicited often for money or to buy items off the street. Vendors at the market places can be aggressive.  Need to have a sense of humor to cope with difficult characters and difficult situations.  Frequent internet outages.  Lack of malls, movie theatres and other such entertainments.  Hectic traffic conditions.  It is not safe to be alone at night in certain parts of the city and we are currently unable to travel in the Far North of the country.  Hospitals are poorly equipped.  Things are easier if you know some French.  There’s a danger of tropical diseases.  Don’t expect things to happen yesterday, it might be next week.  Small community - lack of privacy.  Extremes of life - poverty vs. wealth  Seasonal air quality. During the harmattan there can be a lot of dust in the air.  Air travel around Africa can be expensive.  Car repairs can also be pricey.

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10 Available in Cameroon  Electrical appliances (220 voltage)  Camera film  Christmas trees and decorations  Sheets and towels  Kitchen pans / utensils  Some sports equipment  Ready-made clothing  Toys  Tools and hardware  Medical supplies and equipment

Better to Buy in Cameroon  Basic toiletry items  Umbrella  Food items (unless you require a particular brand of something)  Basic household items, toilet paper, soap, cleaning supplies, etc.  Wine  Furnishings / household décor items

Visa Acquisition Information In the months leading up to your arrival, we will continue to update you on the visa acquisition process. The “rules” in Cameroon change often! At any time during your visa process, if you are uncertain about what type to apply for, please check with us! Obtaining the wrong type of visa can delay getting both your driver’s license and your residency card. We recommend that, unless you can personally visit the Cameroonian embassy in Washington, DC, that in order to ease the hassle of obtaining the visa, you use a visa expeditor such as Travisa. They outline the documents required in a very user-friendly manner and the extra expense is covered by the school and well worth the cost in terms of easing the process. You can even track the progress of your visa application online. We will send you the link to the visa application form on their website later in the spring. Be advised to start the visa process early; it generally takes 5 – 10 business days for processing plus shipping time, so allow for at least two weeks. In order to obtain your visa, a list of documents is required. In addition to the letter of invitation, which is attached to this email, you need to submit:       

your passport, copy of marriage certificate (if married), your yellow fever card, a certified (stamped) copy of a recent bank statement, a copy of your flight itinerary, Two 2 inch square, color passport photos (with your ears showing) And the application form (downloadable from the Travisa website)

When you fill in the application form, please indicate that you wish a 6 month, multiple entry visa for the purpose of a “visit” (not tourism). The letter of invitation will contain the address to include on page 2, and please indicate that “oui/yes” you agree not to accept employment while in Cameroon as per the US embassy’s instructions to us. (Indicating “non/no” will result in you not being able to obtain your residency card in a timely manner.) Currently, expats need to be residing in Cameroon for a full six months before their residency card can be issued.

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Recommended Websites and Books Recommended Websites www.asoy.org www.wonderoon.com www.cameroon-tribune.cm (not .com) www.geocities.com www.countrywatch.com www.cameroun-infotourisme.com www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/cm.html Recommended Books Mango Elephants in the Sun: How life in an African Village let me be in my skin By Susana Herrera Malaria Dreams: An African Adventure By Stuart Stevens The Innocent Anthropologist: Notes from a mud hut By Nigel Barley Lonely Planet West Africa By Mary Fitzpatrick

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