𝐁𝐲 𝐊.𝐊  𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐡

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚 is a poignant, powerful narrative that traces the rise and fall of the Cameroonian teacher through the eyes of Chicha, a once-revered educator now relegated to the sidelines of a society that no longer honours his contributions. Told in the reflective, aging voice of Chicha, this evocative diary offers an intimate glimpse into the soul of a profession that was once the cornerstone of society’s moral and intellectual foundation.

From the colonial blackboards of early mission schools to the overcrowded, chalk-dusted classrooms of today, Chicha’s journey mirrors the larger story of Cameroon’s education system—one marked by political upheavals, social shifts, and the gradual erosion of respect for the teaching profession. As Chicha’s once-proud role diminishes, he watches with growing despair as admiration shifts to soldiers, pastors, and politicians, leaving teachers like him struggling in the shadows.

Through diary entries, letters from former students, poems, and historical retrospectives, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚 serves not only as a personal reflection but also as a profound social commentary on the transformation of education in Cameroon. It is a heart-wrenching call to acknowledge the quiet heroes who shaped the future of the nation—teachers whose labour was often in silence, but whose impact will echo for generations to come.

In this elegiac tale of dignity, loss, and resilience, K.K. Bonteh gives voice to those who shaped the minds of a nation, and in doing so, challenges us all to rethink how we value education and those who dedicate their lives to it.