Technical and Vocational Education in Cameroon and Critical Avenues for Development

Abstract

Technical and vocational education (TVE) can influence development and economic progress for post-colonial societies. Some newly independent sub-Saharan African countries attempted curricular transformation that might produce a skilled workforce through widespread access to versions of TVE. In Cameroon, no such post-colonial curricular revolution was enacted. This article qualitatively analyzes fourteen Cameroonian secondary mathematics teachers' spontaneous discussions about the possibilities and perceived necessity for increased TVE avenues in Cameroon. Relationships between TVE, the problem of educated unemployed, the public and private sectors, and development are explored. This article views teachers' discussions from a lens of critical theory.