Story by Louvier Kindo Tombe
For 17-year-old Diane, studying abroad once felt like a distant dream, one clouded by uncertainty and fear.
Before attending the Open Door Day organised by Kelden University to showcase its partnership with NCUK, the Upper Sixth student of Fairview Anglo-Saxon College in Olembe admits she was sceptical.
“I had heard stories of people falling into the wrong hands while trying to travel and study abroad,” she says. “It made me unsure.”
But stepping into the exhibition hall and engaging directly with representatives of partner universities began to change her perspective.
After visiting different stands, asking questions about admissions, scholarships and student life abroad, Diane’s doubts gradually gave way to hope.
“There is a possibility of me coming to school here,” she said with renewed confidence.
The Open Door Day drew hundreds of secondary school students from institutions including Mada International College, Lightword Anglo-Saxon International College, Faith Comprehensive High School, Champions International Bilingual High School and Fairview Anglo-Saxon College.
The aim was simple: bring international universities closer to Cameroonian students for direct interaction.
“We thought it was wise to bring the universities themselves closer to the students for a mutual exchange,” Rocher Weyer, NCUK Client Success Manager for Middle East and Africa explained. “This allows them to ask questions directly and better understand the pathway process.”
First-Hand Information, Renewed Confidence
Among the participants was Lower Sixth student Sonffo Jemimah from Mada International College. She says many students in her school had previously shared stories about difficulties securing admission into foreign universities.
“But from the information I have gathered here today, I have nothing to worry about,” she said. “It’s a great initiative.”
Jemimah, who had visited Kelden University two months earlier, says she was already impressed by the facilities.
“I saw the facilities and was amazed. I’ve always wanted to attend an international university that offers diverse programs and is flexible,” she added.
International Presence
The importance of the initiative was reflected in the presence of representatives from partner institutions including the University of Birmingham, Aston University, University of West England Bristol, and the University of Bradford.
University officials took time to explain admission requirements, necessary qualifications, scholarship opportunities and even living and working conditions in the United Kingdom.
For many students, it was their first opportunity to interact directly with international university representatives rather than relying on second-hand information.
“This Open Door Day has helped me know more about universities like Leicester, Birmingham and Aston, which I have only been hearing about,” another student said. “I look forward to doing my foundation year at Kelden since that will give me easier access to these universities abroad.”
A Structured Pathway
Through the NCUK pathway model, students can complete foundation or Year One programmes locally before progressing to partner universities overseas. The consortium is designed to assist students in meeting international academic standards while easing the transition abroad.
For Diane, the pathway now feels clearer.
“My prayer now is to get the required qualifications,” she says.
What once seemed like a risky and uncertain journey is gradually becoming a structured plan, one that may take her from Yaoundé to the World, and this thanks to the Kelden University.
