Lycée de New Bell, monument of Cameroon
The Lycée de New Bell is a secondary school in Douala, Cameroon, with a large campus and multiple buildings serving different grade levels. The site shows its age but remains actively used by approximately 4,000 students each year.
The school was founded in 1940 during Cameroon's colonial period and was originally built by French settlers. Over the years it expanded to include boys and was transformed into a bilingual institution in 2009, offering instruction in both French and English.
The school takes its name from the lively New Bell neighborhood and is a familiar part of daily life in the area. It brings together students from various backgrounds and reflects Douala's linguistic diversity through its bilingual approach to teaching.
The school sits in a busy residential area with nearby markets and shops, so visitors should expect heavy foot traffic and noise. The grounds are accessible through the gates, but it helps to coordinate a visit with regular school hours.
The school underwent a major transformation in 2009 when it became a bilingual institution, a significant shift that allowed instruction to integrate Cameroon's two main languages. Alumni have played an active role in the community, including donating supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing how deeply former students remain connected to their school.
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