some seventy of them turned up for what has become an annual get-together aimed at giving them additional assistance, namely counselling, in order to contribute to excellent performance in their academic work. The grading system, health issues, social-cultural awareness, mentoring, scholarships, job opportunities and financial matters were highlighted by a team of experts: Mrs. Edith Essam, Manager of a Student Counseling Centre Etincelle, Mrs. Mbonté Irene Longe, Mr. Paul Ngang, University Lecturer and Ms. Christelle Djomgang.    

The evening opened with an opening address to students by the Head of Mission himself, whose willingness to help students succeed brought about several round of applauds during the meeting that went over three hours. Then Mr. Etoundi of the Consular Service said the Embassy is like the parents of a student who is studying in a foreign country. Thereafter, Mrs Christine Ngue of the Cultural Service, made an exposé which was followed by several questions and a lively discussion between the students and the administration, on the one hand, and the experts, on the other. Indeed, the department is specialized in student affairs. With the assistance of an Attaché, Lébé, she dwelled on the process of obtaining of student certificates from Cameroun; the equivalence of their diplomas both at the point of entry into academic institutions in Belgium and their integration back in their home country upon completion of their studies. Judging from the interest generated and from the intensity of the arguments exchanged, the students realized that they have no one to blame but themselves in regards to facilities obtainable from or through the Embassy. They Cultural Service head regretted that the majority of them don’t communicate their needs in time. Actually, the students themselves recognized that most of them do shy away from their own Embassy out of ignorance.