Christian Valery Nida is a dedicated physics and mathematics teacher in Douala, Cameroon, where he works at Government Bilingual High School New Bell. With 12 years of experience, he is passionate about making science accessible and inspiring students to explore its real-world applications. Teaching in a diverse, bilingual environment, Christian embraces global education by incorporating hands-on projects that connect physics to sustainability and climate action. Despite challenges like limited resources and power outages, he remains committed to fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills in his students. In this interview, he shares his teaching journey, the impact of Global Citizenship Education, and his advice for educators navigating the classroom today.
AFS: Where and what do you teach?
Christian: I teach in Cameroon, in the littoral region, specifically in Douala at Government Bilingual High School New Bell, where I teach physics and mathematics, and I am the assistant manager of the Library. I work with students from grades 10th to 12th.
AFS: How long have you been a teacher and what brought you to the profession?
Christian: I have been a teacher for 12 years. My passion for science and my desire to pass on my knowledge to younger generations, while inspiring them to love physics, led me to choose this profession.
AFS: What are your students like?
Christian: My students come from diverse backgrounds, representing about 13 different nationalities. The most common languages are French and English, due to our status as a bilingual school. They represent a variety of ethnic and religious groups, notably Christianity and Islam, as well as diverse socio-economic backgrounds, which enrich our classroom exchanges.
AFS: Can you tell us more about your school?
Christian: My school is a public school with approximately 5,400 students. We offer a general education with a particular emphasis on bilingualism, thus promoting an integrated approach to subjects.
AFS: What is a challenge that you feel many teachers in your area have to face?
Christian: A major challenge that many teachers in my region face is the lack of educational resources and modern equipment, which complicates the implementation of interactive and practical teaching methods. Additionally, frequent power outages exacerbate this situation, making it even more difficult to use technology in the classroom and limiting learning opportunities for our students.
AFS: Can you share with us a success story or moment that made you feel valued as an educator?
Christian: A memorable moment was our participation in World Leprosy Day, which takes place every last Sunday of the month of January. This year, The enthusiasm of my students during this day deeply touched me and reaffirmed the positive impact I can have as an educator.
AFS: How have you tried to incorporate Global Citizenship Education (GCE) into your classroom?
Christian: I incorporate Global Citizenship Education (GCE) by addressing global issues related to physics, such as renewable energy and climate change. In particular, during extracurricular activities, we have built solar lamps, which not only enhance our understanding of renewable energy but also empower my students to think about their role as global citizens. I encourage them to reflect on how their actions can contribute to a sustainable future.
AFS: How have your students responded to this kind of learning? (GCE)
Christian: My students are very receptive and engaged during these discussions. They appreciate understanding how their studies can impact the world and are motivated to participate in community projects.
AFS: What is one teaching tool or method you find very effective that you would recommend to other teachers?
Christian: I prioritize hands-on experiments and group projects, which allow students to collaborate and learn actively. This creates a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
AFS: If you could give one piece of advice to a new teacher starting their career next school year, what would you say?
Christian: I would advise them to remain passionate and patient. Each student is unique, and it is essential to adapt to their needs while maintaining a positive learning environment.