St. Bede’s College (SABECO), Ashing-Kom in the Archdiocese of Bamenda, was founded in October 1963 by Rev. Father Anthony Jansen to provide quality Catholic education in the Kom region. Initially established as a boys’ boarding school, it later became a co-educational institution in 1967. It is recognized as the first mixed-sex Roman Catholic college to operate in the Bamenda Grassfields.
Here are three main reasons for its establishment, with explanations:
1. The Absence of Secondary Education in the Kom Fondom
- Explanation: In the early 1960s, there were no secondary schools within the Kom area (Fondom). Children who finished primary school had few options to continue their education locally. The existing Catholic institutions like Sacred Heart College, Mankon, were too far away, creating a need for a local, accessible secondary school to prevent students from staying at home.
2. The Need for Catholic Character Formation and Academic Excellence
- Explanation: The Church, under the inspiration of Father Anthony Jansen, aimed to provide a “holistic” education that blended academic training with Christian values. The goal was to train leaders who were academically sound and morally upright, nurturing both their spiritual life and intellectual capacity, as part of the broader Catholic mission in the Bamenda region.
3. Utilization of Foreign Aid (CEBEMO) for Educational Development
- Explanation: The establishment of St. Bede’s College was made possible through grants obtained from the Dutch Government through a Dutch Catholic organization called CEBEMO. These funds were specifically granted to construct necessary infrastructure—including classrooms, dormitories, and staff quarters—to kickstart formal education in the region, bringing it closer to the local community.
Key History Summary:
- Founded: October 10, 1963, by Rev. Fr. Anthony Jansen.
- Initial Site: Njinikom (temporary).
- Current Site: Ashing, Belo Valley.
- Co-educational Status: Became co-educational in 1967.
- Distinction: Known for high performance in GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels.