Cameroon is made up of ten regions divided into 58 departments. To participate in the cultural day, ten classes of Emana’s school drew lots for the region they would represent : a junior primary class, the 4 comprehensive school classes, the 2 final high school classes (literary or scientific).

Each class proposed the setting, clothing, language, dances and food that best express the traditions of “their” region. The children did not need to go far to gather the information necessary for this presentation, as urban families originally from many different regions, are keen to preserve their languages and customs – a beautiful heritage that they naturally pass on to their children! This day of celebration also brought joy to the mothers and fathers who helped with the traditional presentations.

Proud pupils wearing magnificent, varied and colourful costumes

A jury composed of five guests scoring the quality of reception and the presentation of the regions, as well as the ability of the young to speak in public.

In a junior primary class (cm2)

In secondary schools

The second day was really the young people’s day. They were the ones who organised the activities, while the adults were just the coordinators.

Speeches, a road safety demonstration, playlets, comic sketches, poems, dances, a play, a fashion show and above all, the long-awaited election of the Miss and Mister of the year, marked this festive day.

In a country where traffic accidents are numerous and generally serious or even fatal, actions carried out in favour of road prevention are essential. Throughout the year, even during the school holidays (see the article Deo Vacances), activities related to the subject continue and multiply. Teachers take every opportunity to remind pupils to be careful.

Published in 1960, the play “Three suitors… one husband” is the first work created by Guillaume Oyônô Mbia, one of the most famous Cameroonian playwrights. The play was a huge success wherever it was performed and is still very popular today.

The scene is a village in southern Cameroon. The heroine, schoolgirl Juliette, rebels against her family and the village chief, as she refuses to be given in marriage to the suitor who will offer the highest dowry. Ndi, the peasant, Mbia, the rich civil servant and Tchetgen, the shopkeeper, take turns introducing  themselves. But it is out of the question for her to be sold like a goat: “I am a human being, I am valued!” The education and the free will of girls are discussed eagerly. Juliette wants to impose her engagement to Okô. The two young people play a clever trick on the villagers which will lead to a happy ending for all. With much humour and subtleness, the play presents an essential aspect of African socio-cultural evolution.

The actors of the theatre club received loud applause for their talent and dynamism.

The liveliest event of the day was the fashion show followed by the election of Miss and Mister 2022 of the School Complex. Young people and adults alike are always passionate about such a contest. Fan clubs are formed and everyone happily expresses their preferences.

The candidates performed five rounds in different outfits: student uniforms, daily village clothing, traditional costumes, city wear and evening wear. Then, they presented a personal speech related to the theme of the year, namely “Youth and Voluntary Participation in the Great Challenges of Cameroon”, in French, English and one or two dialects of their choice. They were judged on their presentation, their poise and their ability to speak in public. This is a difficult exercise and the emotion was palpable among the candidates and their fans.

This year again, the show was magnificent, the contestants fought with courage and talent!

The winners represent the school until the next school year. They have the important task of serving as examples for other pupils in terms of diligence, discipline, punctuality, cleanliness, mutual aid and benevolence towards their classmates.

The following Monday, before classes resumed and in front of all the pupils gathered in the courtyard of the Emana school complex, Father Emmanuel and the teaching staff took stock of this beautiful celebration. They congratulated all the participants, insisting on the fact that no one failed in the various competitions. The main thing is to enjoy the game and to gain experience.

This young girl cried a lot of tears after the elections; in front of everyone, she was complimented on her courage in challenging older contestants and on her performance of the beautiful traditional scene.

In the heart of the bush, where resources are much more limited than in the city, the festive day was devoted to sports. The boys and some of the girls energetically played several football matches.

The youth festival ends with a student parade in all regions of the country. Each school takes part. This year, the shadow of the pandemic required even stricter organisation (smaller number of representatives, social distancing, etc.). Nevertheless, the festival took place in a joyful atmosphere.

The children from the Afrique Future Complex in Ngodi Si went to Dibang, a sub-prefecture of this region, which includes 29 villages. They joined other school groups to participate in the national parade.