CERDOTOLA took part, on February 4th, 2017, at the 14th Edition of the Back to Basics Day, organised by the Catholic private School Jean Tabi. The aim of that day is to allow children from that school, to life for just a day, some cultural realities of of their origins. The theme this year was: strengthening of cultural valours for a better national integration of Jeantabians.

 

Pr. Charles Binam Bikoi, Executive Secretary of CERDOTOLA, His Majesty Jacques Fame Ndongo, traditional ruler and Minister of Higher Education were guest of honour at this ceremony. A delegation of students and teachers from Hamburg High School, partner of Jean Tabi Private school were present.

 

The burdened scheduled programme started at 10 A.M with  a march past of cultural communty: Bulu-Fang, Bassa-Mpo’o; Grand Mbam; Ewondo-Bene-Mvele; Grand Ouest; grand Nord; Eton-Manguissa; Sawa; etc. Then Reverend Sister Anastasie Bekono, Principal of the Jean Tabi private College who recalled that the attachment of students to their traditional cultures is a patriotism act which make the Nation grow up. His Majesty Pr. Jacques Fame Ndongo, on his part , recalled to the audience that Cameroonian traditional cultures unit the different people, while sometimes, there is a risk of division with cultural features left by the western colonisation. The speaker, to back up what he said, presented the case of the Babadjou ppopulations in the bamboutos Division (Francophone) and the populations of Santa in the Mezam (anglophone) who share the same traditional culture but, they are now called anglophones and francophones and the current events in the country quitely illustrate the situation.

 

The feast went on with many patrimonial dances which attracted the guests of honour. Thus, His Majesty Fame Ndongo showed his talents by having a quick twirl of the Bulu dance. After the visit of stands, the ceremony ended with a great meal basically made up with local dishes.

 

Source:  Mission report of Dr. Jean Nke Ndih, February 2017