Misaje Subdivision: US-based health expert, Ndansi Elvis, takes annual Shaa festival to next level.

Children after receiving scholarships

There was joy and ecstasy, Saturday August 31, 2024, in the town of Misaje, Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region, as the curtains of the 2024 edition of the Misaje Shaa Festival were drawn.

The annual festival, an initiative of United States-based health expert and community development promoter, Ndansi Elvis, aims to promote hygiene and sanitation in the brewing and sale of Shaa, a local liquor made from fermented corn.



Through the festival, Ndansi Elvis, who sits atop Unite for Health Foundation, a renowned humanitarian organisation, has been encouraging vendors of the local liquor to apply good hygienic conditions in the brewing and commercialisation of the local drink.

In its 7th edition, the annual festival, this year, took a major leap from its roots, evolving from a celebration of hygiene and sanitation in the production and sale of the locally brewed drink, to a platform for direct economic empowerment of women in Misaje Subdivision.

According to organisers of the festival, 80 women this year participated in zonal competitions, with 15 making it to the grand finale on August 31 in Misaje. 

The event was marked by a series of activities, including cash prizes, agricultural input distribution, scholarships for vulnerable children, and traditional competitions; all geared towards enhancing the lives of the Misaje community.

 

 

Champions celebrate triumph

The main activity of the festival was the Shaa brewing competition, where the top three winners were rewarded with substantial cash prizes. Shey Stella from Kamine village emerged as champion, bagging home a cash prize of 500,000 FCFA. 

For her part, Yindeh Rosaline, who emerged 2nd, received 250,000 FCFA cash prize, while Chebi Vecline secured the third place, with a prize of 150,000 FCFA. The remaining 12 finalists were each awarded compensatory prizes of 50,000 FCFA.

"I am so happy and thankful to Ndansi Elvis and the Unite for Health Foundation for this wonderful opportunity. With this prize, I will be able to pay my children's school fees and expand my Shaa business. This festival has changed my life," the winner, Shey Stella said.