At 6th artistic, cultural holidays in Yaounde: Youth showcase talents through theatrical performances, dance, paintings, crafts….

The closing ceremony, held at the National Museum in Yaounde, showcased the talents acquired by participants aged between 3 and 16 years through exhibitions, theatrical performances, dance displays, paintings, crafts, and digital creations. 

The programme, which ran from June 16 to July 24, offered young participants an opportunity to explore various artistic disciplines, while discovering the richness of Cameroon’s cultural heritage. 

The participants, alongside their trainers, were handed certificates at the close of the ceremony in Yaounde.

Speaking to journalists at the end of the event, the Director of the National Museum, Etta Ojang Ivan, described the initiative as part of the institution’s evolving mission to become more than a repository of historical artifacts.

“The museum is undergoing a new reconfiguration. It is no longer simply a place where objects and ancient histories are preserved. The museum is increasingly becoming a hub for transmitting cultural knowledge, educating citizens, and promoting our identity,” he explained. 

According to him, one of the institution’s core responsibilities is to pass on cultural values, traditions, and knowledge to younger generations. The Artistic and Cultural Holidays programme, he said, was designed to contribute to that objective by exposing children to a wide range of creative and cultural activities.

“This year, we brought together young people from different backgrounds and introduced them to disciplines such as poetry, painting, graphic design, infographics, craftsmanship, dance, and theatre. Our goal was to help them discover, develop, and revive talents that may have remained hidden,” he said. 

The six-week programme, the Director said, combined practical workshops with cultural education, allowing participants to acquire hands-on experience in artistic expression, while strengthening their understanding of the country’s identity and multiculturalism.

According to Etta Ojang, one of the highlights of this year’s edition was the introduction of a craftsmanship workshop, focused on recycling and innovation. Children were encouraged to collect discarded materials such as cardboard and plastic containers and transform them into useful objects and architectural models.

The workshop, he said, not only stimulated creativity but also encouraged environmental awareness and problem-solving skills.

The programme, he said, was equally aimed at fostering social cohesion and national integration. He explained that children from different cultural, linguistic, and geographical backgrounds worked together throughout the holiday period, creating friendships and learning about one another’s traditions.

Enter parent

Parents, whose children participated in the programme, also expressed satisfaction with the impact of the initiative. For Ekwe Essong, enrolling his children in the programme was motivated by a desire to keep them engage in productive activities during the holiday season, while nurturing their creative abilities.

He admitted being pleasantly surprised by the breadth of opportunities offered at the museum. 

“My daughter already enjoyed drawing and painting, but when she came here, she also became involved in dance and theatre. Her brother focused more on digital activities. The results have been very positive,” he said.

According to the parent, the transformation in his children became evident after only a few weeks. 

Ekwe used the opportunity to call on other parents to encourage their children to explore their talents beyond the classroom. 

“Parents should allow children to express themselves. Holidays should not be limited to academic activities. Children need opportunities to discover and develop their intrinsic skills and abilities,” he said.

Programme offered more than artistic training

One of the beneficiaries, Djoumgoue Tiemeni Lea, said the experience has significantly boosted her confidence and broadened her knowledge.

“I learned how to stand before a large audience and speak confidently. I learned how to create videos, use a computer, and make school materials. I also learned how to make plates and other objects,” she said. 

The young participant expressed gratitude to her parents for enrolling her in the programme and said she hopes to return next year to continue learning. 

Officials, at the close of the ceremony, equally announced plans for a seventh edition in 2027, with hopes of expanding opportunities for young people to explore art, culture, innovation, and identity. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3862 of Wednesday July 29, 2026