FEHACU 2021: How Inclusive?

 By Raymond Dingana

The question on whether the maiden edition of the Festival Heritage of Arts and Cultures organised by the Bamenda III Council under Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwie was inclusive is what has animated the event ever since it was launched.

At first sight, one would think FEHACU 2021 was only for abled body men and women.

However, after visiting the stands, that thought of the event not being inclusive started fading out as Persons With Disabilities, PWDs are powerfully represented. 

In one of the stands seated a pretty young lady, fair in complexion by name Fonju Constance Efuet.

She was busy marking the 'Toghu,' an out fit that has captured the world thanks to its beautiful colors that charm people making it difficult for them to resist buying one for themselves.

Fonju Constance At The Maiden Edition Od FEHACU

Seing my accreditation badge on me, she smiled as if she knew i had a soft spot for PWDs and was actually visiting her stand.

"My name is Fonju Constance Efuet, i produce Toghus of different categories, beeds assemblying, i have a bachelors degree in Economics and Social Science," she said.

She added that; " I am a youth leader and a motivational speaker."

She was so amazing that i decided to ask her how she has been coping so far,

"As a person with disability, one of the greatest challenge I face is carrying my articles around to sample them. I am not able to satisfy my clients because I'm limited in equipment and material. I can also train others if i have the means like a space where we can conveniently work.

Albinos also answered present with a traditional dance they called NDIWAIN under the leadership of Ngom Maceline Anwi,a young and beautiful lady, founder of the Association of the Welfare of Albinos (AWA).

"It is all about marriage and you know marriage brings . We dance with the peace plant which is like a newborn baby which is like a bond to the marriage we are going to present," Ngom explained what NDIWIAN is all about.

Albinos Doing The NDIWAIN Dance At FEHACU

She decried being left out in cultural activities while thanking the Bamenda III Mayor for the opportunity given them to also present what they are good at.

People with Albinism have been exempted from cultural activities because of their skin color. People do believe that we are African mistakes. I'm so happy for the BAmanda III Council for this opportunity to celebrate culture," Ngom said.

Their dance steeps were so inviting that bank notes from the population started raining on them as they performed.

She also invited members of the public to always involve them in cultural activities.

One of the contestants of the FEHACU beauty Pegeant by name  Ijang Julienne is also a person with mobility impairment. 

If elected Miss FEHACU 2021, Ijang said she would visit churches, schools and other public places to see if they are accessible to PWDs.

Ijang Julienne Contesting For Miss FEHACU 2021

For those who have hearing impairment, there were experts in sign language who were there to bridge the communication gap and enable them understood what was going on.

The mayor's speech was also brilled for Pereons With Visual Impairment making the event inclusive in nature.

Expert In Sign Language At Work

The fact that Mayor Fongu is of the Social Democratic Front political party, SDF and Fon Azehfor III is of the Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement, CPDM who all worked together for the success of the event is also another component of inclusion.

Participants at the event were not only natives of Nkwen. They came from different cultural backgrounds though resident in Nkwen. This also added some flesh to the inclusiveness of the Cultural Fiesta.

One need not medicine man to understand the fact that the first ever edition of the Festival Heritage of Arts and Cultures was inclusive and Persons With Disability had the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Another Beautiful Performance From PWDs

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