
“We wish that all the partners from near or far come to see our work and help us to develop these aids and improve the condition of human life.”
The Belinga Foundation” began 25 years ago, as an idea: Let’s Change The World. It changed over the course of twenty-some years to become the current concept: Rural Durable Development, via multiplying factors. The five pillars of its mission are: Art, Culture, Health, Education, Sustainable Development. Those are some of the most important substrates of any civilization.Working with local partners, government and elected officials, traditional authorities is key to the success of our vision, because besides time, human effort and investment is the greatest multiplying factor.
Via the “Bia So Mengong” festival, and sponsorship of other local cultural and arts events, the foundation helps local artists earn a living while showcasing their talents. Doing so will hopefully motivate the discovery of new or young talents that can be nurtured and trained. Even the locals can learn about themselves via artisan work. Art is the purest form of expression of a people’s culture, combining creativity, inspiration, imagination, and perhaps even dreams. It is an important component of the work that the foundation does at the local level.
Our local cultures have the depth and wealth of centuries, millenia of experience and life. Rediscovering the past, our history, our ancestors, our customs is the bread that feeds the soul, the pride of the future generations. We want to showcase that culture, to plant the seed for development, and betterment of ourselves. The Belinga Foundation sponsors the preservation of that culture, by its celebration.
We have taken an innovative approach to tackling health matters in the villages, by combining the strengths of Modern Medicine with those of Traditional (or Herbal) Medicine. With such partnerships, and by aiding basic healthcare infrastructure, we can aim for the lofty goal “Health Zero”, a type of ground-zero approach to healthcare, where the locals can get care with next to nothing (and even without money), and where chronic illnesses causing death are a thing of the past. With your help, it is possible.
“Raising a child to make a man or a woman” is a local saying. Hence, it is not surprising that education is a cornerstone of the activities of the foundation. We support local schools,from kindergarten to high schools, and even college students. Our goal is to promoteexcellence because today’s students will be tomorrow’s teachers. Generation after generation, we will certain have future leaders in our local community ranks.
The Belinga Foundation promotes Sustainable Development, through Agriculture and all economic activities, vertical and horizontal, tied to it. Thepotential is enormous, though the initial investment may be considerable. That’s why the idea of sustainable, durable, development is key. Time and Effort are our key multiplying factors
For this year, there were many innovations . For the all the news on this second edition, click on the button below to go directly to the festival website.
It was just under 7 a.m. when the runners set off. Around a hundred runners in 3 categories – juniors, ladies and seniors – take part in the marathon under the close supervision of the Red Cross and the rest of the foundation’s teams. Marathon results are as follows
Men’s race
1st Endome Bindoung Fabrice
During the day, only the fair continues to attract visitors, with a preference as always for the stand of Mr Mebenga Prosper, who has set up a still in the middle of the festival village, distilling odontol, a brandy obtained after distilling fermented palm wine. An hour spent there is enough time to take in the temperature of the festival. Over a glass of odontol or palm wine
The most talked-about part of the show was undoubtedly that of dancer Messina, woman, wife, mother of children and professional dancer, who shared her experience with the audience. Her talk showed that there are many career opportunities in dance for everyone, especially young girls.
As always, soccer gets the ball rolling as the exhibitors set up shop. And the day passes without a moment’s boredom.
Whether in the stadium, where teams continue to battle for survival in the tournament, or in the exhibition village, the day passes unnoticed. And soon it’s dusk.