07/30/2026
Bia So Mengong 2026: WHEN The Belinga Foundation TRAINS AND PAYS THE YOUTH
50,000 CFA francs. That is the amount received by each of the 100 volunteers engaged in the 5th edition of the Bia So Mengong international festival. They were seen at the protocol desk, on security, with the Red Cross, among other duties. For 15 days, these young people from diverse backgrounds committed themselves to a learning by doing approach, contributing to the reach of this now traditional gathering of art and culture. Between training seminars and moments of celebration, they also planted something. And it is the fruit of that planting they harvested this July 30.
There were harassing nights without sleep, and the friction of managing certain festival-goers' excesses. In the end, what stands out is the outcome: the payment.
A hundred envelopes handed out, a hundred posts held, and a hundred faces lit by grateful smiles. The festival closes its curtains, and The Belinga Foundation closes another chapter in the festival's record.
Note that the 6th edition will take place under the theme "Woman and Child in Modern times." And there will surely be more surprises to come.
Preston Kambou