Sounds of jingling bells could be heard from the premises of the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon yesterday, December 20, 2018. Pupils of “Les Coccinelles » Primary School situated at the Unity Palace were announcing that period of the year, Christmas; with all the joy, peace and love it brings. “Les Coccinelles” pupils were joined by their Matron, First Lady, Chantal Biya, their parents and special guests to light the 2018 Christmas tree. It was the traditional Christmas feast marked by the exchange of “Merry Christmas” niceties around an adorned Christmas tree while sharing a common meal.

The yard of the school had been beautifully decorated with colours of the season. In front of the main building of the school were seen several gifts under a Christmas tree. Christmas lights also sprinkled from the natural and artificial flowers seen around the school premises. With little or no protocol, the First Lady, made her way to the east-wing of the Presidency where the school is situated. The Minister of Basic Education and other dignitaries warmly received the First Lady. This was followed by a special welcome song from the pupils to their matron, parents and beloved guests. One of the pupils, in a brief statement, extended the gratitude of the entire school community to their matron for all that she is doing to ensure a smooth running of the school. The pupils immediately began presenting to their audience, the special displays they had reserved for them as they celebrated the incredible act of love and peace in this season.

Through songs, the pupils revealed that they have great visitors which call for a moment of merry making at a period (Christmas), which comes once a year with lots of great gifts. Besides the chanting of popular Christmas chorals like “Jingle Bells” and “Feliz Navidad, through other songs and recitation, the pupils defined the meaning of Christmas, which according to them is a season of great joy, a time God showed His great love to mankind, a time of healing and renewed strength. Through a traditional ballet, the pupils also exposed the culture of some regions in the country. Artists such as “Nabila” and KO-C joined the kids in celebrating the joy of the season which came along with Christmas gifts from their matron.

To crown the day, the First Lady proceeded with the handing over of Christmas gifts to each pupil. Even former pupils of the school as well as all children present at the event received a Christmas gift from the First Lady. Before sharing a common meal with the pupils and guests, the Mrs Biya took time to inspect the academic works of the pupils.