Traditional Values: 80 Children Mentored

S ome 80 young chil­ dren and adolescents who completed a two- month training in tra­ ditional values received their certificates of participation on Sunday, August 24, in a cere­ mony highlighting the growing impact of the Katé initiative Organised under the Matanga mà Boso initiative, Katé is held each year to strengthen cul­ tural identity among children through games, music, and broader cultural education. Now in its 12th edition since it began in 2013, the pro­ gramme continues to draw at­ tention for its approach to passing on heritage in ways designed to engage children at different ages. According to one of the elders at Katé Christian Njanga Mbongue, the innitiave aims not only to preserve tradition, but also to prepare young par­ ticipants for the realities of contemporary life. He said the training introduces children to knowledge of their heritage while encouraging skills and values they can carry into mo­ dern society. He described tra­ dition as central to education. According to him, Katé func­ tions as “a traditional school of learning,” beginning with understanding human beings, nature, and the child’s envi­ ronment. He added that for the younger participants, lear­ ning is introduced through en­ joyable activities such as games and entertainment, while deeper lessons develop as the children grow older. “Music plays a major role in Katé’s learning process”, Ndjanda Idriss, an instructor and music teacher explained He said he guided the children through traditional music, while also teaching founda­ tional elements of modern music theory. He also noted that music activities help im­ prove children’s concentration, listening skills, and their ability to express what they learn. Katé organisers insist that tra­ dition should not be limited to ceremonies or special events. Instead, they pres...