The Femmes et Vie Foundation has just organised the second edition of the Book Exchange Fair in Yaoundé. The event took place from 14 to 16 July.

Bringing books closer to children and adults. It is one of the objectives of the book fair dubbed Journées de Troc du livre, organised by the Femmes et Vie foundation. The aim is to help young people and even adults develop a love and passion for reading. Book donations, purchases and exchanges were the main features of the event.

The cultural event which has as godfather this year, senior journalist, Alain Belibi, brought together publishers, writer, pupils, students, parents and other book professionals. According to Dr Véronique Mboua, founder of the Femmes et Vie Foundation, “the book exchange days included reading, writing and storytelling workshops, and parents were invited to come and read stories to their children.

Over the three days, visitors were able to take part in workshops for young people and adults, including an area dedicated to reproductive health, menstrual and intimate hygiene, and contraception to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. There were also workshops on school and career guidance, where experts from different professions were invited. They discussed with children about their experiences, their school careers, the difficulties they have encountered and the solutions they have found. According to the foundation, the goal is to assist parents and children to identify their inner resources which may be useful when choosing a school or a job.