This is the aim of the “Bao futures” reading competition. The competition for pupils in CM1, CM2 and classes 5/6 has just come to an end.

For the 2023 edition, it was the school dubbed Mont Carmel from Obala that came out on top in the final of the national reading competition. In both the French-speaking and English-speaking categories, Obala pupils won over the jury, chaired by writer Gaston Kelman, at the final held at Canal Olympia. 

During the competition, each candidate read a text from a book of his or her choice and was judged on articulation, intonation, respect for the general spirit of the text and respect for context. Six finalists were chosen. 

For the last lapse the French-speaking contestants had to read extracts from Charles Ndongo‘s homage to Christian Wangue, while the English-speaking contestants had to read extracts from Harriet Tubman’s homage. In the French-speaking category, Carla Mballa won ahead of Abena Mballa and Syrielle Anatsa Ngueko, while on the English-speaking side it was also a girl who took the lead: Queen Njie. She was followed by Maxime Foe Ngono and Marienne Medjeme.

Through this competition, the organiser, Dr Nana Payong Chantal foundation, aims to encourage young children to enjoy reading, to improve their vocabulary and expression, to love reading and to grow up with books.