Senator Française Puene Brings Hope and Inclusion to Children with Disabilities at 8th “Handicaps sur Scène” Festival

The 8th edition of the Handicaps sur Scène Festival in Yaoundé unfolded in an atmosphere filled with emotion, gratitude and renewed hope, as Senator Française Puene, affectionately called “Mammy Nyanga”, took center stage as Patron of the event. Organized under the leadership of Mr. Simo Maurice, President of CERAS, the festival once again provided an inclusive platform where children living with disabilities expressed themselves artistically and culturally, promoting peace, unity, and self-confidence.

In his address, Mr. Simo praised the Senator’s unwavering commitment to vulnerable children, noting that her support has gone far beyond symbolic gestures. “Your physical presence, despite your tight schedules, brings a special sparkle to this event and restores hope to many wounded children and their families,” he said.

He highlighted her longstanding contributions—financial, material, and psycho social, especially her intervention in the case of Léonce Molo Ngono, a deaf-mute girl who was raped at a young age. The Senator took the survivor under her care, enrolling her in a top beauty training center in Bastos, helping her rebuild her life and dignity.

“Your charitable actions prove that every child, whatever their condition, is a divine gift,” Mr. Simo added, thanking the Senator on behalf of the many relieved families benefiting from Christmas gifts and renewed joy during these difficult times.

Taking the floor, Senator Puene’s message was one of compassion, resilience, and empowerment. Visibly emotional, she recounted the story of a deaf and blind child survivor of rape who is now raising a baby. “When I saw this child, I cried my eyes out,” she said. “But nothing is impossible for God. Today, she is one of the best in her training center.” Her words underscored the festival’s core message: disability is not an obstacle to greatness.

“We can be disabled and still become ministers, deputies, senators, or mayors,” she stressed, reaffirming the Head of State’s commitment to social inclusion and the First Lady’s dedication to supporting persons living with disabilities.

The Senator also saluted the dynamic women behind the organization, acknowledging their role in shaping the dreams and confidence of the children. “Thanks to you, these children believe that life is possible,” she said, pledging continued support to help them blossom into “charismatic and even millionaire women” in future.

The children, in turn, responded with love—hugging the Senator, waving, and expressing affection through gestures. “I leave here with tears of joy because I feel that you love me,” she told them.

As the event drew to a joyful close, the Senator announced rewards for hardworking pupils, a symbolic way of encouraging excellence. “Those who don’t get gifts today will work harder for next year,” she teased, as excitement swept through the crowd.

With dancing, sandwiches, juice, and anticipation of Christmas “before Christmas,” the festival once again affirmed the transformative power of compassion, inclusion, and shared humanity.

By Yusinyu Omer