The Diary Game [11/02/2026] // National Youth Day Celebration in Cameroon 🇨🇲

Hi guys, accept Steem greetings from the motherland of Cameroon, and welcome to my blog, where I share my daily lifestyle content with you all.

Today has literally been a long, colourful, and emotional day. I woke up before dawn, a mix of excitement and responsibility resting on my shoulders. It is not every day that we celebrate the 60th Youth Day in Cameroon. Sixty years is a milestone, and I wanted my daughter to fully understand the significance of this national celebration. As I helped her prepare her uniform last night, I reminded her that Youth Day is not just about marching and singing, but about unity, discipline, hope, and the future of our country which rests in the hands of young people like her.

^{A cross-section of one of the schools captured during the match pass.}

This morning, I carefully ironed her uniform again, making sure every crease was sharp and every detail perfect. She looked so proud wearing it. As I braided her hair neatly and pinned it with ribbons in the school colours, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. These are the moments that make parenting meaningful.

^{My daughter ready and waiting on her school bus to pick her up.}

I know many people will ask about my son, and it breaks my heart each time I explain. He is sick and currently on medications, so he could not participate in the celebration. He was disappointed because he loves Youth Day activities, especially the parades. Before we left, I sat beside him and assured him that his health comes first. I promised to tell him everything about the day when we returned. He smiled weakly and told his sister to represent him well, that moment touched me deeply.

At the ceremonial ground, the atmosphere was vibrant and full of life. Different schools and youth organisations gathered, each group distinguished by colourful uniforms and banners. The field looked like a beautiful rainbow of coordinated outfits. There were traditional attire, scout uniforms, Red Cross volunteers, and various cultural groups. Drums were beating rhythmically, and the excitement of the young participants filled the air.

The highlight of the morning was the match pass. One after the other, the schools and youth organisations marched proudly before the officials. The discipline, coordination, and energy displayed by these young people were truly inspiring.

When it was my daughter’s turn to pass, my heart swelled with pride. She marched confidently, her steps synchronised with her classmates, her face serious and focused. In that moment, I saw not just my little girl, but a responsible young citizen.

^{My daughter’s school captured during match pass.}

Parents cheered, teachers shouted instructions, and cameras flashed everywhere. It was indeed a colourful and lively spectacle worthy of a 60th anniversary. I imagined how meaningful it would have been if my son had been there too, standing tall among his peers. Still, I was grateful that at least one of my children could witness and participate in this historic celebration.

Unfortunately, immediately after the match passed, the weather changed unexpectedly. Dark clouds gathered quickly, and before we knew it, heavy rain began to pour. The rain ruined the rest of the socio-cultural activities that had been planned. Traditional dances, poetry recitals, and other performances had to be cancelled. People scrambled for shelter, trying to protect themselves and their children from the sudden downpour.

^{Returning home after heavy downpour ruined the rest of the activities of the Youth Day celebration}

Despite the disappointment, I admired the resilience of the youths. Many of them laughed and continued singing under the rain, refusing to let the weather completely dampen their spirits. Eventually, I decided it was best to head home.

I returned home in the rain, my clothes soaked and my shoes muddy. By the time I arrived, I was feeling extremely tired. My body ached, and all I wanted was to sit down and rest. Yet, as I entered the house and saw my son eagerly waiting to hear about the day, my exhaustion softened.

Today may not have gone exactly as planned, but it was still memorable. The 60th Youth Day reminded me of the strength, beauty, and potential of our young generation. Even with the rain and my son’s absence, I am grateful for the experience and for the opportunity to witness my daughter proudly represent her school and her country for the first time since she started school. Until my next diary guys, I wish all Cameroonian youths a happy Youth Day celebration 🙌.