A Christmas day marked by sharing and togetherness
On December 13, 2025, the Centre Edimar Princesse Grace (CEPG) experienced a day filled with human warmth on the occasion of the 20th edition of Christmas in the Street. In the city-center, Omnisport, and Mvan hubs, as well as at the headquarters of the Centre Edimar Princesse Grace where the Etoudi hub and the Family Life Education program came together, 370 children and young people living on the streets experienced a unique moment, marked by fraternity, laughter, and the magic of Christmas. From welcoming the children and young people to the fun and sports activities, and through moments of sharing and conviviality, here is how this day unfolded, step by step.
Football: a dynamic kick-off to the day
From the very first hours, the celebration opened with a major football tournament organized across several hubs. The ball brought the young people together like one family. On dusty fields, teams faced off with passion while supporters shouted, laughed, and cheered on their favorites, creating an atmosphere worthy of a stadium in celebration. This much-loved sport helped launch the day under the sign of solidarity and sharing. For many of these young people, football is much more than a game. It represents a universal language, a source of joy, and a space where everyone can feel valued.
Entertainment activities
After the matches, it was time for hub-specific entertainment activities, each bringing its own color and atmosphere to the celebration.
- In the city center: a fiery halftime with artist Watto De Souza
Watto De Souza, an artist greatly appreciated by Cameroonian youth, set the space alight with his contagious energy. Young people and educators sang and danced together to the rhythm of mbolé, turning halftime into a moment of communion and celebration.
- At the Centre headquarters (CEPG): quiz challenge and musical chairs
The activities took on both a fun and educational dimension. Vulnerable children as well as those from former street couples gathered at the CEPG headquarters. On this occasion, they celebrated Christmas in the Street through moments of sharing and learning. Here, intelligence and joy were in the spotlight: quiz challenge matches where young people tested their knowledge, and a game of musical chairs with the little ones, sparking bursts of laughter with every round.
- At Omnisport and Mvan: dance contest and relay race
At Omnisport, the space turned into a real open-air dance floor. Educators hosted a dance contest during which the young people imitated and improvised steps, sharing a moment of free expression, self-confidence, and recognition.
At Mvan, the atmosphere was just as lively with the organization of a relay race, encouraging team spirit, solidarity, and pushing beyond one’s limits.
Mealtime, a key moment of the day
At midday, one of the most anticipated moments arrived: sharing the meal. In each hub, the children sat side by side to enjoy a meal carefully prepared by educators and volunteers. Many ate with a smile, murmuring their gratitude. One of them confides: “Today, we play well, we eat well, it makes me happy.” These words remind us of the deep meaning of Christmas: sharing, love, and hope.
Gift-giving: the magic of Christmas to close the day
In the afternoon, the spirit of sharing continued with the distribution of gifts. The little ones, their eyes shining with impatience, received simple but highly symbolic presents: toys, sweets, and clothes. Each gift represented far more than an object; it was a sign of attention and love. The day ended with peals of laughter, thank-yous, and spontaneous hugs. A true Christmas moment lived and shared.
Collective solidarity at the heart of success
The success of this 20th edition rests on the commitment of many educators, volunteers, participants, partners, and donors. Their mobilization made it possible to offer these 370 young people a different kind of celebration—a Christmas of welcome, respect, and love—faithful to the CEPG slogan: “Educate through love for the destiny of others.”