Les Brasseries du Cameroun (SABC), November 8, at Government School, GS, Mfandena in Yaounde, handed over scholarships to some 377 children who performed exemplarily during the last academic year.

Addressing the Government officials, parents, teachers, the laureates and the public that turned out for the ceremony, the Regional Director of Les Brasseries for the Centre, South and East Regions, Thierry Lancien, stated: “This year, the 7th edition of our “Encouraging Performance” programme, which is a solemn ceremony to hand over scholarships to laureates, is taking place in a school which has double significance; GS Mfandena II, a Japanese donation that reflects international cooperation, is located opposite the Yaounde Omnisports Stadium, between the Indomitable Lions most of who were trained at Brasseries du Cameroun Football School.

The “Encouraging Performance” programme is equally a symbol of public - private sector partnership that we seek to reinforce by assuming our social responsibility in the domain of education.

The objectives of this programme, he stated, are: “to promote excellence and enhance efforts in the school milieu; to contribute to the restitution of the place and role of the school and of educators in instilling a policy of development of the society; and the last but not the least, to demonstrate the acknowledgement of the SABC to the public that has given in their confidence since 1948.”

He disclosed that, this year, 377 laureates have benefitted from the SABC scholarship worth FCFA 62,700,000. The scholarships comprised of encouragement prizes to young girls in science and technology (Serie C,D,F, BTMA, GCE Technical and special prizes to pupils and students with good results but without being the first in their Divisions or Regions (CEP/FSLC, BEPC/CAP/OL).

They were broken down into: Category I - 105 children worth FCFA 10,500,000; Category II – 113 children worth FCFA 16,950,000; Category III – 54 worth FCFA 27,000,000; one special prize to a young girl and other special prizes to 104 worth FCFA 8,150,000 totalling FCFA 62,700,000 to 377 laureates.

“On behalf of the General Manager of Brasseries du Cameroun and the entire staff of the company, let me congratulate all the laureates, especially the laureates of the Centre Region, here present. I want you [the public] to applaud these brave children who have brought pride not only to their parents, but also to their educational communities and the entire Cameroon,” he intimated.

He appealed to the educational community that, going by the results of this year, the package of the project has diminished; hence he encouraged them to redouble their effort with a view of having 500 laureates next year all over the country.

“There will be a great celebration of performance, which has been the principal value of Les Brasseries du Cameroun since 1948,” enthused.

He thanked the Inspector General of Education representing the Ministry of Basic Education, the Technical Adviser No. 1 representing the Minister of Secondary Education, representative of the Governor of the Centre Region, the SDO of Mfoundi, the DO and the Mayor of Yaounde V, who made the effort and covered many kilometres to be part of the ceremony.

Apologising on behalf of the General Manager of Les Brasseries du Cameroun, Francis Batista, who could not be present at the occasion which, he said, is very important on the agenda of the company, he asserted: “The presence of all these officials here is a testimony of the interest the Government of our country has in the grooming of the youths. Let me also thank the Head Teacher of Government School Mfandena II Groupe A for his warm words of welcome,” he said.