The king of the Nso tribe in Cameroon, west-central Africa, stopped by the St. Vincent’s School in Honesdale, Monday, urging the students to study hard.
His Majesty Fon (translated “king”) Sehm Mbinglo-I will soon be returning to his 400,000 subjects with impressions of Wayne County, Pa., both with its rich fall colors and generosity he noted he has received. A guest of the Himalayan Institute, both the Institute and Honesdale Rotary Club are partnering on a project to erect a public library in Kumbo, capital city of Nso, where Fon Sehm Mbinglo-I reigns.
In addition, a penpal exchange program has been set up between children in Kumbo and St. Vincent’s School, where Honesdale Rotary President Brian Fulp has a child enrolled. Dr. Christopher Lake, St. Vincent’s Principal, said that the program is involving his whole school and is already enriching the students’ experience. On September 19th, the students were guests at the “Taste of Africa Night” sponsored by the Rotary, at the Himalayan Institute Main Street facility. Enjoying African cuisine, the children also presented their drawings and letters picturing or describing American culture.
These items will be shipped to Cameroon, where African students in return will send back information on their culture. Dr. Lake said he expects the box to arrive by November 1st.
“We’re very excited,” said Dr. Lake. “The kids are excited about the program.” Mrs. Cindy May, Social Studies teacher for 4th-6th grades, oversaw most of the letter campaign. Kindergarten-third grade teachers also were involved.
The king was escorted through the school, where he met both younger children and upper grades. Following protocol, he spoke to them through another, his words interpreted by Chemson Joseph, who is President of Himalyan Institute- Cameroon. His Majesty urged the students to study hard and perhaps they will run the United States one day. “Education is an absolute necessity for the future,” he said. Asking the older kids if they study hard, he received a resounding, “YES!” He added he would tell the students in Cameron that he saw the Honesdale students in person.
Fulp added, “With God’s grace they will be future leaders of the community and will visit Africa.” It was in November 2007 that Honesdale Rotary agreed to raise funds for the library, the first of its kind in Cameroon. Fulp visited Cameroon this past summer tp examine the project site and came back with requests from the city council to set up a cultural exchange between their schools and Honesdale.
Several St. Vincent’s Student Council members presented the king with a wrapped gift.
The Taste of Africa event also included traditional drumming, a Cameroon game, and video presentation.
The king arrived in Honesdale on October 7th and may be here until Friday. Father Desam stated that the king attended Mass on Sunday. The king stated to the press that he has been most impressed with the love shown towards him and hard work he has seen in America, and would tell his people to work equally hard. He added that the trees in Cameroon are not nearly as colorful when they drop leaves at the end of the rainy season.
HONESDALE —
