A spotlight on the date and the journey of Léopold Sédar Senghor. The Kingdom of Childhood Festival, held in Fimela on December 13th, lived up to all its promises. The liberated narrative brought to light key dates, correcting aspects of Senghor's history that at one point became intertwined with that of the country.

The first President of Senegal was a native of Jilor, not Joal. "Give credit where credit is due. I said so in the National Assembly. Senghor was born in Jilor, not Joal," objected the mayor of Fimela, Karim Sène, who congratulated the organizer of the Kingdom of Childhood Festival and acknowledged the contribution of its patron, Séni Diène, to the development of the town. He heaped praise on Biram Senghor, who, after his retirement, is dedicated to the development of his home region. "I want to thank Biram Senghor, who is fighting to perpetuate this festival. I promise that we will give this event a new dimension next year," pledged the mayor of Fimela.

The legacy of a viable administration

On behalf of the Director General of SAED, Doudou Ndiaye passionately outlined the foundations laid by President Senghor, both for building an efficient administration and for fostering social cohesion. "Senghor's legacy is inexhaustible. He bequeathed to Senegal a strong administration. It is not without reason that he created the Bureau of Organization and Methods. SAED, which he established, is on a remarkable trajectory. We are on the verge of achieving rice self-sufficiency," noted Doudou Ndiaye.

His remarks align with the spirit of the Festival, which is to celebrate cultural diversity and instill in students and children the values of tolerance, according to the President of the Festival of the Kingdom of Childhood, Birame Senghor. "It is with deep emotion and immense pleasure that we return to this sixth edition of the Léopold Sédar Senghor Festival of the Kingdom of Childhood. We gather in a space of joy, discovery, and sharing to celebrate what we hold most precious: childhood; this magical time when dreams, talents, and the values of tomorrow are formed," declared Birame Senghor.

Social cohesion

Speaking at the event, the Director General of ONAS, Mr. Séni Diène, spoke at length about the significance of the Festival, which aims to introduce Senghor's work to those who will carry on the legacy of tomorrow. In his address, he emphasized the most precious legacy that the first president bequeathed to Senegal. "By organizing this festival and revisiting the work of President Léopold Sédar Senghor, you are helping to preserve what he most valued for our beautiful country: social cohesion. It is fundamental to the stability of a nation. It is Senegal's greatest asset," stressed the Director General, who also reflected on his roots, having spent part of his schooling in this region of Senegal.