Young Chadian Author Challenges Education and Cultural Norms in Debut Boom

Young Chadian Author Challenges Education and Cultural Norms in Debut Boom

Emmanuel Ngaradoumbaye, a young student of public law at the University of Abidjan, presented his first book this weekend, in which he expresses his disapproval of the educational system and certain harmful African cultural practices. He calls on his generation to oppose these detrimental aspects.

Disrupting Tradition: Emmanuel Ngaradoumbaye’s Call for Change

In his debut book titled “The Anticonformist of Tuassiri Fissama,” Emmanuel Ngaradoumbaye, also known as Lightman, confronts the conflicts between tradition and the new generation of Africans living in the era of globalization. He challenges the norms of the past, advocating for change and innovation.

The book dedication ceremony took place on August 5th, 2023, at the grand hall of the Sacred Heart High School. The event itself was unconventional, with the master of ceremonies being none other than Sikata Nguemta, a young and talented Chadian blogger.

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A Fresh Perspective on Education and Identity

Emmanuel Ngaradoumbaye and his team chose to break away from the traditional book presentation format. The Afro-futuristic decor set the tone, and instead of established literary critics, two of the author’s friends provided the critical analysis. The book centers around a forced marriage, experienced not only by the young girl involved but also by her brother, the main character. Together, they challenge the old ways and say “no.” This theme drives Emmanuel Ngaradoumbaye’s work.

The author believes that children are not solely meant to follow the conventional academic path to university. He argues that each child should be guided toward their passion and aptitude. The issue of forced marriage, as highlighted in the book’s 164 pages divided into five sections, serves as another significant theme.

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Emmanuel’s Personal Motivation and Vision

Emmanuel Ngaradoumbaye, orphaned at a young age, reveals that the loss of a dear friend and fellow student in Côte d’Ivoire compelled him to write. “During that dark period, literature helped me overcome,” explains the author. Through his responses during the Q&A session, he outlines the boundaries of the anticonformist philosophy he advocates. “We must sift through traditions, keeping the good and discarding the harmful ones like forced marriage and levirate marriage,” advises the young author.

The event saw a diverse audience, including parents, friends, teachers, and notable figures such as former Prime Minister Emmanuel Nadingar, who bid one million CFA francs to purchase a copy of the book during the auction. Former Minister of Youth, Christian Ahmed Ndonga, pledged undisclosed support and committed to assisting the young student with a monthly stipend of 15,000 CFA francs over ten months.

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To top it off, Kadeux, the musical sensation of the year in Toumaï, delivered a mesmerizing performance to delight the audience at the Sacred Heart’s grand hall.

Emmanuel Ngaradoumbaye is a remarkably young author, born in the year 2000.