The village of Javouhey, in the commune of Mana, is hosting the second edition of the youth festival this Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25. Organized by the Hmong Culture association, this event combines sports activities, festive evenings and awareness of the dangers of alcohol, all in a friendly atmosphere.
On the stage of the youth festival in Javouhey, a young singer performs during an improvised performance during the festivities. • ©Eric LEON
The village of Javouhey, in the heart of the commune of Mana, is in full swing this weekend for the second edition of the youth festival. Organized by the Hmong Culture association, this event brings together for two days around 500 young people from the outskirts of Mana and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. On the program: a series of varied activities that combine awareness of the dangers of alcohol and moments of conviviality, in a festive and warm atmosphere.
Xiong Choneng Charles, President of the Hmong Culture Association, ready to welcome participants during the youth festival in Javouhey • ©Eric LEON
The aim of this event is to combat the drift of modernization, particularly with regard to drugs and alcohol. We want to offer young people a space for meeting and exchanging ideas through healthy activities and a festive evening.
explains Xiong Choneng Charles, President of the Hmong Culture Association of Javouhey
This Saturday, the day was punctuated by various tournaments, including volleyball, spinning tops, and dodgeball. For Jaël Colon, a young man from the Paddock village in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
Jaël Colon, from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, is preparing to take part in the activities of the youth festival in Javouhey. • ©Eric LEON
This is the second time I have participated in this event. It is always a pleasure to come, to find this friendly atmosphere, and to share our passion for sport.
Tonight, starting at 8pm, the festivities will continue with a gala evening. Young people will have the opportunity to participate in a parade in evening wear, a singing competition, and enjoy group dances to close the evening in a joyful and festive atmosphere.
Albéric Benth, Mayor of Mana, and the team of the Hmong Culture association of Javouhey officially launch the youth festival, inviting participants to two days of awareness and entertainment. • ©Eric LEON
At the same time, the gendarmerie, represented by Warrant Officer Lucie Charpentier, wanted to raise awareness among young people about the risks associated with alcohol and drug consumption, and violence in all its forms. “All young people are concerned,” she said, stressing the importance of prevention before the risks become a reality.
The gendarmes of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni talk with participants in the youth festival in Javouhey, presenting them with an educational game to prevent risks related to alcohol • ©Eric LEON
The youth festival will continue tomorrow, Sunday, with a final series of tournaments, ending at 6 p.m. “This day allows our young people to have healthy fun and strengthen ties within our community,” concludes Alberic Benth, mayor of Mana, delighted to see young people so well represented and involved.
An intense volleyball match underway in Javouhey, where young people show off their talents during the youth festival. • ©Eric LEON
