By Emmanuel Donatus, Nigeria

As a follow-up to the world Genfest held in Aparecida, Brazil, in July 2024, the Focolare Movement in the West and Central Africa region organized a regional Genfest in Man, Ivory Coast. Man, a serene town surrounded by lush vegetation and located about 600 kilometers from Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast, played host to this significant event.

Over 300 young people from 19 countries across West and Central Africa converged on Mariapolis Victoria, the venue for the weeklong festival held from August 4th to 12th under the theme “Together to Care.” The festival was marked by a mix of emotions—joy, curiosity, anxiety, and enthusiasm—as participants prepared for their journey to Man.

From Community to Fraternity

The mostly young participants began preparing for the Genfest months in advance with “pre-Genfest” activities in their local communities. These activities, which served as expressions of love and service, included hospital visits, environmental cleanups, and caring for children. For Angela Neema and seven other participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the preparation was challenging but rewarding. “It was really difficult for us at first, having to visit people in the hospital with limited funds, but it was a touching experience, seeing that we could help with the little we had,” Angela shared.

Similarly, Fatima Anzaku from Nigeria described the difficulties faced in raising funds for the trip amid Nigeria’s economic crisis. “Preparing for the Genfest was very difficult for us in Nigeria because of the economic crisis. We had to encourage ourselves and find a way to do our part, as we learned from the Focolare. From our experiences, we have understood that we must put in our best to realize our objectives and see every obstacle as a springboard,” she said.

For Finta Konate, a young Ivorian attending the festival for the first time, the Genfest was an extraordinary experience. “At first, I wanted to meet many people from different backgrounds and cultures, but the initial lack of enthusiasm among some participants was disappointing. However, I leave here with rich emotions from all the love I received,” Finta remarked.

Fabrice Afanda from Cameroon echoed these sentiments, describing his experience as rewarding after overcoming the challenges of getting to Man. “It’s a beautiful and unique experience here, meeting new faces, seeing different cultures, and exchanging contacts. It was a deep experience for me. This experience of being at the service of others, and the love and humility I witnessed here, is what I am taking home with me after the Genfest,” Fabrice said.

Together to Care

Addressing participants at the opening of the regional Genfest in Man, Aurora De Oliveira, the female leader of the Focolare for West and Central Africa, explained the significance of the theme “Together to Care.” She emphasized the need for unity in addressing global issues. “Our world is suffering—there are many wars, divisions, and other maladies. The theme of this year is timely because we need to come together to care for humanity and the earth,” she said. Aurora expressed satisfaction with the turnout and participation, urging the young people to spread the message of love and fraternity. “Humanity belongs to you. You are not only the future but also the present, so you must be protagonists. All humanity is waiting for this message of peace, love, and unity that you have received here. Take it to the world with courage and love,” she concluded.

Bishop Gaspard Gneba of the Diocese of Man also addressed the participants, expressing his joy at hosting the young people in his city. He encouraged them to be resilient in living out their Christian vocation. “It is easy to give up when faced with challenges, especially when it comes to giving of oneself in service. You, as young people, are not just called to exist but to live—so live! Study well, but that’s not enough. You must have values and principles of life, be animated by inner ideals that transform and leave a mark on yourself, your environment, and ultimately, on the Church and the world,” he urged.

Genfest is an international, interfaith youth festival organized by the Focolare Movement every six years. It brings together young people from diverse cultures and religions to discuss love, unity, and how to build brotherhood and human fraternity. The activities at the zonal festival in Man included Confessions and Holy Mass, meditations, cultural displays, workshops on interreligious dialogue, ecology, peace, leadership, entrepreneurship, and living in peace. Participants also planted trees at the University of Man, led by the préfet de région, Soro Fatogoma, préfet du département de Man, as a reminder to care for our environment. The act symbolized the understanding that what affects the world affects us all.