St. Ann Center gave Srs. Victorine and Pascaline an energetic sendoff as they prepare to return to their homeland of Cameroon. The sisters have spent the past four months studying to obtain certification in early childhood education. They’ll leave in mid-December and will use what they’ve learned here to work with children in their local orphanages.
Their bon voyage party, held in the intergenerational park, kicked off with African singing, dancing and drumming led by master African musician Ndongo “Lucky” Diop. He taught St. Ann Center adult clients, children, volunteers and staff the “Hello Song” in Chinese, French, Spanish and English. Next, the audience got a chance to show off their dance moves and join in drumming to a popular West African song about peace, joy and love.
As a finale, Srs. Victorine and Pascaline bid Milwaukee a heartfelt good-bye with their own special dance, accompanied by the 3-year-olds on drums. “For your love, care and concern,” said Sr. Pascaline, “we thank the biggest to the smallest and the youngest to the oldest.”