By Joseph Besong
Our Lady of Lourdes Girls Secondary School Mankon-Bamenda is among the prestigious colleges in Cameroon. This catholic institution is one of the best in Africa, noted for its discipline and academic prowess.
Over the weekend, the alumni, Lourdes Ex-Students' Association (LESA), converged in Maryland to celebrate the 24th Annual Convention. The convention ran from Thursday, June 8, 2023, to Sunday, June 11, 2023, with a series of activities which included Singing, March Past, Gala Night, Annual General Meeting (AGM), Ballet dance, Holy Mass, and singing of college Anthem.
Our Lady of Lourdes Girls Secondary School Mankon.Bamenda’s alumni, Lourdes Ex-Students' Association (LESA) also falls among the most active alumni associations in Cameroon. Their role in Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School Bamenda is second to none. Even when they travel abroad, the LESANS haven't forgotten about the root-Our Lady of Lourdes, Bamenda, Cameroon.
The convention was a moment of relief for LESANS to meet their classmates after COVID-19 disrupted this gathering for so many years. The great attendance was an indication of the various sacrifices that LESANS offered to their alma mater (Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School Mankon, Bamenda) and the solidarity of sisterhood. LESANS showcased their talents through fun activities which included food, sporting activities, music, fun night, laughter and the award of prizes.
The queens on June 9, 2023, participated in a match-past exercise according to branches, at the ceremonial ground in Maryland. During the Annual General Meeting (AGM), discussions were centred on how to make the association better.
The various branches (USA states) delivered their reports which showed growth in terms of membership and participation. On Sunday, June 11, 2023, the LESANS joined the parish in the celebration of the Holy Mass. The highlights of the Mass included the lectionary procession, Responsorial Psalms, and offertory procession, as the queens all left for their various states, satisfied with the activities they had over the weekend and taking a rendezvous for next year's Convention.
About LESA
LESA stands for Our Lady of Lourdes Ex-Students Association. Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School is an all-girls school in Mankon, Cameroon, Africa. Opened in 1963 by the Holy Rosary sisters, this school continues to rank as the No.1 Girls’ secondary school in academic excellence in Cameroon. As an organization, LESA-USA, Inc.’s focus is on the Girl-Child; supporting our Alma Mater with development projects, providing scholarships to current students, and serving as a social network for past students living in the United States.