Haitian students from Senghor University in Alexandria, Egypt celebrated the 220th anniversary of Haiti's independence with students from various countries on the African continent, including Benin. Exchanges and discussions on the history of Haiti's independence and sharing of “jomo” soup were highlights of the event.
On the occasion of the 220th anniversary of Haiti’s independence, Haitian students from the 19th batch of Senghor University in Alexandria organized on Monday, January 1, 2024, a day of reflection and sharing of jiraomon soup, the traditional dish prepared and shared on the occasion of Haiti’s Independence Day. Both in rural areas and in cities across the country.
In a friendly and fraternal atmosphere, the students invited to this celebration learned about the national anthem of Haiti, which is Dessalines; The powerful moments that led to Haiti's independence including the general uprising of slaves on the night of August 14, 1791 known as the Bois Caiman Concert and the Battle of Vertières on November 18, 1803; They also took time to discuss the symbolism of “jomo” soup, a dish that reflects social cohesion, brotherhood and revolution because it was forbidden to slaves and reserved for colonists during the colonial era. All topped with a savory soup.
Walner Olivier, a Haitian student in the Department of Culture at Senghor University, emphasized the tradition that encourages the consumption of soup by all Haitians in Haiti and abroad on January 1 of every year; As well as the UNESCO designation of soup as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity since December 2021.
“Jomo soup no longer belongs to Haiti or Haitians. It now belongs to humanity.” , He said.
For his part, Erros Ezechiel Ekundayo Yanklo, a Beninese community representative and project management student, did not hide his satisfaction. “This beautiful time we shared together made us truly happy,” he expressed his sincere thanks to the Haitian community.
Moreover, Johnson Visen, a Haitian student of Governance and Public Administration, who motivated the entire Haitian community to do the activity, said that he is satisfied with this first and intends to plan others with the Haitian community during important dates related to Haiti.
“Thank you for giving us the honor of being here today. This activity, our first, aims to strengthen our relations with students, especially the citizens of Benin with whom Haiti has historical, cultural and spiritual ties.
Master’s students in development at Senghor University in Alexandria from Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Cameroon, Mali, Djibouti, Madagascar and Senegal participated in the celebration.
James Nonant
