The Bridge of Hope : A symbol of development and unity in tribute to Joseph Désiré ZINGUI

On July 23, 2025, the village of Ebang-Minala, birthplace of Joseph Désiré ZINGUI, founder of the Petit Dan and Sarah Foundation, was the scene of a historic day. On that day, a bridge over the Pamna River was inaugurated and named “Mbon ZINGUI Joseph Désiré,” a social worker, man of letters, and culture who left an indelible mark on the humanitarian, literary, and political scene in Cameroon and beyond. This event was an opportunity for the people to pay tribute to this exceptional man who dedicated his life to promoting education, culture, and community development.

Bridge opening

A legacy of solidarity and love

Joseph Désiré ZINGUI was a relentless advocate for solidarity and love. He extended his social commitment to his native village with the Petit Dan and Sarah Foundation, which he created in 1982 with his wife Marie Madeleine. It was the first orphanage founded by a Cameroonian in Cameroon. Every vacation, he would bring the children from this social project to immerse themselves in the village, teaching them African values such as solidarity, love, humility, and sharing. This initiative helped strengthen the bonds between the children of the foundation and the village community.

An integrated development project

After initiating the first elementary school and the first drinking water supply in this village in the 1990s, the construction of the bridge over the Pamna River was the last major integrated development project that Joseph carried out in this locality before passing away. Construction of this structure was completed on June 10, 2025, the day of Joseph's death, the man who was one of its main architects. This bridge is a symbol of the authorities' commitment to improving the lives of the population and promoting the economic and social development of rural areas in Cameroon. For the Petit Dan and Sarah Foundation, which has land in Ebang-Minala, this bridge will facilitate the transport of agricultural products to Soa, where Petit Dan and Sarah's headquarters are located. The Pamna bridge will also facilitate access to education and healthcare for the village's population. Mbon Zingui Joseph Désiré also had plans to build an annex for the Petit Dan and Sarah Foundation in Ebang-Minala, which would have strengthened the foundation's capacity to care for vulnerable children.

Bridge before

Bridge after

On this occasion, Info TV produced a report to immortalize this historic day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9wrERpyVug

A well-deserved tribute

Le baptême du pont sur la rivière Pamna au nom de « Mbon Zingui Joseph Désiré » est un hommage mérité à cet Homme exceptionnel qui a consacré sa vie à la promotion de l'éducation, de la culture et du développement communautaire. Le pont sur la rivière Pamna, un symbole de l'espérance et du développement, témoignage de l'engagement du Fondateur de Petit Dan et Sarah à améliorer la vie des populations et à promouvoir le développement économique et social. C’est un monument qui perpétuera sa mémoire et témoignera de son engagement pour le développement de sa communauté. Joseph Désiré Zingui, le Passeur de Valeurs, continue de briller dans les cœurs des enfants de Petit Dan et Sarah et des populations d'Ebang-Minala. Son héritage demeure et continuera de les inspirer pour les générations futures.

The naming of the bridge over the Pamna River after “Mbon Zingui Joseph Désiré” is a well-deserved tribute to this exceptional man who dedicated his life to promoting education, culture, and community development. The bridge over the Pamna River, a symbol of hope and development, is a testament to the commitment of the founder of Petit Dan and Sarah to improving the lives of the people and promoting economic and social development. It is a monument that will perpetuate his memory and bear witness to his commitment to the development of his community. Joseph Désiré Zingui, the Bearer of Values, continues to shine in the hearts of the children of Petit Dan and Sarah and the people of Ebang-Minala. His legacy lives on and will continue to inspire them for generations to come.

Joël Célestin BOBO, Joseph Désiré ZINGUI's son