Ouagadougou – In the bustling city of Ouagadougou, Brother Koudbi Emmanuel Zongo launched his inaugural book, “Keep the smile,” on Saturday, extending an open invitation to optimism amidst the daily anxieties faced by many. This literary piece, born out of a personal need for revival in times of despair, aims to foster a network of positivity that could potentially transform societal outlooks.
According to Burkina Information Agency, during the book’s unveiling, he expressed a profound desire for the novel to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience, especially when ideals are overshadowed by the tribulations of sadness and anguish. “I wanted a novel to revive me each time in life when my ideals are threatened by current events, sadness, and anguish, and we know today that keeping a smile is a hero’s responsibility,” he shared with attendees in Ouagadougou.
A member of the Institute of the Brothers of the Holy Family, Brother Zongo articulated that his book’s fundamental goal is to contribute towards cultivating happiness in life. The narrative is strategically divided into two main sections: one focusing on the appreciation of smiles and the other on the commitment to maintaining them. This distinction aims to educate readers on recognizing various types of smiles, from the insincere to the genuinely universal.
Brother Zongo further elaborated that his message of hope and joy transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, aiming to promote a “universal smile.” This initiative not only seeks to enlighten and uplift but also to provide tangible support to the Petit Taborin Foundation, which dedicates its efforts to assisting the youth, the impoverished, and those enduring suffering.
Dr. Cyriaque Paré, who provided the foreword for the book, emphasized its significance as a much-needed beacon of reference for the community, urging readers to adopt a philosophy of life that can withstand everyday challenges. “It’s all a question of representation: when you see the world as a wealth, as an infinite goodness, everything smiles at you,” Brother Zongo remarked, highlighting the book’s overarching theme.
The work, priced at 2500 FCFA, aims to be accessible to a wide audience, ensuring availability through the Brothers of the Holy Family’s establishments, the publishing house, and soon, a digital platform for broader accessibility.