Among the parents and guardians waiting at the gate to take their children home after school is Ngala Bruno with cloud candies that draw children like a magnet.
“I know when they close from school, so I make sure I’m there before time to get them,” says Ngala Bruno, who has mastered his business environment and knows when to position himself. It costs 100frs, and he has never increased the price nor reduced it. As he says, “When you know you deal with children, everything has to be affordable.
At least parents that did not want to buy, after the child tells the price, he will not lose anything getting it to satisfy the child.” When the back to school bell rings at the primary school beside him, a small, joyful ritual begins. Among the parents and guardians waiting at the gate, Ngala Bruno is there with his carton on his head containing rose and yellow candies a sugary cloud that draws children like a magnet.
This sweet treat, known as cotton candy, is a delicate confection made entirely of sugar. Through a fascinating process, he says, “sugar is melted and spun at high speed through tiny holes, where it instantly cools into a web of fine, airy strands.” The result is a fluffy, melt in your mouth delight that resembles a cloud of cotton. Ngala Bruno understands the appeal of this timeless treat perfectly.
He often adds a touch of pink and yellow food coloring, transforming the white sugar into a rose and yellow colored spectacle that catches the children’s eyes. The sight of the fluffy sugar being gathered onto a stick brings excited anticipation to the young students ending their school day. For generations, cotton candy has been a symbol of simple childhood joy.
Ngala Bruno’s regular presence at the school gate has made him a familiar and welcome figure. So, even though parents sometimes complain about sugary things, they still buy it from Bruno with confidence.
He provides more than just a candy, he offers a moment of sweet relief and happiness at the end of the school day, creating a small but meaningful tradition for the children after school.
