Unesco and owendo container terminal sign partnership to promote science in Gabon
As part of a project aimed at strengthening and improving the learning of science subjects in Gabon, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Owendo Container Terminal (OCT) have signed a partnership worth nearly 40 million CFA francs for the popularization of microscience kits in secondary schools in Owendo.
To carry out its actions with positive impacts in favor of the target communities, UNESCO, in its resource mobilization strategy, has established a strategic partnership with OCT to significantly strengthen science education in the Gabonese education system.
With only 13% of 2022 baccalaureate candidates coming from science majors, of which only 50% managed to graduate to pursue higher education, Gabon is facing a worrying shortage of science candidates and graduates. This is partly due to the lack of science teaching materials, the low recurrence of practical teacher training, the lack of appropriate infrastructure in schools, such as laboratories and microscience kits, necessary for scientific experimentation, thus hindering the development of science skills among students.
In order to overcome this problem, UNESCO, as a United Nations agency specialized in education issues, has set up since 2013 an initiative to experiment with Microsciences in Gabon aimed at supporting the Gabonese government in the introduction of Microsciences in its education system. This project
is based on learning science by doing, using Microscience Teaching Kits that are real mini-labs that are inexpensive, safe and usable in standardized classrooms.
«As an active partner in Gabon's economic development, OCT is honored to collaborate with UNESCO on this important educational project. Our commitment reflects our belief that science education is a fundamental pillar of progress. We are proud to contribute to creating conditions conducive to the development of youth and science in Gabon. » said Laurent GOUTARD, Managing Director of Owendo Container Terminal.
«We are grateful to the OCT for its generous commitment and financial support. This contribution will make it possible to bring about tangible change by closing the current educational gap in science subjects. Together, we are building a world where science and education play a central role in the sustainability of the country.» Eric VOLI BI, UNESCO Representative in Gabon.
