On September 24, 2026, in Libreville, Gabon's Minister of State for Education, Camélia Ntoutoume Leclercq, launched the distribution of 39,470 math and French textbooks for 5th grade students. The textbooks, part of the Concorde collection, were handed over to Fortune Nguema Owone, director of the provincial academy. This initiative aims to provide students with educational materials that are relevant to their context.
The Concorde collection is part of the government's policy to "gabonize" educational materials, as outlined in the National Inclusive Dialogue. The textbooks integrate references to the environment, history, and daily life of Gabonese students. Minister Ntoutoume Leclercq emphasized that the materials have been designed and contextualized by Gabonese professionals, making them more relatable to students.
One of the key features of the Concorde textbooks is their contextualization to the Gabonese reality. The materials include names of local places, streets, and familiar settings, such as the Mont-Bouët market. This approach aims to make learning more engaging and relevant to students' everyday lives. The minister highlighted that the textbooks are a valuable resource for students to learn about their country and culture.
The distribution of textbooks is part of a broader effort to reduce the financial burden on families and adapt educational content to national realities. The government is providing the materials free of charge, with the expectation that they will be returned at the end of the school year. This approach aims to promote the reuse and preservation of educational materials.
Marie Claire Assoumou, inspector of French and coordinator of the Concorde collection, emphasized that the textbooks are structured around pedagogical sequences and themes adapted to the national context. The materials feature characters, situations, and exercises inspired by everyday Gabonese life. This approach aims to make learning more effective and engaging for students.
The distribution of Concorde textbooks is part of a larger effort to improve education in Gabon. The government aims to provide students with high-quality educational materials that are relevant to their context. By "gabonizing" educational materials, the government hopes to promote a sense of national identity and pride among students.
The initiative has been welcomed by educators and students alike. The textbooks are expected to have a positive impact on learning outcomes and contribute to the development of a more educated and informed citizenry. The government's efforts to improve education are ongoing, with a focus on providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Key points
- The distribution of 39,470 textbooks is part of Gabon's efforts to "gabonize" educational materials and make learning more relevant to students' everyday lives.
