In a significant step towards modernizing Gabon's education system, a two-day seminar on digitalizing primary education commenced in Tchibanga, the capital of Nyanga Province in southwestern Gabon. The event, which started on September 23, 2026, targets school directors and teacher tutors from across the province's departments. Organized by the Gabonese government with support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the workshop aims to enhance participants' capacities in digital pedagogical engineering and school governance.
The seminar focuses on equipping participants with skills to effectively utilize digital tools and platforms introduced under the national program for digitalizing primary education. Key areas of training include tutoring online courses using the Learning Passport platform and managing the distribution of equipment to pilot schools. With three experienced trainers leading the sessions, the initiative seeks to integrate technology into the classroom, thereby improving educational outcomes for students in grades 4 and 5.
The training program is led by three experts: Fabrice Mabika, an inspector and member of the digitalization program coordination; Roland Lama, representing UNICEF; and Jean Calvin Ndong Mezui, an IT specialist and member of the program's technical coordination. Their combined expertise ensures that participants gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in digital education tools and methodologies.
The seminar was officially opened by Jean-Paul Moukendou, Director of the Nyanga Provincial Academy. In his opening remarks, Moukendou expressed gratitude to Gabon's highest authorities, particularly President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, for their commitment to enhancing and modernizing the country's education system. He also acknowledged the consistent support provided by UNICEF, especially in the area of child education.
This initiative aligns with the Gabonese government's broader efforts to leverage technology in improving educational quality and accessibility. By enhancing the digital competencies of school directors and teachers, the program aims to create a more interactive and effective learning environment for students. The involvement of international partners like UNICEF underscores the global recognition of the importance of digital education in achieving sustainable development goals.
The digitalization program is part of a larger strategy to integrate technology into various aspects of Gabon's education sector. This includes deploying computer equipment and platforms nationwide to facilitate a blended learning approach that combines traditional teaching methods with digital tools. Such efforts are expected to significantly impact educational outcomes, making learning more engaging and accessible to students across the country.
As the seminar progresses, participants are expected to gain hands-on experience with the digital tools and platforms that will be implemented in their schools. By the end of the two-day training, they will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively integrate digitalization into their teaching practices, thereby contributing to the broader goal of modernizing Gabon's education system.
Key points
- The seminar aims to strengthen the capacities of school directors and teacher tutors in digital pedagogical engineering and school governance.
- The initiative is supported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and aligns with Gabon's efforts to modernize its education system.
- The training includes tutoring online courses using the Learning Passport platform and managing equipment distribution to pilot schools.
