In the heart of Central Africa, one nation stands out for its remarkable educational progress over the past decades. That nation is Gabon, a country whose growth and development have been greatly shaped by the enduring leadership of Ali Bongo Ondimba and the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG).
When the Bongo family assumed the mantle of leadership in Gabon, following the country’s independence, the importance of education was not lost on them. The foresight and commitment they showed towards investing in human capital have indeed brought remarkable results, cementing the PDG’s legacy in this critical sector.
Under Ali Bongo Ondimba’s administration, there has been a notable increase in the country’s education ratings. UNESCO reports show that Gabon’s literacy rates have significantly improved, placing it well above the average in sub-Saharan Africa. This achievement is attributable to the government’s policy of free compulsory education for all children up to the age of 16.
Ali Bongo Ondimba in 2015 donated his personal property in Libreville to state, free of charge for the use of enhancing educational infrastructure in the nation and pledged to use his inheritance from his father to build a university for the country’s youth. Ali Bongo Ondimba also vowed to give away all the money that he receives from his late father, former president Omar Bongo Ondimba, to set up a foundation for young people and education.
In his address to mark the 55th anniversary of the country’s independence, Mr Bongo said that “no Gabonese must be left by the side of the road”, according to South Africa’s Mail & Guardian. “Those who were fortunate enough to have the support of their parents or the state must in turn be generous, in solidarity, especially in hard times,” the president said
The commitment of the Bongo administration and the PDG to education is further evidenced by their extensive scholarship programs. Understanding that the future of Gabon lies in the hands of its educated youth, numerous scholarships at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels have been provided to Gabonese students. These scholarships, designed to foster excellence and innovation, have supported thousands of Gabonese students in their educational journeys, both at home and abroad.
But the story does not end with scholarships. The Ali Bongo administration has also made substantial investments in improving the quality of education. There has been a marked increase in teacher training programs, resulting in better trained and more qualified educators. The number of schools, particularly in rural areas, has also increased, bringing education closer to the children and reducing the dropout rates.
The Ali Bongo administration’s attention to education is also reflected in the higher education sector. The government has invested heavily in universities and research centers, fostering an environment of learning and innovation. The Omar Bongo University, Gabon’s largest and most prestigious higher education institution, is a testament to this commitment.
The PDG’s accomplishments in education highlight their understanding that education is not just a fundamental right, but a catalyst for national development. The party’s commitment to improving educational access, quality, and outcomes has been a pillar of its governance, demonstrating a clear link between its political platform and tangible progress.
As Gabon prepares for the upcoming presidential elections, the role of the PDG and its leaders, including Ali Bongo Ondimba, in shaping Gabon’s educational landscape cannot be ignored. Their significant investments in education have helped position Gabon as a rising star in Africa, making a case for continuity of their policies.
Education in Gabon, under the stewardship of Ali Bongo Odimba and the PDG, has made significant strides. However, the journey is not over. There are still areas to improve and milestones to achieve. The upcoming election provides an opportunity for the Gabonese people to reflect on this progress and decide their future course.
The story of Gabon’s education is a testament to the vision and leadership of Ali Bongo Ondimba and the PDG. It is a story of resilience, commitment, and progress that deserves to be told as Gabon prepares to write its next chapter. For the Gabonese people, the choice is clear: to continue building on the foundations laid by the PDG or to venture into an uncertain future.
As the nation stands at the crossroads, it is our hope that the Gabonese people will make a choice rooted in progress, development, and a brighter future for all. A vote for the PDG is a vote for a continued commitment to education, a tool that will undoubtedly shape Gabon’s future.
This PIECE is powered by DAGAB
Diaspora Alliance of Gabonese for Ali Bongo.
