On Friday, December 6, the UNFPA Resident Representative had a significant meeting with Mrs. Carmelia Ntoutoume Leclercq, Minister of National Education of Gabon. This meeting marked the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing life skills for adolescents and youth in Gabonese schools.
This partnership focuses on several essential priority areas, including education on sexual and reproductive health to inform and raise awareness among young people about their health issues. The promotion of gender equality is also at the heart of this initiative, emphasizing the empowerment of youth, particularly girls. The prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) is another crucial aspect, with awareness programs aimed at creating a safer school environment. Finally, the development of well-being programs aims to improve the physical and mental health of students.
Central to these discussions was the pilot school canteen project, a joint initiative to improve student nutrition while strengthening the capacities of local communities, particularly through support for agricultural cooperatives. This project adopts an integrated approach, addressing health, hygiene, and life skills issues in a transversal manner.
To enrich this initiative, it was agreed that a Gabonese delegation, led by the Minister of National Education, will soon undertake a study visit to Benin. This trip will allow delegation members to draw inspiration from best practices in school canteens and innovative educational policies. This will contribute to the implementation of educational and community initiatives in Gabon while strengthening South-South cooperation in strategic areas for sustainable development.
This collaboration between UNFPA and the Ministry of National Education of Gabon represents an important step toward developing a more inclusive and secure educational environment. By joining forces, these actors are committed to building a better future for youth, providing them with the necessary tools to thrive in a constantly evolving world.
