UNICEF national Ambassador Gwen Madiba inspires children in rural Gabon
Primary school of Oyan 4 is among the remote school that benefited from the UNICEF-Airtel Partnership on introducing digital learning
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UNICEF Ambassador for Gabon, Gwen Madiba visited primary school of Oyane 4 during her ambassador’s trip in Gabon in July 2023. This school is in a rural area of Gabon and has benefitted from the digital education programme, which has provided tablets, an internet connection and access to local online learning opportunities through the Learning Passport Gabon platform. The digital education programme has been made possible thanks to the partnership between Airtel Gabon and UNICEF Gabon.
Gwen told the students about the difficulties she has faced in life, and how she has come to be where she is today:
She went on to encourage the students to work hard, to finish their schooling and to study at university: “Don’t ever feel that your fate will be determined by where you were born and who your parents are. You can succeed – no matter what. It’s important to dream big.”
That’s why the digital education programme is so important. “I have been able to build my two organisations, Equal Chance and Global Black Coalition, by using technology – such as Facebook and Instagram. These social media platforms have provided me with the opportunity to connect with people all over the world and spread my message. That’s why the digital education programme is so important – it's giving you the chance to learn how to use, and benefit from, technology. Make use of this opportunity!”
During the visit, Anicet Claude ANDJOUA (Digitalisation of Primary Education Technical Coordinator explained to the children present that: “Digital Education offers children a wonderful opportunity to be connected to the world – and to learn whatever they want, wherever they want. It’s a huge opportunity to have Gwen here, telling us about how she used technology to get where she is today.”
Omi Meyo, the Director of Oyane4, also spoke about the huge advantages of technology to local students: “We are in a rural community here. Children often don’t get to see what is in the world beyond them. This gives them a chance to connect with, and benefit from, the world.”
