Gabon prepares to teach national languages in schools
Experts and officials met in Libreville to review a study on integrating local languages into the curriculum.
Gabon is moving closer to introducing its national languages into the education system. On November 7, experts and officials in Libreville reviewed a study on teaching mother tongues in schools. This initiative, supported by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), aims to improve children's understanding of lessons and preserve linguistic heritage.
The study, conducted in three provinces, involved 175 school heads and focused on pedagogical and institutional conditions for integrating local languages. Experts like Pr Marie-France Andeme Allogho suggest a gradual approach, starting with a limited number of languages and schools. The OIF will assist with curriculum development and teacher training in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education.
Currently, three languages – Fang, Nzèbi, and Myènè – have emerged as priorities from the study. An experimental phase is planned to assess deployment conditions and necessary adaptations before any wider rollout. The project seeks to both preserve national languages and foster better learning environments for Gabonese students.