Four provinces (Estuaire, Ogooué-Maritime, Moyen-Ogooué, Haut-Ogooué), five cities (Libreville, Ntoum, Port-Gentil, Lambaréné, Moanda), 36 public and private schools, 4 orphanages, 3 libraries and 5 associations hosted the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Arts Careers Awareness Caravan (STIMA).

The gamble was risky but the challenge was exciting. With no financial support, relying on "goodwill, Pascal Ango, the initiator of this project, had only his faith, an AirtelMoney number and a few volunteers who chose to accompany him on an adventure that turned out to be an exciting human experience.

Raising awareness and guiding students in STIMA courses, helping to train educators, teachers and supervisors in the use of new media as well as newspapers and promoting ourselves in charge of technologies and media, were the main missions of the NGO Gabtrotter.

The proposed program consisted of practical introductory workshops, through games, to the basic principles of computer programming and robotics. For the young people, to raise awareness of the importance of studying at STIMA in relation to the needs of the country and to move towards sectors of the future with a "masculine" stamp.

If this year's expedition had a difficult start, it had a happier ending with the support of COMILOG SA, which took over from the Haut-Ogooué stage.

In the end, the results are more than encouraging: 356 visitors visited by 12,489 sensitized alumni.

An appointment has been made for next year with, no doubt, more partners.

Photo: a practical workshop

Faithful AFANOU EDEMBE