Thursday March 21, 2024 will remain engraved as a historic day in the fight against youth unemployment in Gabon, with the official launch of the Autonomous Youth Initiative (IJA) at the Ibiscus Hotel in Libreville. This Steering Committee (COPIL), under the leadership of the French Ambassador to Gabon, Mr. Alexis LAMEK , and the Minister of Labor and the Fight against Unemployment, Mr. Adrien NGUEMA MBA , not only highlighted the crucial importance of Franco-Gabonese cooperation but also marked the start of a promising collaboration between various major players.
The event was notable for the presence of personalities such as the Vice-President of the Gabon Business Federation, Mr. Jean-Baptiste BIKALOU , the UNDP Resident Representative in Gabon Mr. Francis James ,. as well as numerous project partners. A high point was the signing of a significant partnership, ensuring funding of 2 million euros (approximately 1 billion 310 million FCFA) by the French Embassy in Gabon via the Équipe France + Fund. This financial injection is a breath of fresh air in our quest to boost the employment of young Gabonese people.
Mr. Hyllay Ted Sabefoumou , president of the COPIL of the IJA, recalled the ambitious objective of the initiative: to offer 520 young Gabonese people the keys to successful professional integration, thanks to specialized training and apprenticeship contracts. and work-study programs, support for entrepreneurship, and the provision of free online educational content.
The Autonomous Youth Initiative symbolizes the strength of synergy between the private sector, the public, and civil society, with leading partners such as the French Embassy in Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe, the National Employment Promotion Center (PNPE), School 241, SING SA, our NGO Gabon Terre Avenir and the Gabon Business Federation.
Mr. David Mboussou , representative of the NGO Gabon Terre Avenir, brilliantly presented the progress of the project's communication plan as well as future perspectives, promising a dynamic and committed awareness campaign.
The Independent Youth Initiative is not just a project; it is a promise for the future, an assurance of a Gabon where every young person will have their chance to shine. Stay tuned for future updates and join us on this transformative journey.
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