Empowering Gabon’s Future Through Education

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CHF3,373 raised of CHF30K

Empowering Gabon’s Future Through Education

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Update: This summer, our return to Libreville for a month marked a significant milestone for the Wangari Maathai School.
With the community: We opened the schoolyard to SEEG (the state provider for water and electricity) to improve water access for the neighborhood, and we hosted a public meeting with parents. Many parents attended, and we discussed future improvements for the school, including the canteen and other facilities.
With our team: We carried out renovations at the school, refurbished three staff housing units to support those facing difficult times, launched a digital accounting system, and established a new partnership to provide additional teaching resources for our educators. These resources are based on the French education system, complementing the mandatory Gabonese curriculum.

But the most exciting step: we are preparing for the construction of new classrooms.
Each classroom costs €35,000. We want to build modern, climate-resilient spaces where children can learn in dignity and safety.

Imagine: a classroom carrying your name, your family’s, or dedicated to a loved one. Together, we can transform the future of hundreds of children.

Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to this goal. Thank you for standing with us!

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In Gabon, a country blessed with natural resources yet facing significant socio-economic challenges, the education system is at a critical juncture. With a literacy rate where only 70% of children achieve basic reading and writing skills, and a high reliance on the oil industry, the need for educational reform is urgent. Overcrowded classrooms with an average of 60 students per teacher, and inadequate facilities, further hinder the potential of Gabon’s youth.

Our journey began with Nina Abeme Mezui, a Gabonese native whose life was transformed through education. Born to a primary school teacher in a low-income family, Nina excelled academically, earning a scholarship to study in France. Her story is a testament to the power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, as highlighted by the World Bank: an additional year of schooling can increase a person’s earnings by up to 10%.

Inspired by her own journey, Nina is committed to providing similar opportunities to children in Gabon. Our vision is to create sustainable educational infrastructure that not only improves learning conditions but also ensures long-term socio-economic benefits. By investing in quality teaching, modern facilities, and comprehensive early education, we aim to uplift communities and break the cycle of poverty.

Join us in this transformative journey. Your donation can help fund crucial projects like building libraries, improving school facilities, and providing scholarships. Every dollar invested in education yields a return of approximately $1.20 in increased economic productivity. Together, we can empower Gabon’s youth to build a brighter future.

=> 100% of the funds raised will be assigned to deliver IMPACT. <=




  • Our Story
The story of Nina Abeme Mezui is a testament to resilience and commitment. Born in Libreville into a modest family, her strong academic performance earned her a scholarship to pursue her studies in France. This opportunity changed her life and sparked in her a deep desire to bring lasting change to her community.

"Having grown up in Gabon myself and studied in public schools before receiving a scholarship to France, I am well aware of the daily challenges of the educational system: overcrowded classrooms, lack of teaching materials and staff, absence of libraries and sports facilities… So many obstacles that hinder students’ growth and success. Today, seeing my daughter thrive in a public school in Switzerland, I realize just how much a quality educational environment can make a difference. Why not offer the same opportunities to Gabonese children?"
Nina Abeme Mezui


  • Mission and Vision
Our mission is to deliver high-quality education while operating sustainably. As a for-profit company & for-purpose mission, we aim to grow our capacity and ensure future generations benefit without constant fundraising. Owning the land ensures stability, with a commitment to reinvesting returns into scholarships and facility improvements. Our vision is to establish a network of schools across Gabon, providing consistent, quality education. By focusing on infrastructure, we address the urgent need for more schools and better facilities, as only 45% of children have access to preschool education, yet they are 7x more likely to succeed in school.

  • Key Achievements (so far)
Temporary cafeteria
Establishing a scholarship for excellence
Renovation of the school
Gardening activities
Carnaval’s Parades


  • Where You Can Help

New Building: Needed: €150’000: Help us build new school facilities with well-designed classrooms that foster a sense of belonging, encourage creativity and curiosity, and support the development of essential skills. By providing more space to learn, collaborate, and thrive, we can create a better educational environment for every child.

Library: Needed: €29’000: Enhance literacy and free access for the community. Equivalent to providing scholarships for 17 underprivileged children for 5 years.

Cafeteria: Needed: €31’000: Provide balanced meals to combat malnutrition while ensuring children’s safety by keeping them on school premises. Equivalent to providing scholarships for 18 underprivileged children for 5 years.

Educational Materials: Needed: €15’000: Support cognitive and creative growth. Equivalent to providing scholarships for 8 underprivileged children for 5 years.

Recreational Area: Needed: €20’000: Promote physical and social development. Equivalent to providing scholarships for 11 underprivileged children for 5 years.

Teacher Training: Needed €3’500: Enhance teaching quality.

Keep in mind that “A quality education has the power to transform societies in a single generation, provide children with the protection they need from the hazards of poverty, labor exploitation, and disease, and give them the knowledge, skills, and confidence to reach their full potential.” Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO




  • Leadership Profiles

Nina Abeme Mezui: A visionary leader, Nina’s journey from a small community school in Gabon to a successful entrepreneur in Switzerland fuels her commitment to education. At 41, her experience in finance and passion for Montessori methods drive the project’s success. Together with her husband, Antoine, she brings a shared vision for sustainable impact.

Antoine Sommain: With a background in financial markets and a passion for sustainability, 40-year-old Antoine provides strategic support and fundraising expertise. Married to Nina, his dedication to impact finance ensures the project’s growth and sustainability.


  • Our (fantastic) team on the ground


Need more information? check it out

Organizer

Antoine Sommain
Organizer
Zürich, ZH

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