- Merck Foundation launched major programs in Gabon with Zita Oligui Nguema to boost healthcare, education, and women empowerment
- 16 medical scholarships and Gabon’s first embryologist mark a big step in specialized healthcare training and capacity building
- 40 underprivileged girls receive long-term education support, alongside media, arts, and awareness initiatives tackling social issues like gender violence and infertility stigma
In a powerful push toward education in Africa and girls’ empowerment, Merck Foundation has partnered with Zita Oligui Nguema to launch impactful programs that are reshaping the future of learning in Gabon. Since 2024, this collaboration has placed girl education, youth development, and academic opportunity at the center of national progress.
At the heart of the initiative is a long-term commitment to scholarships for underprivileged students, especially young girls. Through the program, 40 high-performing schoolgirls are receiving continuous educational support until graduation removing financial barriers and giving them a real chance to succeed. This effort highlights a growing recognition that investing in girls’ education leads to stronger economies, healthier societies, and sustainable development.
The foundation is also making waves in higher education and professional training by awarding scholarships to local healthcare students and professionals. These opportunities allow them to pursue specialized studies in critical medical fields, contributing to both education advancement and skill development within the country. By nurturing local talent, the program ensures that education directly translates into community impact.
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Beyond classrooms, the initiative embraces innovative learning methods. A series of children’s storybooks designed to address topics like social awareness, health education, and gender equality are being distributed widely in schools. These books are helping young learners engage with real-life challenges early on, encouraging empathy, confidence, and informed thinking.
Adding to this momentum, Rasha Kelej has emphasized the importance of education as a tool for transformation, noting that empowering girls through knowledge creates ripple effects across entire communities. The foundation has also trained local media to raise awareness about education rights and social issues, amplifying the importance of equal access to learning.
With the announcement of its 2026 creative awards, students and young talents across Africa are further encouraged to express ideas around education, empowerment, and social change. Altogether, this initiative reflects a bold vision where education becomes the foundation for opportunity, equality, and long-term growth in Gabon and across the continent.
