Of the 317 applicants to the "second chance" program launched by the NGO Gabtrotter last June in Port-Gentil, 30 were, after various selections, to be selected for the final sprint leading to September 5 of this training project. girls and single mothers and women in social difficulties with a view to their empowerment, financed by the French Embassy in Gabon and São Tomé and Principe through the funds of the Innovative Projects of Civil Societies and Coalitions of Actors (PISCCA) . At the penultimate stage, at the end of July, it was finally necessary to retain 33 out of the 54 who had made the course so far. But, thanks to new donors and "goodwill", this entire cohort will continue the remaining training.

It must be said that they have already successfully completed the previous steps and have been introduced to Micro:Bit technology, microcomputing or entrepreneurship in the restaurant industry. Within the NGO Awareness Health Sexuality (3S), they learned about sexuality and reproductive health (SRH) and family planning for responsible sexuality. In the same vein, they attended presentations on domestic violence to which many women are victims on a daily basis, thanks to the intervention of Precious from World Vision from Sierra Leone and Ms. Magdala from Gabon equality. The participants were able to share their experiences and receive practical advice to protect themselves and make their children's lives safe.

With the artist Warren Jazz, for five days, they were initiated

to the audio professions by carrying out several practical exercises including interview simulations.

Finally, with the help of the provincial branch of the Pôle National de Promotion de l’Emploi, they learned how to write a CV and were subjected to practical exercises on job search techniques.

The lucky ones will complete their training, particularly in the areas of leadership in order to strengthen their resilience.

Gabtrotter is a non-profit organization created in 2018 with the aim of

promote responsible use of technology and media in education. It implements this so-called “second chance” project in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, responsible for human rights and gender equality.

Photo: participants leaving a workshop

Fidèle AFANOU EDEMBE

Port-Gentil/Gabon