Gabon: Establishment of a flag-raising ceremony in schools
In Gabon, a new measure has been introduced in the country’s schools: the flag-raising ceremony. This decision was taken by the military of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), under the leadership of General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. From now on, every Monday morning, primary, middle and high school students are invited to participate in this ceremony where they must sing the national anthem before starting classes. Military authorities have clearly indicated that checks will be carried out to ensure that all educational establishments comply with this directive.
This new measure has sparked a lively debate among the Gabonese population. Some see this as national pride and a way to strengthen the identity and patriotism of younger generations. They believe that this ceremony will convey the fundamental values of the country and recall the importance of the national flag. Others, on the other hand, denounce this decision as an attempt to militarize education and as an attack on the freedom of schools and teachers.
The images broadcast show schoolchildren lined up by class around the national flag, in a solemn atmosphere. The ceremony appears to be well organized and the students seem engaged and attentive. However, it is important to ask questions about the consequences of this measure on students’ education. Wouldn’t this risk disrupting the pace of classes and reducing learning time?
It is also interesting to note that this decision was made by the military, which raises questions about their role in the field of education. Does this mean the military is trying to become more involved in the country’s education system? It is essential to ensure the separation between the army and education to preserve the independence and autonomy of educational establishments.
In conclusion, the introduction of the flag-raising ceremony in schools in Gabon provokes contrasting reactions. While some see this as a way to strengthen national identity, others denounce this decision as an attack on the freedom of schools. It is important to ensure that this measure does not hinder student learning and to preserve the independence of education from military institutions.