The resurgence of violence in educational settings in Gabon is an alarming symptom that tarnishes the entire nation . Children are not only the perpetrators, but also, and above all, the primary victims . This dramatic situation has deep roots in the failings of parental guidance and society in general, forming the basis of this malaise .

Faced with this structural deficiency, it is imperative that the Gabonese state take responsibility by adopting a series of bold and innovative measures.

5 Pillars of Action for a Healthy School Environment

We propose a strategy structured around five major axes, aimed at restoring order, education and culture in schools:

1. Mandatory Behavioral Rehabilitation:
2. To propose and pass laws imposing on students identified as recalcitrant or violent a "behavioral retraining course" .
3. This training program would take place in military barracks or prisons (without constituting a sentence or military service) and would be organized either in schools or during the summer holidays. The objective is to provide a structured and educational environment to help these young people find their way back.
4. Cultural and Civic Immersion (Educational Tourism):
5. To propose and pass laws obliging young people, during the summer holidays, to participate in "cultural tourism" activities at the State's expense .
6. The goal is to disconnect young urbanites from their usual environment to help them discover the rich cultural heritage of Gabon . They would learn in the guardhouses and undergo initiations into traditional rites of an educational nature, adapted to the regions and customs, thus fostering a sense of identity.
7. Strengthening and Professionalizing the Surveillance Corps:
8. An urgent review of the training and objectives of school supervisors is needed.
9. Currently, their role is purely deterrent and their numbers are insufficient. They need to be better equipped to manage cases of violence, moving from a simple supporting role to that of frontline educators in crisis management .
10. Specialized School Safety (Job Creation):
11. Replacing the police presence around schools with dedicated private security funded by the Ministry of National Education .
12. This entity would be tasked with patrolling the grounds, establishing a climate of peace, and discouraging violence. This approach, in addition to ensuring security, would have the advantage of creating new jobs .
13. Creation of a Pedagogical Safety Commission:
14. Establish a permanent Safety Committee in each school .
15. It would be composed of school administrators, representatives from the Ministry, the Juvenile Court , Parents' Associations (APE), and psychologists . Its role would be to conduct regular reviews, prevent disturbances, and improve the implementation of security measures.

The Indispensable Role of Collective Engagement

While prison is not a panacea, inaction is not an option. The challenge is to transform mindsets: some act like an egg (fragile), others like a carrot (which softens), whereas the ideal is to become a coffee that, in the face of adversity, changes its very nature .

The future of Gabon, which rests on the youth of today and tomorrow, is at risk. The crisis of school violence threatens to derail our development goals. It is the joint responsibility of the State and parents to address this problem without delay.

We all aspire for our children to do better than we did. To achieve this, the State and the Government must act immediately , mobilizing the necessary human and material resources, and firmly reminding parents of their fundamental role. The time for decision is now.