The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held today, Friday, March 5, 2021, a coordination meeting with the Ministry of National Education of Gabon to explore prospects of cooperation in training teachers of Arabic as a foreign language in Gabon.

Representing ICESCO in the meeting were Dr. Majdi Hajji Ibrahim, Head of Center of Arabic for non-Arabic Speakers, and Dr. Youssef Ismaili, Expert at the Center. Mr. Nguema Ndong, Inspector General of Language Teaching at the Ministry of Gabon, represented the Ministry.

During the meeting, Mr. Nguema Ndong discussed in detail the challenges facing teachers of Arabic in Gabon and the dire need to improve teachers’ performance, build their capacities, and equip them with the proper skills.

The ICESCO officials highlighted the major role the Center of Arabic for non-Arabic Speakers plays in providing institutions and individuals with technical counseling and specialized educational services. They added that the Center also supports the development of references, curricula, and teaching methods and tools, and encourages the use of technology and specialized mediums.

At the close of the meeting, the two parties agreed to review prospects of cooperation to promote Arabic learning in Gabon.