Camelia Leclerq Ntoutoume : a committed woman serving gabonese education

Camelia Leclerq Ntoutoume’s journey is a true illustration of resilience and passion. Born into a modest and rural environment, she began her schooling in a local school before moving to the capital, Libreville, to continue her studies. Far from a predetermined path, her journey echoes the story of a young girl driven by big dreams for her country and a strong desire to contribute to its development.

« My journey has been atypical and quite rich. I started my education in a very rural school. Then, of course, I moved to Libreville before completing my studies in France, » she recalls, reflecting on her early years of education. It was this thirst for knowledge and determination that paved the way for her future role as a key figure in Gabon’s education sector.

Camelia’s academic choices have always aligned with her deep passions. She first attended a business school before refocusing on what truly excites her: political science. « I have always been passionate about political and governance issues. So, I decided to return to my first passion and enroll in prestigious institutions such as Sciences Po, ENA, and the Sorbonne, » she shares. Through her studies, she absorbed the values of governance and communication, themes that would shape her professional career.

A model of female leadership

In an environment often dominated by men, Camelia Leclerq Ntoutoume had to overcome specific challenges related to being a woman and a young African. When she decided to pursue her studies abroad, she knew that her talents would be scrutinized even more closely.

« As a woman studying abroad, you have to be exceptional to stand out because you are young, a woman, and African. I was fortunate to have excellent professors and to study in institutions where women’s roles were recognized. But I also took on the personal challenge of making a name for myself, not only by obtaining a solid education but also by ensuring that upon my return, I would be equipped with the most advanced intellectual skills possible, » she explains. This drive for excellence has been her guiding force throughout her journey, and today, she leverages it as a key asset in her role as Minister of National Education.

The inspiration of a father: A life-shaping legacy

One of the most defining moments in Camelia’s life was the loss of her father at the age of seven. This tragic event, though difficult, was a turning point that shaped her personality and determination to succeed.

« My father was the person who inspired me the most. His passing, when I was still very young, was the biggest turning point of my life. I come from a large family, and I have always told myself that I needed to become an independent woman. Many members of my family have held high-level positions, and that is what guided me, » she confides, visibly moved by the profound impact her father had on her path.

Reforms and achievements: Transforming education in Gabon

Since her appointment as Minister of National Education, Camelia Leclerq Ntoutoume has spearheaded significant reforms that have profoundly transformed Gabon’s education sector. Under her leadership, several priorities have been set: modernizing school infrastructure, improving teachers’ working conditions, and producing locally developed educational resources.

« We have implemented four major pillars to address the priorities set by the President of the Republic. The first pillar concerns infrastructure and school equipment, to provide students with modern learning conditions. The second pillar has been governance, to ensure stability within the ministry, » she highlights. This work of reorganizing and structuring the ministry has been essential in strengthening the quality of education in Gabon.

One of the most remarkable achievements has been the production of Gabonese textbooks for secondary education, a sector in which the country had relied on imports since 1960. « Today, we have our first Gabonese textbooks for secondary schools. This is a major step forward, » she proudly states.

Persistent challenges for women in Gabon

Despite the progress made, Gabonese women still face numerous obstacles in their professional paths. Camelia Leclerq Ntoutoume is fully aware of this and works to ensure these challenges are overcome.

« The obstacles that women face are numerous. The first is the glass ceiling, which must be broken every day. There is also a major challenge in building strong networks where women support and uplift each other. We must not hinder the progress of others; instead, we should support the next generation, » she emphasizes. Through her actions, Camelia is committed to promoting solidarity among women and providing young girls with the tools necessary to break these barriers.

Finally, Camelia Leclerq Ntoutoume delivers a powerful message to young girls, whether in Africa or beyond, who aspire to leadership positions.

« I would say to every young girl, whether African, European, American, or Asian: believe in yourself, believe in your dreams, and equip yourself with the means to succeed. With determination, courage, and faith, there is nothing we cannot achieve. »