Ecole Yenzi

Mission statement

Ecole Yenzi will maximize the potential of the whole child by providing quality learning experiences in a safe and stimulating environment.

We will encourage all associated with the school to work with and respect each other’s differences, our special environment and to recognise within the school the dual importance of stream individuality and international mindedness.

Information about the school

Ecole Yenzi is situated in the remote Gamba area of Gabon and is surrounded by mangrove and primary and secondary rainforest. The school site is on the edge of a beautiful lagoon in Yenzi camp where the majority of pupils live. Most of these children come to school by bicycle. There are also some children attending the school who live in Gamba village, a ten-minute bus ride away.

The school consists of two language streams - an International Stream and a French Language Stream. In the International Stream the school roll can vary throughout the year due to the transient nature of the pupil population. However, most families stay for three years and some even longer. In the French Language Stream many children spend all their primary school years at the school. Currently, class sizes vary from nine to 20.

The school recognises the valuable international experiences that children carry with them and aims to take advantage of these to enhance children’s learning. Where possible, the school makes every effort to adapt the approach to adapt to, and be inclusive of, different nationalities and cultures. The team of 11 qualified teachers is also diverse – with seven different nationalities.

For Dutch-speaking children the school offers the NTC (Dutch Language and Culture) programme. This enables these children to continue developing their language skills in Dutch and facilitates their return to the education system in The Netherlands. The school also support other families who wish to continue formal learning of their home languages.

As a Shell school, Ecole Yenzi follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and classes are organised according to the IPC Mileposts. In 2008/9 the French Language Stream also began teaching certain aspects of the IPC curriculum. Due to the school’s international nature, integration between the children is of great importance. There is a focus on international citizenship, the teaching of second languages and shared ‘learning-focused’ assemblies, as a means to achieve this. Where possible, aspects of the curriculum such as physical education are planned and taught jointly for the children in the two streams.

The school also hosts whole school events such as sports days, swim galas and the annual school show as a way of bringing the children together. In September 2009, the school also established a student council.

Due to the unique environmental location, the school has formed close ties with the Smithsonian Institute and WWF who are based in the area. Whenever possible, it makes use of the special environment to enhance the children’s learning. The Nature Club, which is run by members of the Smithsonian Institute, is one of many popular activities that form part of the After School Activity programme.

The school environment is open and friendly. Currently there are 10 purpose built classrooms, each equipped with interactive whiteboards and children’s computers with internet access. There is also a computer suite of 13 computers, two libraries, a large playground and access to a swimming pool, gymnasium and sports grounds. In 2009/10 the school further enhanced its curriculum with the addition of specialist lessons in ICT, Art and Music.

For further details, please visit the school website at www.ecoleyenzi.yolasite.com