The Colegio Virgen María de África in Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) has been proclaimed national champion of the VÍA 2025 Programme, after winning the regional island phase and beating L'École Français de Bata, representing the mainland region, in the national final.
The VÍA Programme, promoted by the multi-energy company TotalEnergies, organised by the NGO Women's Initiative for Education in Equatorial Guinea (IMEGE) and supported by the Ministry of the Interior, took place between May and October in ten educational centres across the country — seven in Malabo and three in Bata. Its aim is to strengthen road safety education, prevent accidents and protect Equatorial Guinea's young students.
Training and active participation
Eighteen students from Special Education, 5th and 6th grade Primary and 1st to 3rd grade Basic Secondary Education at the Colegio Virgen María de África participated in sessions led by road safety officers from Malabo, including the Director General of Road Traffic and Road Safety. The students received practical training on traffic signs, risk prevention, correct use of public roads and responsible behaviour in the school environment.
The programme was carried out in three phases:
- Observation: tours to identify everyday hazards on the roads.
- Recommendation: proposals for solutions to the problems detected.
- Raising awareness: talks at school, in the community, at other educational centres and at Malabo central market.
As part of the process, the pupils made posters highlighting road risks and presented proposals to improve road safety in a regional, national and international competition.
Regional and National Champion
On 7 November, seven schools from the island region presented their projects. After deliberation by the jury—composed of representatives from TotalEnergies, the Directorate General of Traffic, IMEGE and CFao Motors—the Colegio Virgen María de África was proclaimed regional champion.
This victory allowed the school to compete in the national phase, held on 14 November, where it faced L'École Français de Bata. Finally, the jury recognised the Virgen María de África as the national champion of the VÍA 2025 Programme, consolidating its leadership in promoting student road safety.
The school stood out for its dynamic and well-structured presentation, the visual impact of its presentation and its proven commitment to improving the road environment in its community. These elements were decisive in the jury's assessment of its proposal as a model of student participation and civic responsibility.
International competition
Following its national victory, the Colegio Virgen María de África represented Equatorial Guinea in the international phase of the VÍA Programme, which also included the participation of Ivory Coast, Senegal and Lebanon. Although our school's presentation was outstanding, the jury selected Lebanon as the winner of this phase.
At Colegio Virgen María de África, we are very happy with the work we have done and the lessons we have learned. The prize money will be used to improve the surroundings of our school.
Reginaldo Lopeo Beaká and Lourdes Villagómez Díaz.
TA Translation Team.
Published in News