Japan Invests in Mathematics Education to Build Science-Driven Generation in Ziguinchor
In a strategic effort to foster a new generation of scientists, Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Takeshi visited the Mamadou Bayo elementary school in Ziguinchor on May 8, 2026, to evaluate the progress of a specialized mathematics initiative.
The visit focused on the “Project for the Improvement of Mathematics Learning in Elementary Schools, Phase 2” (PAAME 2). This initiative is a collaborative partnership between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of National Education.
During the visit to the school, located in the Peyrissac neighborhood, Ambassador Takeshi observed students actively engaging with numerical exercises and problem-solving tasks. The ambassador’s visit was intended to measure the “concrete impact” of PAAME 2, as students interacted with their teachers using methodical instructional approaches.
Local school officials welcomed the visit as a validation of the progress made within the beneficiary institutions. Abdoul Salam Bâ, the director of Mamadou Bayo elementary school, stated that the support from the Japanese government has significantly enhanced the capabilities of those within the educational system.
“Grâce aux formations organisées pour les directeurs, les enseignants et les communautés éducatives, les méthodes d’enseignement des mathématiques sont devenues plus efficaces et plus adaptées aux réalités des élèves,” Bâ said.
The project’s focus on refining teaching methods for directors and educators underscores the critical importance of early STEM foundations. By removing the fear of mathematics at the elementary level, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable pipeline of students equipped for advanced scientific study.
