Project nurtures female scientists

An education project in Cameroon has been growing a pool of thinking African girls who are succeeding in science and proceeding to higher education institutions across the world.

Dr. Florence Tobo Lobe, an organic chemist educated in Cameroon, France and US, set up the Rubisadt Foundation in 2001 to provide supplementary science lessons to academically achieving girls.

“I wanted to demystify science and have more girls in science. In this way we cultivate Africa's human capital,” said Tobo Lobe. However, at the Foundation's center in Bali, Douala they would learn about much more than science. “We would mentor them and help them to understand challenges in Africa,” said Tobo Lobe. “We teach them to think,” she added. Some of the 200 girls who have participated in the project over the years have been enrolled at top higher education institutions across the world.

The foundation's work has also attracted the attention of UNESCO, which asked Tobo Lobe and her 12 staff members to help with a program to support girls from rural areas who dropped out of school.

Last year the Foundation opened a school, the Rubisadt Institute, with its first intake. The Foundation also hosts an Annual Scientific Cultural Camp of Excellence which also has places for girls from countries in the region.

Tobo Lobe next project is to start a living center for girls from poor communities to create a nurturing environment in which they can study.

Tobo Lobe has been funding the project from her own pocket. “I taught, I worked as an advisor of CEOs, I was a consultant for international organizations and a spokesperson. I saw the world and I wanted my experience to help girls.” For more information go to www.rubisadt.org