It is with great pleasure that I was elected President of OSI for the year 2023, and I would like to thank all the members of the NGO Objectif Sciences International who honored us with their presence at the International General Assembly.
My thanks go to Madame Anne OUVRARD, outgoing President, and her two vice presidents, for agreeing to continue her dedication alongside me as Vice President, as well as to Christa MUTH, whose expertise in pedagogy has greatly assisted my predecessors. I must say that I have learned a lot about project pedagogy from these two friends, who share the vision and passion of Objectif Sciences International, which pioneered the first Participatory Research Participatory Research see : http://www.voyages-scientifiques.com trips over 18 years ago.
A Great and Beautiful Adventure
The “Objectif Sciences International” project was born from the citizen science adventures of Thomas EGLI and his ability to draw from a connection with nature the teachings of alternative approaches to science learning and the development of participatory projects that respect the rights of nature. The main mission of OSI is to promote participatory research Participatory Research see : http://www.voyages-scientifiques.com through the implementation of an innovative project-based pedagogy approach, which has earned it consultative status recognition with the UN’s ECOSOC.
OSI has experienced highs and lows, heroes and detractors, yet its spirit has been preserved, as its core values have not changed. Like its founder and the entire multinational team, I would like to make my humble contribution by valuing the work of my predecessors in the role of President and by further supporting those who make the daily experience of participatory research a source of enduring joy for citizens.
A Universal Reach
I remain convinced that OSI’s values and expertise now have universal relevance. My commitment is to encourage the program leaders of the NGO who have already established significant initiatives and to help them navigate through current challenges. I would also like to extend my support to the women and young people who need it and who are embarking on new participatory science ventures around the world. I will do so while strictly respecting the rules that govern the functioning of OSI.
Our sincere thanks go to OSI’s Executive Director, the heads of Research and Education Programs, Scientific Educators, heads of Pedagogy and Logistics Programs, leaders of Participatory Development Programs, researchers, and especially to Thomas EGLI, who has spared no effort in supporting us throughout our journey with OSI.
An Enduring African Dimension
Finally, I hope that the honor bestowed upon me will provide me with the necessary ability to ensure that our NGO becomes a partner in the scientific research and national education policy of my country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where I reside. I must take this opportunity to thank all those in the OSI-RDC local group who have committed themselves wholeheartedly to achieving OSI’s vision in the DRC.
I am particularly honored to convey greetings and thanks from all the Africans who are unable to attend our meetings in France or Switzerland and are eagerly awaiting the next Forum de Genève meeting in Kenya to share their experiences and learn from others.
I would also like to thank the Congolese government for its guidance in favor of the development of participatory research in the DRC and for its constructive relationships with France and Switzerland, where Congolese citizens can learn from others’ experiences and bring their own in participatory research or project-based pedagogy.
Long live the NGO Objectif Sciences International!
Thank you for your attention!
Moussa MUSAVULI MBUTHO, OSI President 2023.
