JUBILEE YEAR OF ALBERT SCHWEITZER (2025)

Word from The President

Dearest Friends of Schweitzer,

AGAAS, the Gabonese Association of Friends of Albert Schweitzer, is now one year old. This organization was established to fully oversee activities dedicated to preserving the humanistic thought and work of Dr. Albert Schweitzer within the MODE (Moyen Ogooué Development and Ecology) association, which has broader ambitions.

AMBOUROUET-ONANGA

The legend forged on the banks of the Ogooué River since 1913 by Dr. Albert Schweitzer was crowned with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 and the global recognition of a humanistic philosophy devoted to his life’s work.

Many distinguished figures have made the journey to immerse themselves in “this village of healing,” including Abbé Pierre in 1961.

Upon Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s passing in Lambaréné on September 4, 1965, Gabon’s future president, Albert Bernard Bongo, delivered a message:
"Great Doctor, your life’s work and your mission of human fraternity will continue in the Gabon of tomorrow."

Lambaréné, the historical foundation of an extraordinary human adventure, cannot remain on the sidelines of the global movement reshaping our planet’s fragile ecology. It must embrace both the responsibility of acknowledging the past and the civic duty of building a brighter future for generations to come.

Alongside other organizations, AGAAS is committed to making Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s work and thought more visible and enduring.

In these times of profound uncertainty—shaped by our collective inability to foster greater social justice—we are called to rethink our way of being, both for ourselves and for others, because our destinies are interconnected.

Through this report, we aim to share our various activities and express our hope for greater commitment, solidarity, and sharing in the years ahead.

The future of humanity depends on it.

INTRODUCTION

A physician, theologian, philosopher, musician, and German humanist, Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) became renowned for the hospital he established in the equatorial forest on the banks of the Ogooué River in 1913. This institution, which endures to this day, brought him worldwide recognition. In 1952, the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize solidified his legacy and granted him significant media visibility. A defining figure of the 20th century, he was often referred to as the “universal man.”

At the same time, he remains an iconic figure in Alsace, liberal theology, and among admirers of Johann Sebastian Bach. Some view him as a pioneer of humanitarian action, environmentalism, anti-speciesism, and nuclear disarmament.

150 years after his birth, his ideas, legacy, and life’s work continue to inspire and endure.

DR ALBERT SCHWEITZER

FONDATION OF AGAAS

This first activity report commits the Gabonese Association of Friends of Albert Schweitzer (AGAAS) to playing an increasingly significant role within the Schweitzerian movements that continue to spread across the globe.

This role began in 1987 during the Moyen-Ogooué Socio-Cultural Days, which featured a memorable visit to the Albert Schweitzer Hospital and its namesake museum. Many young people of that time—some of whom are now members of AGAAS—found in that visit the humanistic calling that inspired their commitment to acts of solidarity, particularly in support of students.

Over the past three decades, various charitable initiatives have been carried out, often on an individual basis. The current engagement within AGAAS stems from the need to bring together these humanitarian experiences and refocus them around the authentic Schweitzerian ideal.

Though a young association in administrative terms, AGAAS has been shaped over many years by the philosophy and work of Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Its main challenge is to rekindle the vital connection between Schweitzerian movements worldwide and the city of Lambaréné.

Indeed, beyond its purely humanitarian objectives, AGAAS members are also concerned about the difficult situation of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital and Museum in Lambaréné.

AGAAS thus aims to provide a structured framework to mobilize greater support for the Schweitzerian cause, ensure the continuity of Albert Schweitzer’s philosophy and work, and contribute to the restoration and preservation of Schweitzerian heritage in Lambaréné.

DESCRIPTION OF THE LOGO

In the background, a portrait of Albert Schweitzer.
Three figures supporting one another as a symbol of solidarity to uphold the globe.
The image of a palm tree represents the geographical and cultural context of Gabon. It was in this country that Dr. Albert Schweitzer found inspiration for his principle of Reverence for Life, the guiding thread of his philosophy and humanitarian work. Gabon forever preserves the Schweitzerian heritage.

GOALS

Ensuring the legacy and enduring impact of Dr. Albert Schweitzer.

Main Goal

Restore and preserve the Schweitzerian heritage of Lambaréné.
Raise public awareness about the philosophy, life, and legacy of Albert Schweitzer.
Highlight the direct connection between Albert Schweitzer’s philosophy and sustainable development.
Mobilize human, technical, and financial resources to achieve the overall objective.

Specific Goals

Executive Board

President : Louis Marie Félix AMBOUROUET ONANGA

Vice President : Lucile MEKAMA

Secretary General: Antoine PANDZOU

Deputy Secretary General: Marlyfri HEGA ADEMBA

Treasurer : Ghislaine MBOUROU OYEMBOT

Head of Training and Communication: Ghislain AKITA IWOLO

Head of External Relations: Rénima AMBOUROUET-ONANGA

Head of Social Affairs: Régina Aworet Oberdeno

VALUES, ORGANISATION AND RESOURCES

The mission, ambitions, and operations of AGAAS are founded, among other things, on Albert Schweitzer’s powerful affirmation:

"Because I have confidence in the power of truth and the spirit, I believe in the future of humanity."

AGAAS’s work is driven by a clear conviction: the Schweitzerian spirit is more relevant than ever in today’s discussions on sustainable development, the survival of our planet, and the vision of universal fraternity.

Indeed, AGAAS promotes the idea that every individual or group has a role to play in ensuring the solidarity necessary for the socio-economic progress of humanity. It seeks to make its modest contribution within the ever-growing global Schweitzerian family.

AGAAS advocates for the multiplication of acts of solidarity and charitable initiatives, firmly rooted in Schweitzer’s principle of Reverence for Life.

Our Values

Our Organisation

After two decades of informal and occasional activities, AGAAS has now chosen to establish more structured and expanded partnerships, including collaborations with public authorities and institutions that share its values.

To formalize this commitment, AGAAS has pursued legal recognition by registering with the Gabonese Ministry in charge of associations. It now operates under the provisions of Law 35/62, which governs the functioning of associations.

This decision aims to increase membership and provide a more secure and structured working framework, particularly in terms of governance.

As a result, the annual work program is adopted collectively by all members during a General Assembly.

Our Resources

In accordance with its statutes, AGAAS's resources primarily consist of membership fees and contributions, as well as donations and bequests. Revenue from activities and service offerings is also expected to become a significant source of funding.

AGAAS is a nonprofit organization: its resources are exclusively dedicated to humanitarian action and are managed according to democratic and participatory principles.

AGAAS’s competence in management is directly linked to its effectiveness in the field and serves as a key indicator of the sincerity and commitment of its leadership.