For millions of children in Chad, education remains a distant dream rather than a guaranteed right. Poverty, gender inequality, limited educational resources and a shortage of adequately trained teachers prevent far too many young people, especially girls, from entering the classroom and reaching their full potential. Yet, through the partnership of Bread and Water for Africa® and Hope International Foundation, vulnerable children and youth are receiving the financial support they need to remain in school. Their determination shows that when a child has access to education, hope can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Although education is a priority for the Republic of Chad, reports from the United Nations say that “the country remains faced with a real challenge” to achieve goal 4 (Quality Education) of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
“And this is despite the efforts of the government and its social, technical and financial partners to offer all children in the country an equal, inclusive and quality education,” notes the UN.
“The educational system is characterized by a low level of schooling, with one out of two school age children out of school are girls.”
Additionally, the UN reports that only 20 percent of children who finish their primary school studies have a good foundation in reading and math in the two classroom languages, French and Arabic.
The rate of illiteracy among youth in the impoverished country is around 70 percent (nearly three-fourths of teenagers), which is roughly more than two million youth who do not know how to read or write.
The situation is even more alarming among girls and young women aged 15 to 25, where the rate climbs to more than 77 percent, according to the UN.
Compounding to the problem, the academic level of teachers is generally low, as approximately three out of four pupils are supervised by teachers whose highest level of education does not go beyond secondary schooling.
Esther Nddichafah, founding director of our partner Hope International Foundation (HIF), which, although based in Cameroon, operates our school fees support program in Lolo Village in Chad, about 65 miles from the border with Cameroon, reported recently that “This program is laying a very solid foundation for the long term in Chad.
“The whole community of Lolo and its environs have been salvaged by this program that has over 200 children on roll for scholarships. Additional orphans and destitute children and youth in the villages of Dobiti and Bekoura that are also benefiting through our school fees support program bring that number to 287.
And to help level the playing field for education for girls, Esther noted that as a sub-Saharan African nation ranked among the poorest on the continent, ravaged by war, poor leadership and environmental extremes, “there is a cultural tendency to prioritize male education.
“This year we added more girls to the program. This has given them greater hope in the future.”
And sadly, all that means for those with promise – both males and females -- who do actually complete their secondary school education: “there is little access to higher education, technical education and professional training,” states the UN.
But there are exceptions.
Cyrille Djerambete is in his early 20s and a third-year student studying nutrition with the ambition of earning his PhD to obtain his ultimate goal – “which is to help the malnourished children” in his country.
“I thank the international organizations who have supported me in my academic career, which are Bread and Water for Africa® and HIF, and also to all those “who have contributed from far and near to my schooling years.”
Cyrille also reported that he would soon be finishing with his first academic cycle and would have to defend his thesis for his diploma.
“Once more, I thank you for your support so that I can help the orphans like me.”
The education crisis in Chad is daunting, but the progress being made in Lolo, Dobiti and Bekoura demonstrates what compassionate support can accomplish. Today, 287 orphaned and vulnerable children and youth are pursuing their education through the school-fees support program made possible by Bread and Water for Africa® donors and Hope International Foundation.
Cyrille’s journey—from an orphaned child in need of assistance to a university student preparing to help malnourished children—is a powerful example of education’s life-changing impact. His story shows that supporting one student can ultimately transform the lives of many others.
With the continued generosity of our supporters, more children—especially girls—can enter the classroom, remain in school, and develop the knowledge and skills they need to build brighter futures. Together, we can give Chad’s children more than an education; we can give them hope, opportunity, and the power to uplift their communities for generations to come.
