Life Skills and Peer Education for Chadian Youth

As schools in Chad remained closed after March 23, Blue Cross Chad with their peer educators and Life Skills Clubs have continued virtual life skills sessions via WhatsApp groups and Facebook. Additionally, three partnerships with local radio stations were signed, so that the project staff and peer educators could conduct regular radio emissions in order to spread life skills messages such as stress resistance, peaceful resolution of conflicts, Gender based Violence prevention and myth busters regarding fake news about the COVID-19 situation (“Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous”). The peer educators have also registered various songs and slogans on these topics which were broadcasted on the radios.

The Blue Cross Chad project staff, in collaboration with local politicians, community members and peer educators, conducted door-to-door COVID-19 sensitization campaigns, underlining the importance of respecting the prevention measures. These door-to-door campaigns happened in three vulnerable neighborhoods of N’Djamena and overall over 1000 households were individually reached and sensitized. The initiative of Blue Cross Chad to mobilize local authorities and populations in the COVID response inspired and was followed by many other non-profit organizations.

Luckily some project activities, especially training activities, could still be carried out despite COVID-19 although with smaller participant numbers, in order to respect the national COVID guidelines. Further, IBC has also started a new Webinar series with its project countries on topics such as good governance, alcohol and drug harm, and gender equality. It has been a good opportunity to continue the process of mutual exchange and learning.

Supporting the Chadian Youth is only possible by generous donors as you – Thank you so much for your contribution!