For many students, the school holidays are far from a time of total rest. It is an opportunity to learn a real-life lesson on the ground. In N’Djamena, Léa, a tenth-grade student living in the Kilwiti neighbourhood, has chosen to sell cassava. With a basin balanced on her head, she walks the streets of the capital daily in search of customers.
“I live with my mother in Kilwiti. I am using the holidays to sell cassava, which will allow me to prepare for the next school year,” she explains.
According to Léa, the price of cassava ranges from 50 FCFA to 500 FCFA. Like her, many other young girls have entered this trade. However, the activity comes with its own set of difficulties.
“Cassava has become expensive. Some customers to whom we offer portions for 100 or 200 FCFA think our prices are too high. They do not know that we ourselves buy the goods at a high price; we cannot sell at a loss,” she says. Fortunately, she notes that some customers are understanding and do not hesitate to encourage them in their efforts. The country is facing a palpable poverty situation.
According to the World Bank, 44.8 percent of Chad’s population lives below the national poverty line. In addition to this overall poverty, several indicators of extreme vulnerability characterise the country’s situation: extreme poverty, with about 36.5 percent of the population living on less than $2.15 per day. Chad ranks among the countries with one of the lowest human capital indices, limiting youth development opportunities.
A growing awareness about the future
Beyond the immediate financial need, this initiative reflects a shift in mentality among Chadian youth. Faced with an uncertain job market and the challenge of schools guaranteeing stable professional futures, these students have understood the importance of diversifying skills and gaining financial independence from an early age. Alongside their studies, they are learning discipline and the realities of the business world.
