Autumn school report from Chad

The new school year in Chad is now in full swing - and there have been some changes in the refugee camp schools that are pleasing children, parents and teachers alike!

Improved facilities, including latrines, are attracting record numbers of children to enrol. With new classrooms and equipment in four schools in Bredjing and Treguine camps, children no longer need to be taught underneath trees outdoors or in classrooms in dire need of repair. 

"I can't wait to try out our new classrooms!  I come here to learn how to write.  I'd like to be a teacher when I grow up!" says 9 year old Abdella Hamsa Mohamed, Zounourine School, Treguine camp.

“We used to start registration at the beginning of the new school year. Now we have to start three weeks earlier, in September! There are more children to register and it means that we can be ready to start with lessons at the beginning of October,” says Schools Inspector Mahmat Adoum Omar.

Everyone agrees the increase in numbers is great to see, but it’s about more than an academic education.

“We try to create a culture of peace in all the schools. We teach the practice of non-violence and a spirit of tolerance,” explains Bredjing Schools Inspector Abu Bakar Zakaria.

Although progress has been considerable there are still some classrooms in need of repair. However, in tough economic times, international donor funding for construction has been halved. With the money that is available Cord plans to build as many new classrooms as possible whilst retaining some budget for repairs to others.  

Final comments:  Excellent progress, still more to do.