Life Skills and Peer Education for Chadian Youth

In Chad, the Life-Skills project uses an innovative approach that targets the motorcycle taxi drivers. These are “out-of-school” youth, often categorised as a ‘hard-to-reach’ group with complex needs including substance abuse. Through outreach amongst the youth, the facilitators motivate taxi drivers to reflect on their life skills and spread awareness concerning addiction issues. It is observed that many motorcycle taxi drivers have a strong motivation to make changes in their life, they want to understand the risks of substance abuse and driving. Young motorcycle taxi drivers see the benefit of the sessions and are able to apply newly acquired life skills in order to make responsible choices.

Young people develop lower-risk behaviour through the Life-Skills sessions they attend at various locations in Chad. Training sessions for motorcyclists are always organized to raise their awareness of addiction issues. By the end of last year, the Chadian Blue Cross organized some information sessions at its headquarters in Chagoua with all the managers, leaders and members of the different motorcycle cab sites.

A 33-year-old woman tells us her story: “I am the mototaxi driver of the site Don-bosco. The activities carried out by the Chadian Blue Cross at my site Don-bosco have enabled me to act responsibly and avoid certain risky behaviours. Thanks to the activities of the Chadian Blue Cross, I have stopped smoking and drinking alcohol, which I never thought possible. I understand today that it is possible to get rid of alcohol and tobacco if you personally decide to do so. Now I can save enough money and have become the owner of three motorcycle. I can even support my family financially!"

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