Life Skills and Peer Education for Chadian Youth

In Chad, life skills education helps young people gain the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drugs. Jason Belet’s story shows how this approach can create change that extends far beyond the individual.

As a young student, Jason participated in awareness sessions at the headquarters of the Chadian Blue Cross and joined structured debates at Walia High School. Through these activities, he learned more about the harmful effects of alcohol and began reflecting on his own choices.

In 2014, Jason made a decision that changed his life: he stopped drinking alcohol.

“Once I left all that behind, I felt really good.”

Leaving alcohol behind gave Jason a fresh start. He regained his strength, continued his education and discovered a new sense of purpose. But the knowledge and confidence he gained did not only influence his own life.

Today, Jason has become a role model for other young people in his community. He works with youth centres in Walia, where he leads discussions and debates encouraging young people to stay away from alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. By sharing his own experience, he helps others understand the risks associated with substance use and supports them in making informed decisions about their own lives.

Jason’s journey reflects a central idea behind the Chadian Blue Cross’ life skills and peer education approach: young people can become leaders and agents of change themselves. When they are equipped with knowledge, practical skills and support, they can pass what they have learned on to their peers and communities.

For International Blue Cross, this is what makes life skills education so powerful. Its impact does not stop when a lesson or awareness session ends. It can continue through young people like Jason, who turn their own experiences into encouragement and support for others.

From participant to role model, Jason’s story shows how empowering one young person can help inspire many more.

We thank you for your support in helping young people in Chad develop the skills and knowledge they need to make healthy choices and become agents of change in their communities.