Chad student lea sells cassava to fund her education during holidays

For many students, school holidays are not just about rest. It is a time to learn real-life lessons 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 so I can 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 young girls have taken up this trade. However, the activity comes with its own set of challenges.

“Cassava has become expensive. Some customers, when we offer portions at 100 or 200 FCFA, think we are charging too much. They do not know that we buy the product at a high price ourselves; we cannot sell at a loss,” she says. Fortunately, she notes that some customers are understanding and often encourage them in their efforts. The country is facing a palpable poverty situation.

According to the World Bank, 44.8% of the Chadian population lives below the national poverty line. Beyond this overall poverty, several indicators of extreme vulnerability characterise the country: extreme poverty, with about 36.5% of the population living on less than $2.15 per day. Chad ranks among the countries with the lowest human capital index, limiting opportunities for youth development.

A shift in mindset for the future

Beyond the immediate financial need, this initiative reflects a change in mentality among Chadian youth. Faced with an uncertain job market and the difficulty of school guaranteeing a stable professional future, these students have understood the importance of diversifying their skills and gaining financial independence from an early age. Alongside their studies, they learn discipline and the realities of business.