N’Djamena – From 14 to 21 January 2023, the steering committee of the community stabilisation programme implemented by IOM in central Chad conducted a mission to monitor the programme’s activities in the province of Barh el-Ghazel.

Implemented since October 2022 with the support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this programme aims to support 10 communities through increased access to infrastructure and economic activities, specifically targeting women and youth.

“This field visit gives us the opportunity to see the project’s progress, speak to the beneficiaries and make constructive recommendations to ensure the actions’ sustainability,” explains Mr Ngarmeune Ngargondo Mbangbousso, the Focal Point of the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, who took part in the mission.

The committee visited Salal, a town some 200 km from Moussoro, where work is ongoing to rehabilitate the town’s borehole. The committee also observed the progress of other community projects, including the construction of community gardens, mills, and health centres under construction in the communities of Lawass, Islet, Ebray, Tourki, Darsalam, Toumia, Dourgoulanga, Saaf, Raï, and Salal.

Thanks to a partnership with the Centre de Ressources Numériques de Moussoro (CRN), the project has provided training for 15 young people from these 10 communities and from Moussoro, including basic IT skills and the setting up of an income-generating project. After the training, each young person will receive a computer for their entrepreneurial projects.

The Community Stabilisation Programme aims to empower communities by addressing the root causes of instability through the provision of alternative and innovative livelihoods and implementation of community-based and community-led projects. It also intends to train government and traditional authorities in human rights-based approaches to facilitate the safe, orderly and humane management of migration and communities, and provide psychosocial and mental health support to communities in the region.

“IOM Community Stabilisation Department adheres to a community-centred approach, allowing communities to design projects according to their needs. Our methodology prioritises the inclusion of women’s and youth voices, ensuring that communities lead decision-making processes, from selecting infrastructure projects to choosing income-generating activities,” explains Michael FUCHS, IOM Community Stabilisation Programme Coordinator in Chad.

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For more information, please contact:

Freddy Malo, Communication Assistant, falnodji@iom.int