GETTING TOGETHER-DISCUSSION TIMES

Students of different gender

Attentive students. Student of all ages.

Djim and Honore lead discussion. In the middle is a guest Sam Azubuike

Another time of discussion and debate was organized by the AELIC teachers. The subject of discussion was "ARE YOU PROUD TO BE CHADIAN?" With the many difficulties young Chadians face today,i.e poor education, lack of employment, many see their lives as worthless and unmeaningful. Many wonder why they were born in Chad and see no pride in being Chadians.

There were many opinions and thoughts around the theme. Some expressed their pride in being Chadians because their parents were born in Chad and gave them life in Chad. Therefore, despite the diffculties and challenges, this is where God allowed them to be born and they should be proud about that. They see it as their responsibility to provide recommendations and suggestions on how to improve the country, but more importantly what actions/initiatives they can take as Chadian citizens to improve their families and their communities and therefore, in the end improving the country. Others expressed a sadness and regret to have been born in Chad. For them it seems that Chad is under a curse because nothing changes and conditions of life continue to get worse. When they look into the future they see nothing positive on the horizon. It was felt that in order to have a good life, they would have to leave Chad. Also in the world Chad does not have a positive image and is seen as a war torn country with much poverty and very little hope. However, a Togolese (citizen of the country of Togo) among the group expressed that there are many opportunities in Chad, but sees that there exist a general apathy by many young Chadians to create their own businesses or initiatives.

In conclusion, despite the seemingly unchanging conditions of Chad, as citizens of the country, we all should be interested in finding ways to improve and develop Chad. Changing Chad begins first with individual perception about what Chad is and what one can do in changing the condition of the coutry. And through collective participation and "rolling up your sleeves" (getting ready to work), the country can change. That responsibility belongs to nobody else, but Chadians.