An international colloquium on citizenship education, social cohesion, and contemporary challenges opened on November 3, 2026, at the Grand Hôtel d'Abéché in Chad. Organized by the Abéché Higher Normal School (ENSA), the two-day event aims to mobilize researchers and education stakeholders around citizenship issues in the African context. The colloquium, themed "Citizenship Education and Contemporary Challenges: Crossed Perspectives from Humanities, Social, Literary, and Exact Sciences," brings together teachers, researchers, experts, doctoral students, master's students, education officials, civil society representatives, and institutional partners.
The ENSA aims to strengthen dialogue between scientific disciplines and promote pedagogical approaches adapted to current societal challenges through this meeting. Citizenship, understood as a factor of peace, responsibility, and respect for institutions, is the thread running through the discussions. At the opening ceremony, Professor Dombor Djikoloum Dingao, president of the technical organization committee, welcomed participants. ENSA Director-General Alhassan Saleh Mahamat highlighted the importance of this initiative for research development and training improvement.
Mahamat Ahmat Hassaballah, honorary consul of France in Abéché, representing the French Embassy, praised the organization of this scientific event and emphasized the importance of cooperation between institutions in promoting research and knowledge sharing. Djingar Gaspard, secretary-general of the Ouaddaï province, stressed the role of citizenship education in consolidating social cohesion, promoting peace, and building sustainable development.
Professor Abdelsalam Doutoum, rector of the National Education Academy of the East, opened the proceedings on behalf of the Minister of Higher Education. He commended the efforts of the ENSA management and the organization committee for hosting this first international scientific meeting despite limited resources. Doutoum emphasized the strategic role of teacher training and the need to develop applied research based on interdisciplinary complementarity.
The two-day event will examine contemporary challenges related to citizenship education, cross-analyze issues, and formulate reflection paths to enrich educational practices. The opening ceremony also recognized ENSA teachers promoted to higher grades, highlighting the valorization of university careers. This initiative demonstrates the importance of collaboration between institutions in addressing societal challenges.
The colloquium features a diverse range of participants, including teachers, researchers, experts, and students. The event provides a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on citizenship education. By promoting dialogue and collaboration, the colloquium aims to contribute to the development of effective educational strategies and policies.
The successful hosting of this international colloquium demonstrates Chad's commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through education and research. The event's outcomes are expected to inform educational practices, policies, and strategies in Chad and beyond. Key stakeholders have expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to promote peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
Key points
- The colloquium aims to strengthen dialogue between scientific disciplines and promote pedagogical approaches adapted to current societal challenges.
- Citizenship education is seen as a factor of peace, responsibility, and respect for institutions.
- The event brings together a diverse range of participants, including teachers, researchers, experts, and students.
