The government of Chad and SOS Villages d'Enfants have launched a 24-month project aimed at protecting 1,500 children at risk and 1,500 vulnerable households in Lac province. The project, valued at 1,042,581,158 FCFA, was launched on September 23, 2026, in Bol. The initiative seeks to strengthen child protection mechanisms and enhance the resilience of vulnerable families in the region. Lac province has been affected by insecurity and forced displacement, making child protection a daily challenge.
The project, titled "Renforcement des mécanismes de protection de l'enfance et de résilience des familles vulnérables," will run from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2028. It is financed by SOS Villages d'Enfants Norvège and implemented in partnership with the national NGO AHDSS. The project's objectives include providing psychosocial support, strengthening community protection committees, and offering economic support to households. A total of 500 children in temporary foster care will also benefit from the project.
The launch event, presided over by Ndjilema Mitterand, Secretary General of Lac province, brought together local authorities and partners. Mbaïhornom Godivah, head of SOS Villages d'Enfants Lac, welcomed the mobilization of stakeholders, while Ndoutabet Ngardoum Richard, country director of SOS Villages d'Enfants Tchad, highlighted the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by children and families in the region. Insecurity, forced displacement, and fragile livelihoods have increased the risks faced by children and families.
The project's implementation will involve case management, psychosocial support, and economic empowerment of households. Community protection committees will be strengthened, and awareness-raising activities will be conducted. A mapping exercise will be carried out to identify existing community mechanisms, which will be reinforced or created where necessary. This approach aims to ensure the project's effectiveness and sustainability.
Ndjilema Mitterand called on communities to take ownership of the project's activities and on stakeholders to enhance coordination and monitoring. He reaffirmed the provincial authorities' commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit vulnerable children and families. The project's impact will depend on its ability to address the complex challenges faced by its target groups.
The project's budget is substantial, and its success will be closely watched. With a duration of two years, the project has a relatively short timeframe to achieve its objectives. The involvement of local authorities and communities will be crucial in determining the project's effectiveness and long-term impact.
The project's launch marks an important step towards addressing the protection needs of children and families in Lac province. Its success will depend on the collaboration of stakeholders and the active engagement of local communities. Key challenges include ensuring the project's sustainability and addressing the root causes of vulnerability in the region.
Key points
- The project aims to support 1,500 children at risk and 1,500 vulnerable households in Lac province.
- The project is valued at 1,042,581,158 FCFA and will run for 24 months.
- The initiative seeks to strengthen child protection mechanisms and enhance the resilience of vulnerable families in the region.
