In the Habena neighborhood of N'Djamena, Chad, many children face significant barriers to education, while others are exposed to labor, violence, and various forms of vulnerability. Growing up in this challenging environment, Stéphane Madjadoum was deeply affected by his own difficult experiences in a public primary school. This sparked his personal commitment to defending children's rights. Today, as a student in economics and sustainable development, Madjadoum continues to advocate for the rights and dignity of children.
Madjadoum's activism has led him to hold various leadership positions. He was elected as the first vice-president of the Children's Parliament on June 16, 2023. Additionally, he serves as the general secretary of U-Report Toukra Rassalfil, a member of Jeunes Voix du Sahel Tchad, and deputy coordinator of the Coalition of Young People for Equality and Gender Equity. Through his work, Madjadoum has encountered numerous situations that highlight the struggles faced by children in Chad.
One particularly harrowing experience that Madjadoum recalls is that of a child who fled a Quranic school located hundreds of kilometers from N'Djamena. The child had been subjected to physical restraint, with metal pieces bound around their feet. Thanks to the intervention of the Children's Parliament, the child received support from the Judicial Police Coordination. The child's parents were contacted and signed an agreement to no longer send them back to the school.
Madjadoum's commitment to children's rights has taken on an international dimension. In February 2026, he participated in a meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, focused on combating child labor. Alongside other young African parliamentarians, Madjadoum contributed to the creation of a comic book titled "Three Children, Three Destinies," inspired by the real-life experiences of children. The comic book was presented during the "Draw Your Future" activity organized by the Moroccan National Observatory for Children's Rights.
The comic book project earned Madjadoum and his collaborators a prestigious award, taking first prize among three presented projects. Madjadoum views this recognition as one of his greatest achievements, demonstrating the capacity of young people to raise awareness and contribute to efforts against child rights violations. He hopes to continue mobilizing communities against child labor and promoting citizen participation among children.
Looking to the future, Madjadoum has outlined two major projects. The first involves establishing a reception center for distressed children, where they can develop their artistic and cultural talents. His second project focuses on creating a company that recycles plastic waste and transforms agricultural products. Through these initiatives, Madjadoum aims to make a tangible impact on the lives of children in Chad.
Madjadoum's journey serves as a powerful example of how personal experience can spark a commitment to helping others. For him, defending children means ensuring their difficulties are heard and their rights respected. As he emphasizes, "A child is not just the future; they are a citizen today, and their dignity, security, and respect must be protected."
Key points
- Stéphane Madjadoum elected as first vice-president of Children's Parliament
- Madjadoum contributes to international efforts against child labor
- Madjadoum aims to establish a reception center for distressed children and a waste recycling company
