Despite a complex intervention context, ACTED teams have begun reaping the first benefits of their contribution to the Southern Chad locals and refugees empowerment process.

The Eastern Logone region, and particularly the Nya Pendé region, has been subject to a massive influx of displaced people, due to fighting in nearby Central African Republic (CAR).Though the environment is plentiful, the huge rise in population with refugees has resulted in disputes over resources, making access to property, environment preservation, pastures and natural food resources more difficult. 17,000 Central Africans found refuge on Chadian soil in 2010, taking the total number of people from CAR in the region to 70,000.

ACTED began working in Nya Pendé in 2009. The mandate is to focus on easing intercommunity tension by providing equal assistance to both local populations and refugees. ACTED has thus been intervening in the Goré sub-prefecture and nearby villages as well as in the Dosseye, Gondjé and Amboko refugee camps.

Training trainers

As a part of its income generating activities, ACTED has already trained and supported 32 village groups with professional kits, inside and outside the camps. The groups, of usually about 10 members, work on a wide range of occupations such as baking, trade, pottery, shoe repair and sewing. The latter has enjoyed great success since the inception of the two sewing groups in 2010. The Bendja and Betian village groups showed great rigor and motivation during the few months of the project. They were rewarded by ACTED for their implication through capacity building vocational training. The best seamstresses were even granted a certificate, which will enable them to become trainers in turn, and, with time, open their own business.

ACTED proves its commitment to beneficiaries through programs designed to make populations autonomous. Helping them emancipate from humanitarian aid will be a great step in guiding them to provide for their families’ food and material needs.