{"id":4589,"date":"2025-07-29T04:18:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T02:18:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meramnews.com\/?p=4589"},"modified":"2025-07-29T04:18:32","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T02:18:32","slug":"a-generation-left-behind-the-collapse-of-refugee-education-in-eastern-chad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/meramnews.com\/en\/2025\/07\/29\/a-generation-left-behind-the-collapse-of-refugee-education-in-eastern-chad\/","title":{"rendered":"A Generation Left Behind: The Collapse of Refugee Education in Eastern Chad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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By Hashim Zakaria<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhashim2024@gmail.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

July 28, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The suspension of U.S. aid has made things much harder for refugee students in eastern Chad, threatening years of progress made toward improving education in the camps. According to Mr. Abdurrahim Abdulkrim, Principal of Farchana High School, the abrupt halt in funding has had a devastating effect on both students and teachers. \u201cSome students and teachers have already left the schools due to a lack of resources,\u201d Abdulkrim explained. \u201cOverall, student achievement has dropped significantly because of this funding gap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Former principals Mr. Ibrahim Idris (Brejing High School) and Mr. Yousif Abdurrahman (Treguine High School) confirmed that pass rates have fallen to an alarming 40%, down from a previously steady 60%. This sharp decline underscores the dire consequences of inadequate financial and institutional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unanswered Promises of Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Mr. Abdurrahim, despite ongoing challenges, local educators and community leaders remain committed to securing international support. Recently, they met with representatives from the European Union to discuss funding for refugee education. Although EU officials expressed interest and said they would \u201clook into the matter,\u201d no concrete action has followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lack of response from donor countries, combined with the silence of international NGOs, has left these students in a precarious position. Without reliable funding sources, schools are struggling to maintain even the most basic educational standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2023 Exam Candidates: A Shrinking Future<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned in my previous report, Chadian authorities initially barred refugee students from sitting for the 2023 high school exams. Although the ban was eventually lifted, the total number of candidates remains shockingly small compared to the need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From surveys I conducted across five refugee camps, only 1,345 students registered for the 2023 exams:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gender breakdown:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022           Girls: 967 students (~71.9%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022           Boys: 378 students (~28.1%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u2022           Total: 1,345 students<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This graph shows 2023 High School Exam Participation by Refugee Camp and Gender Demographics<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Student Demographics Analysis<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n