Yvonne's passionate commitment to children in Chad
From an early age, Yvonne, a 17-year-old from Chad, has been a champion of children's rights, access to quality and inclusive education and gender equality.
Girls in Chad face significant barriers to education because of poverty and society’s perception of women and girls. Yvonne, an ambassador for the Education for All club, has been an outspoken advocate for children’s rights, especially girls’ education.
“Children's rights are violated in Chad,” says Yvonne, who lives at SOS Children’s Villages in N'Djamena, Chad’s capital. “For lower-income families, there is hardly any food, and children often do not go to school. When children do manage to go to school, it is almost always the boys that go,” Yvonne explains.
“It seems as if education is a right for boys and a favour for girls. That has to change, and that is why I am taking action.”
"I want decision-makers to take children's voices into account," she says. "Every child deserves protection, peace and the opportunity to flourish, and for that, it is imperative that their rights are defended and respected."
Children in Chad don’t feel protected
A 2023 report from the World Food Program states that 57% of the 2.3 million school-age children in Chad lack access to quality, inclusive education, and families with limited resources cannot afford education expenses.
This leaves girls at risk of early marriage and early pregnancy. Nearly 7 out of 10 girls in Chad are married before the age of 18, which can result in social exclusion, violence, and long-term health challenges.
"Chadian children don't feel protected," Yvonne said. " The lack of access to basic necessities, education, healthcare, and infrastructure demands urgent and concerted action."
Yvonne’s advocacy
Yvonne’s commitment goes beyond words. As an ambassador for the Education for All club, she leads efforts to highlight the crucial role of education in shaping a better future. "When children in our community tell us that they don't go to school, we talk to their parents, armed with evidence of education's importance. Though responses vary, many parents find it hard to resist," she says.
Yvonne’s ultimate dream
Yvonne's story illustrates the power of young people's commitment to defending children's rights. As she continues her journey, her resilience and passion are a beacon of hope, inspiring others to join the ongoing struggle for a more equitable and inclusive world. Her message remains clear: “We children know what we need for a good future. We want to go to school.”