The 2025 aid cuts have had a devastating impact on education services in Chad, threatening the future of thousands of young refugees and children.  

The cuts have come on top of a context in which access to quality education was already severely hampered. Protracted displacement, further aggravated by the conflict in Sudan, and the limited resources available have long been insufficient to guarantee education for all. 

Despite the mobilisation of local communities in seeking solutions, and JRS’s efforts to mitigate the impact and sustain the services in the medium term, the future remains uncertain. 

Mahamat Khamis Ismail, Education Focal Point at Farchana refugee camp, eastern Chad.

“As the Education Focal Point, I convened a meeting with community leaders, education officials, teachers, parents, to explore ways of ensuring the continuity of education for our children. During the meeting, the participants agreed to contribute to the teachers’ expenses, which was then carried out. Some teachers also decided to accompany the students on a voluntary basis.”

Mahamat Hassan Ali, member of the Parents of Students Association (APE in french) in Farchana refugee camp, eastern Chad.

“The suspension of funding by the US government came as a shock to us. We had to abandon our annual action plan, in which we had planned to build two classrooms—one for teachers and the other for students. Furthermore, after learning the news, some students left school to go to the gold mining areas or to larger towns, while others decided to cross the Mediterranean in search of opportunities.”

Alhafiz Mahamat Adam, student in Farchana refugee camp, eastern Chad. 

“I was very ambitious and wanted to continue my studies and become a hydraulic engineer to help my community. The suspension of US funding came as a severe shock to us students. Everything became difficult. I feared that my dream would be shattered, but thanks to the efforts of the community and organisations, I was able to take my final exams.”

Moutassim Ahmat Yaya, teacher at Kounoungou refugee camp, eastern Chad.

“Although we finished the year despite all the difficulties, I don’t believe that some of us will be able to continue teaching if the situation does not stabilise. Some students dropped out of classes in the middle of the school year. The success rate in the final exams is far from satisfactory.”

Ikram Aboubacar Abdallah, student in Farchana refugee camp 

“When I learned about the suspension of funding by the US government, I completely lost hope of fulfilling my dreams. I would not become a doctor to help my community, especially the women and children who needed it most. But when we passed our final school exams, I told myself that there was still hope.”