N’Djamena students turn to cassava sales to fund education during school break
N’Djamena students use summer break to sell cassava and pay for school fees
During school holidays in N’Djamena, students like Léa engage in cassava sales to gain financial independence and support their education in a challenging economic climate.
For many students in N’Djamena, school holidays aren’t just about relaxation and free time. Instead, they present an opportunity to learn essential life lessons through practical experience. Léa, a high school student from the Kilwiti neighborhood, has chosen to spend her break selling cassava. With a basin balanced on her head, she navigates the capital’s bustling streets daily, searching for customers.
“I live with my mother in Kilwiti. The summer break is the perfect time to sell cassava so I can save enough to cover next year’s school fees,” she explains while balancing her merchandise. Her approach reflects a growing trend among young students who are taking initiative to secure their educational futures.
The price of cassava fluctuates between 50 and 500 FCFA, depending on the quantity. Léa isn’t alone in this venture; many other young girls have joined her in this informal business. However, the trade comes with its own set of challenges.
“Cassava prices have risen sharply. Some customers question why we charge 100 or 200 FCFA per portion, assuming we’re overcharging. They don’t realize we buy the cassava at high prices ourselves and can’t afford to sell at a loss,” she reveals. Despite these obstacles, Léa acknowledges that a portion of her customers understand her situation and actively support her efforts to fund her education.
Chad’s economic landscape remains harsh, with 44.8% of the population living below the national poverty line. Extreme poverty affects 36.5% of citizens, who survive on less than $2.15 per day. The country ranks among those with the lowest human capital indices, severely limiting career opportunities for young people.
Building resilience through small business
Beyond immediate financial needs, this grassroots entrepreneurship signals a shift in mindset among Chad’s youth. Faced with unstable job markets and limited career prospects from formal education alone, students are recognizing the value of developing multiple skills and achieving financial independence early in life. Through these small-scale ventures, they gain firsthand experience in business realities, discipline, and the importance of self-reliance.
