Amidst chaos and despair, young people roll up their sleeves and get involved

The Chadian capital N'Djamena is trying to heal, following the heavy floods that displaced nearly 150,000 people. Thousands of families have lost their houses and belongings and are sheltered in temporary sites. They are as safe as they can be, but the future is bleak for those who have nowhere else to go. 

What will always be remembered from these dark events is the bravery and generosity of UNICEF-trained heroes, the U-Reporters, who went above and beyond to help the affected population. 

After playing a decisive role in the rescue operations, they continued to mobilize relentlessly and support UNICEF teams and the humanitarian community’s efforts to help the displaced families settle in the relocation sites.

Some of them study in high school or university. Some of the older ones have a job, some are unemployed. In their free time, they go to the relocation sites and help wherever they are needed. Every day, close to 200 U-Reporters volunteer to help.

In the main sites, Toukra, Koundoul, Milezi and Karkandjeri, the U-Reporters are everywhere: they help build shelters and toilets, conduct awareness-raising and census activities, and happiness to the children through recreational and educational activities, under the comforting gaze of parents. 

These young heroes are now part of the daily life of the affected populations, especially the youngest, who hurry to see them arrive each morning to brighten up their day.

On November 20, World Children's Day, the U-Reporters showed their solidarity by organizing parties on the sites, with UNICEF support. Through animations, dance, and competitive games, they contributed to bring more joy and hope in the hearts of the little ones. But it does not stop there. U-Reporters are now training other youth, in and around the relocation sites, to take over and continue their efforts to alleviate the suffering.