In an era where digital information spreads faster than ever, Chad is taking bold steps to safeguard its youth from the pitfalls of online spaces. Today in N’Djamena, the National Library hosted the kickoff of a groundbreaking training program designed for 100 young Chadians, focusing on digital citizenship and the fight against misinformation.

This initiative, part of the broader campaign « Advocacy for an Inclusive and Safe Digital Space for Chadian Youth », is led by House of Africa in partnership with the European Partnership for Democracy. Its mission? To turn social media from a potential threat into a force for positive change across the nation.

The stakes: national security and social cohesion

« Today, a single message can either strengthen a nation or tear it apart, » emphasized the project coordinator during the opening ceremony. As disinformation, hate speech, and manipulation campaigns increasingly threaten social stability, this training aims to equip young participants with the critical skills needed to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.

From passive users to digital leaders

The four-day program isn’t just about basic digital literacy. Participants will delve into advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and fact-checking techniques to verify viral content. The goal is transformative: shifting young users from passive consumers of digital content to proactive ambassadors of responsible online behavior.

The Secretary-General of House of Africa, Youssouf Allafouza Mahamat, highlighted the significance of this shift: « These young people aren’t just here to learn—they’re here to lead. They represent the future of a digitally secure Chad, where technology serves progress, not division. »