COMPLEXITIES AND CHALLENGES OF EDUCATING AND PROMOTING HEALTH IN A NOMADIC CHAD COMMUNITY

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis and critical reflection on the experience of educational-health operations developed in a nomadic community located in the vicinity of the city of Mongo, Chad.  The purpose of these operations was to provide health and educational guidelines, respectful of their customs and culture, that would allow children to develop in a healthy and well being way.  The activities, scope, complexities and challenges of the activities carried out in the two components of the operations are analyzed and discussed, as well as a set of interviews with different members of the nomadic clan.  The results show an experience positively valued by the community, advances in school motivation and in health-related dimensions; but also difficulties in terms of institutionalization of the initiative, permanent and effective involvement of the nomads, sustainability over time and effective approach to the high expectations created in children and adolescents.