Using photography and storytelling, visualising security allows communities and individuals from different countries to creatively explore what security looks like to them, develop social actions that meaningfully address security and contribute to the shifting security narratives project.
Tearfund’s shifting security narratives project invites churches and communities to dig deeper into ideas about security and Biblical responses to security. Images allow people who might never have been asked what is important for their security to represent their own ideas. This can provide valuable information to inform security-related advocacy, both within each country and globally.
Why this was done in Chad
Chad is shaped by a mix of political instability, regional insecurity and socio-economic challenges. The fifth largest country in Africa, it faces significant challenges despite its large and arable land. It is situated in the Sahel region, landlocked, and facing security issues. These are due to conflict in neighbouring countries and the effects of climate change such as desertification and the shrinking of Lake Chad. Internal problems include poor governance, corruption, instability and community conflicts. These issues, combined with debt and poverty, make Chad among the poorest countries in the world. The country also struggles with severe humanitarian crises due to ongoing conflicts within the countries and around its borders which have led to internal displacement and an influx of refugees.
Tearfund has worked in partnership with local churches and faith-based organisations in Chad on a range of projects. These have included supporting local producers with improved farming techniques to boost food production, engaging individuals in income-generating activities and small businesses, challenging harmful social norms and addressing sexual and gender-based violence, and promoting social cohesion.
