Tyre Recycle Shoe Factory

Group:  Doba Humanist Collectives

Members:

1. Kaltouma Djarma (F)  32years  +2358100835539  kaljarjartu@gmail.com

2. Bendiguim Payal (M)  24years  +2357088630912 benyalyal@gmail.com

3. Ngarkalé Mbainodji (F)  27years   +2357043785461  ngartaledji@gmail.com

4. Tchangué Madjitoloum (M)  21years   +2358187332902  tchajiloumat@gmail.com

5. Larmé Tougbé (F) 28years

6. Ngar Nguélassem (M)  27years

7. Mounda Tchénia (F)  18years

8. Djimet Wodji (M)  19years

9. Soumna Doudjim (F)  24years

10. Moussa Adam (M)  +23591789436729   mosuaadamm@gmail.com

11.   29years  

12. Nadjimbaye Laina (F)  31years

13. Gono Tchadié (M)  25years

14. Mbangnadji Kaltoumbé (F)  18years

15. Dingamnayal Bayassoum (M)  21years

Group Email: mosuaadamm@gmail.com

Group Phone:  +23591789436729  

Why did your group become humanist and what does humanism mean to your group?

We, a collective of students from the Université de Doba, identify as humanists, atheists, freethinkers, and former believers in Islam and Christianity. This statement is an expression of our shared journey, one of questioning, reflection, and the pursuit of intellectual and moral freedom.

Raised in religious traditions, many of us once accepted beliefs without question. But as we grew, so did our curiosity. We began to ask the difficult questions about the nature of God, morality, suffering, and truth. The answers we received often discouraged doubt or demanded blind faith. Over time, we came to realize that our convictions no longer aligned with the doctrines we had inherited.

Our transition away from faith was not an act of rebellion, but of conscience. It was born not out of hatred, but out of a deep desire to live authentically guided by reason, evidence, and empathy. In choosing to step outside of religion, we chose to think freely, to accept uncertainty, and to build our moral compass on shared human values rather than divine command.

As humanists, we affirm the dignity of every person. As atheists, we live without belief in gods, yet with full awareness of our responsibility to one another. As freethinkers, we defend the right to question all ideas including our own. And as former Muslims and Christians, we carry the weight and wisdom of our past, but we walk forward freely, led by reason and compassion.

We envision a Chad where people can believe or disbelieve without fear  where freedom of thought is not only protected but respected. Our hope is not to convert or confront, but simply to be heard, understood, and allowed to exist openly and honestly.

We are not misguided or immoral. We are thoughtful, sincere individuals who chose truth over tradition, inquiry over obedience, and courage over silence.

And in that choice, we found ourselves.

Project Description

The Doba Humanist Collectives at the Université de Doba is seeking grant support to establish a tyre recycling shoe-making workshop that will serve as a center for skill acquisition, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment. This initiative is designed to address multiple interconnected challenges faced by the university community and the broader Doba region: high youth unemployment, lack of practical vocational training, limited income-generating opportunities, and growing environmental concerns due to non-biodegradable waste like used vehicle tyres.

The proposed workshop will train students and local youth to transform discarded tyres into durable, affordable footwear using basic tools and accessible materials. In doing so, the project will reduce environmental waste, foster entrepreneurship, and create new economic opportunities. Participants will gain hands-on experience in shoemaking, design, and small business management, equipping them with practical skills that can lead to future self-employment or cooperative ventures.

The project embraces sustainability at its core by promoting recycling and the creative re-use of waste materials. It will also foster a sense of environmental responsibility among young people while generating low-cost, locally made shoes that meet community needs. Revenue from shoe sales will contribute to the sustainability of the workshop, support maintenance and expansion, and provide stipends to participants.

Through this initiative, the Doba Humanist Collectives aims to create a scalable model of environmentally conscious social enterprise one that combines education, creativity, sustainability, and income generation in a region where such opportunities are scarce. Support for this project will directly empower young people with skills, purpose, and pathways to economic independence while promoting responsible environmental practices in Chad.

Budget

Basic Shoemaking Tools (hammers, knives, rasps, awls, pliers)       $100

Workbenches and Stools (2–3 units)      $90

Cutting and Shaping Tools (metal cutters, tyre knives, files)     $80

Protective Gear (gloves, aprons, masks, goggles)      $70

Tyre Cleaning Materials (brushes, soap, buckets)       $30

Shoe Moulds (various sizes)      $100

Sewing Supplies (heavy-duty needles, thread, cords)        $50

Adhesives and Solvents (shoe glue, bonding agents)        $60

Storage Shelving and Containers     $50

Signage and Basic Branding Materials      $40

measuring tape, rulers, chalk, sandpaper     $40

Initial Collection & Transport of Tyres (local sourcing & moving)     $40

Total $750

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The project is expected to begin within one month of funding, with setup and training completed in the first four weeks. By the second month, production of recycled tyre sandals and shoes will begin, targeting an initial output of 30–50 pairs per month. Each pair will be sold at an average price of $3–$5, generating an estimated monthly income of $120–$200. Income will gradually increase as skills improve and production scales. By the fourth month, the workshop aims to become partially self-sustaining through sales revenue. Within six months, we expect to reach a break-even point on material costs. All income will support operations, expansion, and participant stipends.

Benefits to your Community

 Skill Development: Provides practical vocational training in shoemaking and recycling for students and youth.

Youth Empowerment: Equips young people with entrepreneurial and technical skills for self-employment.

Environmental Protection: Reduces tyre waste and promotes sustainable recycling practices.

Income Generation: Creates a new local source of affordable footwear and small business opportunities.

Economic Growth: Stimulates microenterprise and keeps economic value within the community.

Affordability: Offers low-cost shoes to community members who may not afford factory-made options.

Community Pride and Innovation: Showcases creative, local solutions to common challenges, inspiring civic engagement.