Plizio Visual Lab

Sarh Children's Crafts Center

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

kid-landmark

Weather…

The Sarh Children's Crafts Center is a significant educational institution in southern Chad aimed at passing traditional skills to the next generation. Sarh, the former colonial city of Fort Archambault, has a long history of textile and handicraft production, which is presented here in a child-friendly manner. Under the guidance of experienced masters, children learn the arts of pottery, basket weaving, and weaving, using local materials such as clay from the Chari River. The center functions not only as a workshop but also as a social safety net, providing educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Historically, the project is closely linked to the STT textile factory, which once formed the city's economic backbone. The courses emphasize the preservation of the cultural identity of the Sara people while also addressing modern ecological aspects of material sourcing. The children's products are often displayed in local markets, boosting their self-confidence and economic prospects. Today, the center is regarded as a lighthouse project for connecting cultural heritage with youth development in Central Africa.

Location: Chad
Top sights: Ruine of the house of François Tombalbaye · Cadre d'Action Humaniste pour les Personnes Handicapees CAHPH
Nearby: Kyabé (70 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	31	33	34	31	28	26	25	26	26	27	27
Rain mm	0	1	7	19	87	153	216	252	204	87	4	0

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

The Sarh Children's Crafts Center is a place designed for kids to learn traditional techniques under guidance. The visit is oriented towards groups or families.

🕒

Typical hours

The centre is typically open on weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm. It is recommended to book ahead, as hours may vary depending on activities.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed during activities, but be respectful of the children. Please ask the supervisors before photographing children.

⏱️

Time needed

A visit takes about one to two hours, depending on how many activities the children try. Allow enough time for the craft projects.

➕

Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Sarh National Park (Parc National de Sarh) for a nature experience. The city of Sarh itself has a market and colonial architecture.

🧭

Getting there

The centre is located in the city of Sarh, in southern Chad. It is reachable by taxi or on foot from the city center; the main market is nearby.

💡

Insider tip

Bring your own materials if children have special requests, or buy local raw materials on site. The supervisors often speak French and local languages.

Geography

Coordinates

9.14000, 18.38000

Facts

Sarh is the third-largest city in Chad and the capital of the Moyen-Chari region.
The center uses clay deposits directly from the banks of the Chari River.
The weaving techniques are based on patterns of the Sara culture, the region's largest ethnic group.
The city of Sarh was founded in 1899 under the name Fort Archambault.
The crafts center offers programs for over 200 children per year.
Many of the textiles produced here are dyed with natural indigo dyes.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sarh1 km · NExplore →

Manda Wildlife Reserve5 km · NExplore →

Moyen-Chari Cotton Plantations8 km · NExplore →

Kyabé Forest64 km · NEExplore →

Kyabé70 km · NEExplore →

Koumra95 km · SExplore →

Moïssala108 km · SWExplore →

Goundi115 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Sarh Children's Crafts Center (2)

Ruine of the house of François Tombalbaye

Ruins of the former residence of François Tombalbaye, Chad's first president.

Cadre d'Action Humaniste pour les Personnes Handicapees CAHPH

Organization in Sarh advocating for the rights and integration of disabled people.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can children learn there?

Traditional crafts such as weaving or pottery.

Is registration needed?

For group tours yes, individual visitors can usually come spontaneously.

Can you buy products?

Yes, there is a small shop with handmade souvenirs.

How long does a course take?

Short workshops often last one to two hours.

Is the center child-safe?

Yes, the workshops are well supervised and safe.

Sarh Children's Crafts Center: where is it located?

Sarh Children's Crafts Center is located in Chad.

Sarh Children's Crafts Center: what is there to see?

Highlights include Ruine of the house of François Tombalbaye, Cadre d'Action Humaniste pour les Personnes Handicapees CAHPH.

Sarh Children's Crafts Center: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

Sarh Children's Crafts Center: why is it worth visiting?

The Sarh Children's Crafts Center is a significant educational institution in southern Chad aimed at passing traditional skills to the next generation.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →