In Tunisia, it is estimated that more than half a million young people have neither a diploma nor a qualification. While most of them struggle to integrate professional life, the government has agreed with France to offer them training adapted to their situation.
The French Development Agency (AFD) has disbursed a grant of 4 million euros for the implementation of a project to create new chance schools for young Tunisians who have left their studies without obtaining a diploma or a professional qualification. A partnership agreement has been signed between France and Tunisia, informs us of a press release published for this purpose.
In addition to funding, France will also provide its expertise. The European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD), a French international solidarity organization specializing in the professional integration of young people in difficulty, is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the project.
“This new support for Tunisian youth complements AFD’s intervention in Tunisia which, for nearly thirty years, has provided extensive support to the vocational training and higher education sectors and to measures to combat unemployment among young graduates. I am convinced that this pilot system will make it possible to build an effective response to the challenge of young dropouts without qualifications or diplomas,” noted the French ambassador to Tunisia, André Parant (photo).
In Tunisia, according to the National Institute of Statistics, more than half a million young people are in this situation, which contributes to inflating the unemployment figures. According to official figures, in 2021 the unemployment rate among 15-24 year olds was 43%.
The schools will be open to young Tunisians aged 18 to 30. The first ones which will act as pilots will be established in the cities of Kairouan and Sousse. They will offer learners individualized training courses with the aim of integrating them into the job market either as employees in a company or as entrepreneurs. In all, 940 young people will be able to benefit from this support over the next three years.
The activities carried out within the framework of this project will be modeled on the model of the New Chance Mediterranean network responsible for strengthening the capacities of those involved in training and socio-professional integration in the Mediterranean basin, in order to improve young people’s access to employment and training. This network led and coordinated by the IECD has obtained good results in Portugal, Libya, Morocco and even in France.
In addition, the Tunisian government will mobilize its National Employment Fund to support and take care of the beneficiaries. The experience acquired could be used by the Tunisian authorities, within the framework of the elaboration of their national policy in favor of youth.
