The World Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a $100 million project—equivalent to roughly 316 million Tunisian dinars—to enhance higher education and job prospects in Tunisia.
Named “Strengthening Higher Education for Innovation, Resilience, and Employability” (RESPIRE), this initiative aims to improve Tunisian students’ employability, elevate the quality of higher education, and strengthen governance in universities and scientific research institutions.
The RESPIRE project targets accrediting 85 programs and supporting at least 145,000 students and faculty by 2030.
It revolves around two key pillars:
- Modernizing Education: Updating study programs in high-demand sectors by improving quality, relevance, and accessibility. This includes campus renovations and partnerships with employers to enhance graduates’ job placement.
- Enhancing Governance: Upgrading university systems through digital transformation, improved quality assurance, and more effective, sustainable management of higher education institutions.
RESPIRE aligns with global trends like digitalization and climate change, investing in areas such as green transitions, digital technologies, and health education.
Building on the Higher Education for Employability Project (PromESsE)—set to conclude by late 2024, benefiting over 22,000 students—RESPIRE expands on achievements like new degree programs, certifications, career centers, and international accreditations for four medical and engineering schools.
This translation is concise, readable, and optimized for Google search with clear headings and natural phrasing.
