Tunisia’s civil society, particularly its young people, was instrumental in the country’s 2011 revolution (also known as the Jasmine Revolution), which began a process of political, economic and social change that is still unfolding today. Tunisia, especially its young people, continues to struggle with a number of challenges, however. These include high levels of unemployment, especially among educated young people; political instability and corruption; and security threats from violent extremist groups and others.
FHI 360 partners with nongovernmental organizations, community stakeholders and cooperatives across Tunisia to define and implement solutions that are relevant and appropriate to local contexts, respond to local needs and build on community assets.
FHI 360 seeks to improve economic opportunities for young people by focusing on education and skills development, trade and market access, and economic governance and social protection. This work involves conducting assessments and research that inform technical and government reform initiatives for vocational education and training and national strategies for inclusive economic growth and youth employment.
FHI 360 also works with young people and community stakeholders in four marginalized communities to strengthen their resilience to economic, political and social stresses, including the threat of violent extremism. We support young people in the identification of and response to the issues they face and build ways for young people and community members to collaborate on activities at the local level.
In economically marginalized areas of northwest Tunisia, FHI 360 aims to increase employment opportunities and financial independence for rural women through capacity building and technical assistance activities that support the export of essential oils and related products made by women’s cooperatives.