In 2012, post-revolution fever was rife. Three friends saw youth unemployment as an obstacle to growth, with many young people lacking the skills needed for employment. They committed to doing something about it. Nour El Hayat was born.
We wanted to do something for Tunisia.
The 2011 Jasmine Revolution gave the potential for unprecedented change in Tunisia. Young people were especially excited to explore their new freedoms and opportunities.
Nour El Hayat (NEH) describe themselves as “a Tunisian-non-profit organization which supports young people in their fight against social resignation, aiming to increase the potential of Tunisian youth and to develop their self-initiative.”
جمعية نور الحياة
Nour el hayat translates as light of life. That’s exactly what they seek to bring to the young people they support, train and equip. Their goal is to see improved livelihoods of disadvantaged youth. To give them a hope for their future.
Using what they knew – football coaching and entertainment, or animation – the founders ran a series of activities in schools in the North-West between 2012 and 2013. It was at this time that ACT began to partner with them, and has been excited to see their growth continue ever since.
ACT supported NEH by helping with the English project proposals, as well as helping with contacts and networking.
“NEH saw ACT as trustworthy,” says Project Manager Ahlem Rabah. She’s been a part of the team for a year and a half, and has overseen the completion of their original project, in partnership with Vision Hope International.
As new things are starting up, Ahlem, the trainers and ACT are excited to be involved in “making NEH grow.”
What's next?
With two new projects on the verge of getting underway, NEH is aware of the possibility of many challenges ahead.
Aimed at 15 to 25-year olds, trainers will be equipping those selected to partake in life and employment skills trainings, along with the basics of entrepreneurship. Some participants will be eligible to go on to receive grants to start their own micro-enterprises.
Speaking from previous experience, Ahlem is keen to see peer trainings take a big role in these new projects. “[They] have shown success in the past, particularly in youth entrepreneurship.” Fitting for a project looking to impact the lives of 900 young people from marginalised communities across the areas of Béja and Jendouba.
“Job creation is a big challenge,” says Ahlem.
We now know what works and what doesn’t. Knowledge transfer is now very important.
Whole communities have the potential to be transformed through this initiative. One young person impacting a few more, who in turn impact a few more… Change gradually rippling into civil society, becoming a reality for Tunisian youth across the region.
ACT is honoured to be a part of such a vision.
