Tunisia

DU is active in Tunisia since 2005 and counts on five operational labs which have been equipped with laptops, printer, web cam and scanner. DU teachers have completed their training under the guidance of ST Tunisia voluntary ICBF (Informatics and Computer Basics Facilitation) trainers.

Tunisia ICB

The partner chosen for the launch of the Digital Unify in Tunisia in November 2005 has been one of the biggest NGO of the country, ENDA Inter-Arabe, located in the capital, Tunis. ENDA usually acts in the field of microfinance. The aim has been to create a Computer Learning Center which is freely accessible to people profiting of the NGO’s services, and where they can attend free computer literacy courses as per the Foundation’s Digital Unify curriculum.

The labs of Jendouba and Bou-Salem are located in the North-west of Tunisia. They have been set up in cooperation with the association Anciens des Lycées Liberté et 9 Avril 1938. They spearhead the ICB (Informatics and Computer Basics) program to pupils, students, unemployed persons or administration employees with good results. The Program is often followed by the local press, which allows visibility and encourages participation.

In 2006 ST Foundation launched another partnership with the association Amicale des Anciens du Lycée Othman Chatti in M’Saken. The course has so far been spearheaded among students, but is currently being extended to elderly people, unemployed persons and nearby companies’ employees.

In the South of the country, in Gafsa, the partner for the launch of the DU Program has been the Club UNESCO ALESCO which is an association sharing UNESCO values and also involved in environmental and social projects in its area. Students, particularly girls, are recipients of computer literacy classes here. Since its setup in November 2007, this lab has trained more than 530 participants.

Tunisia ICB

Computer skills have enabled former participants with a DU certificate to have a better chance of finding a job, particularly in public administration. Those who already have a computer at home have also profited from the training.

The Foundation’s computer literacy course is provided in French and explanations are at times provided by local trainers in Arab to make the course easier for a Tunisian audience. Outside course hours, trainees also benefit from access to the Computer Training Center and the Internet.

Tunisia ICB

The commitment of ST volunteers and the dedication and motivation of students and partners will bring to the further expansion of the program in other cities, notably in the poorest areas of Tunisia.

Video: An ICB session in Tunisia

Video: ST Foundation staff in Tunisia.

In August 2008 ST Foundation staff visited Digital Unify labs and met with DU managers in Tunisia. This video was prepared by one of STF local partners, the association Anciens des Lycées Liberté et 9 Avril 1938, and shows an ICB course taking place at the lab of Bou-Salem.