Second Chance Center in Kairouan

UNICEF

June 24, 2024 in Kairouan: Mr. Lotfi Diab, Minister of Employment and Professional Training, accompanied by His Excellency Ms. Helene WintertonAmbassador of the United Kingdom to Tunisia, Ms. Adele KhodrRegional Director of UNICEF for the Middle East and North Africa, and Mr. Michel Le Péchoux, Representative of UNICEF Tunisia, today inaugurated the Second Chance center in Kairouan. This event is part of the National Second Chance Education Program for out-of-school adolescents aged 12 to 18.

A delegation of representatives from ministries, regional and local authorities of Kairouanas well as the regional director of employment and vocational training, also participated in this inauguration.

The Second Chance center in Kairouan, a subsidiary of theTunisian Agency for Vocational Training (ATFP), is the first type for the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training. It offers unique services and personalized support, thanks to Tunisian-British cooperation and in partnership with UNICEF.

This center aims to help young people who have dropped out of school by facilitating their social and economic reintegration. It offers them personalized advice, the possibility of returning to their studies, following professional training, or preparing to enter the job market.

The Kairouan center is the second of its kind in Tunisia, after the Bab Al-Khadra center in Tunis, and before the planned opening of an establishment in Gabès. These centers are part of the pilot phase of the Second Chance program, which will then be extended to all governorates of the Republic, in accordance with the sustainable development goals, including the principle of social equity for school dropouts.

In his speech, Mr. Lotfi Diab declared: “The creation of the Second Chance center in Kairouan is part of our investment in youth. We facilitate their social and economic reintegration through personalized guidance and advice, offering them a second chance to return to their studies, follow professional training, or prepare for the job market.

Ms Helen Winterton added: “This center offers a unique opportunity to young people out of school in Kairouan. They will be able to access support services for a promising future. I welcome the cooperation and commitment of all partners in this important initiative.

The Kairouan Second Chance center is a valuable new resource, helping a significant portion of young people to follow personalized paths adapted to their aspirations. This participatory approach involves all relevant ministries and structures, integrating education and professional training systems.

During the inauguration, guests visited the different spaces of the center, discovering the training workshops and the various services offered.

Note that the Kairouan Second Chance center opened its doors to the public on January 15, 2024 to present its objectives and inform the public of the services and registration methods available.