The city of Tozeur, Tunisia, is located on the border with the Sahara Desert. Since 1990, it had centered its local economy on tourists flocking to the famous desert. In 2011, this business stream was brought to an abrupt halt, permanently and negatively affecting the people of this area. The unemployment rate in the Tozeur region is the highest in Tunisia, with young people now being particularly impacted.
Just north of the city of Tozeur, in the Rass Edhraa District, there is a high concentration of young people growing up with few prospects of future employment opportunities. According to national statistics, more than 100,000 students drop out of the school system each year. Here PIME Brother Marco Monti works with the NGO New Humanity, which has partnered with a local educational support center to welcome 150 students per year and provide them with multidisciplinary educational and vocational activities.
In 2024, PIME U.S. donors supported Brother Marco’s request for $16,667 to support the scope of this program, designed to keep youth in school and off the streets. This assistance ensured proper resources for 181 kids welcomed into this program, expanding their horizons and educational possibilities. The program was so successful it has been renewed for 2025 for $17,530. Will you give the youth of the Rass Edhraa District the opportunity for a brighter future?
LeaderPublished Thu, Sep 04, 25. Written by Kathleen Connors.
In 2024, PIME Missionary Brother Marco Monti with New Humanity International and a local partner completed the project for assisting disadvantaged children aged 6-25 in Tozeur. With the help of $16,667 from PIME U.S. supporters, the project provided educational and multidisciplinary support to 181 disadvantaged children in the Rass Edhraa neighborhood.
The children had classes in a well-equipped facility that offered a diverse range of sessions, including tutoring, arts, computer skills, citizenship, languages, music, sports, theater, and radio. They participated in different workshops on cooking, hygiene, and photography, along with excursions and involvement in special events and holiday celebrations. Additionally, parents received psychologist led courses for developing their parenting skills.
Thank you for enriching the education and lives of these disadvantaged and vulnerable children. Your support for this project has made a positive impact on their lives, integrating them into their community and expanding their knowledge and opportunities!
