THE CHALLENGE
For
generations, Tunisia’s hierarchical cultural systems—including public
education—have produced dependent youth incapable of taking control of their
lives and their destinies. Unaware of their
potential and dependent on government, these youth become adults and perpetuate
the same dependency that fosters frustration, anger, submission, and even
violence—trademarks of hierarchical societies. As the Middle East region
struggles to build new democracies, the youth of Tunisia must break the bonds
of dependency and acquire the skills of effective adults so they may serve as the
nation’s new democratic leaders.
THE BACKGROUND
In 2012,
Tunisian-American college professor Saloua Saidane developed and tested a
self-empowerment curriculum for Tunisian university students and faculty, as a
Fulbright project, called the Personal Success program. Based partially on
Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly
Effective People, the pilot program was conducted at two universities in Tunisia. The program was enthusiastically welcomed at every level, and Professor
Saidane was invited to continue teaching the curriculum, which she has done
with great success. Better yet, the university students who have completed the
curriculum asked to be able to volunteer to bring the curriculum to younger
students, before they embrace the country’s traditional dependency habits.
THE SOLUTION
With your
support, we will launch the next component of this highly effective education
program, Tunisian Youth: Empowerment Through Volunteering. University students
who have completed the program, will teach the same principles adapted for the
youth of rural Tunisian communities. Our volunteer program will also help the
university students reinforce their own learning and personal growth as they
implement the skills they have learned in the Personal Success program, thus
helping create positive social change in Tunisia.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please make a
contribution toward our goal for Tunisian Youth: Empowerment Through
Volunteering, to create positive change in the rural youth of Tunisia. With
just $20,000, we can give them the tools necessary to improve their lives, live
up to their full potential, and build self esteem, helping them to evolve into
effective adults capable of taking full control of their lives and contributing
to the evolution of their nation.
·
With just
$20,000, we will fund Empowerment Through Volunteering for six months, including:
·
A total of 18 teaching
visits implemented in three rural Tunisian elementary schools
·
Bus transportation,
gas and meals for university students who will teach three lessons per month
·
Art supplies and
other curriculum materials for elementary school students
·
Traveling
expenses for the supervisors in charge of the volunteering trips
You can
help us achieve this goal: If just 800 donors contribute $25.00 each, or 400
donors contribute $50.00 each, we will reach our goal and the Tunisian youth
will have the tools to affect positive change in their communities. Please give
today and ask all your friends family and colleagues to do the same!
You can
make a positive difference in the future of Tunisia!
What You Get:
Those who make donations of $25.00 or more will receive a
thank you note from the students. Those who make donations of $50.00 or more
will receive a thank you note as well as scans of student artwork.
WANT TO KNOW
MORE?
This
project stems from the overwhelmingly positive response to a recent pilot
program conducted in Tunisia with university students and faculty. The program
was designed to promote personal growth and success by teaching values and
interdependence. The program was so well received, and the message of
interdependence so appreciated, that the Tunisian university students requested
opportunities to volunteer with elementary students to pass down their new
values-based skills to the younger generations. Through the volunteer process,
university students will reinforce their own personal growth, and they will
have the chance to engage in their community and play an active role in the
process of positive change. Elementary students will benefit from learning valuable
lessons in character building and interdependence early in life. The volunteer
program will play a role in the cultural change needed to revitalize Tunisian
education and society.
Other Ways You Can Help:
If you cannot make a
donation, but you would still like to contribute, please spread the word! Email
the link to our page to your friends and family, and post it on your personal
website.