Tunisia

Helping people with disabilities become independent

At the end of February 2011, Handicap International dispatched an emergency team to the Tunisian border with Libya, to support people fleeing from the fighting in the country.

A new interview with Sami Ben Jomâa, a Handicap International Tunisia staff member, explains our activities on the ground in Tunisia following the recent political uprising. > Read more

A young boy learning to use a walking frame with the help of a therapist, Tunisia

^{© Handicap International}

Handicap International has been working in Tunisia since 1992. Before the recent political events in the country, we were running a project to include people with disabilities in sport. Sport is an excellent way to promote the social inclusion of people with disabilities, as well as improving their physical capacities and their state of mind.

We have previously supported the setting up of mobile screening and rehabilitation units, and provided support for the construction and equipping of a rehabilitation centre and workshops producing technical aids.

Key Facts - Tunisia

• Population: 10.4 million
• Household Consumption: $3,872 per year
• Life Expectancy: 74 years
• Human Development: ranked 81st out of 169 countries
_{Source: UNDP HDR 2011}

Stories from the field

Supporting local NGOs

In early March 2011, Handicap International launched a project to assist refugees leaving Libya following clashes between pro-Gaddafi troops and insurgents. A dedicated emergency response team provided logistical support to solidarity committees set up spontaneously to help people fleeing Libya.

Olympique Lyonnais play the game of inclusion

More accustomed to European stadiums and international competitions, the players of Olympique Lyonnais (one of the top football teams in France) took time out from their training camp in Tunisia to offer their support for the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport.

Our projects

	Supporting local NGOs A project supporting local NGOs is to help them build their capacities. The project is divided into three complementary sections: developing the project cycle management skills of local NGOs; helping them interact with their environment; and developing inter-association partnerships.
	Support for displaced populations Supporting people fleeing from the fighting in Libya, followng the political uprising in the country (February - March 2011).
	Social inclusion The UNCPRD, ratified by Tunisia in 2008, includes accessibility as one of it’s key principles. In this context, this project aims to improve the accessibility of two districts, one in Bizerte and the other in the Greater Tunis area. The project works to build the capacity of local stakeholders on the issue of accessibility, supporting them to set up pilot initiatives to improve the social inclusion of people with disabilities.
	Social inclusion The UNCPRD, ratified by Tunisia in 2008, includes accessibility as one of it’s key principles. In this context, this project aims to improve the accessibility of two districts, one in Bizerte and the other in the Greater Tunis area. The project works to build the capacity of local stakeholders on the issue of accessibility, supporting them to set up pilot initiatives to improve the social inclusion of people with disabilities.
	Disability and sport A project with the objective of allowing people with disabilities to take part regularly in sport and physical activities for their personal development. This project aims to build capacity and skills of stakeholders to promote, regulate and develop sport and physical activity for people with disabilities as a vehicle for personal development and social inclusion.