Gammarth

SOS Children`s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo:SOS Chldren’s Villages Tunisia).

Gammarth is a seaside town in northern Tunisia in the Tunis Governorate. It is a popular and luxurious tourist destination, very close to Tunisia’s capital city Tunis. Since Tunisia’s 2011 “Jasmine Revolution” the tourism industry has experienced a downturn, which has affected even the most popular tourist destinations like Gammarth. Even though its origins can be found in the fishing industry, the backbone of the local economy is now deeply anchored in the field of tourism.

Since 1983, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Gammarth.

41%
Of female university graduates are unemployed

Educated women face unemployment

Even though more women than men attain university degrees, it is women who struggle to find a job after finishing their education. Data shows that 63% of students and 66% of graduates are women. Despite doing very well academically, women face significant inequalities in the labour market: they earn less money and have a higher unemployment rate than men. Around 40% of women with university degrees are unemployed as opposed to around 20% of men.

179,000
Children under 17 are engaged in child labour

Children have to work

More boys than girls are affected by child labour. However, girls are more likely to be involved in domestic tasks. The majority of working children are unpaid family workers. They are involved in agriculture, cattle, forestry, and fishing. Child labour can result in physical and mental harm, and sometimes even death. It can lead to slavery and sexual or economic exploitation. In nearly every case, it prevents children from attending school and receiving health care. This restricts their fundamental rights and threatens their futures.

Your support makes a difference for children in Gammarth

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
110
Families
Can stay together
30
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
30
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children in our care are having fun and exercising in the garden (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Tunisia).

How your support helps in Gammarth

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.