Introduction of Reforms in Tunisia's Education and Employment Sector
The Tunisian government is planning to introduce reforms, particularly the most urgent ones, as part of the 2026-2030 Development Plan, which the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training is working on. The ministry aims to diversify training specialties and provide suitable conditions for trainees.
Giving a Second Chance to Marginalized Individuals
The Tunisian authorities aim to give a second chance to individuals who are marginalized in education, learning, and vocational training. Unlike the traditional concept of a "second chance school," which has yielded insignificant results nationally, the focus is now on accompanying individuals who are educationally and academically marginalized.
Implementation of Actions by Two Ministries
To achieve new objectives, two ministries are implementing actions to obtain tangible results in the long term. The Ministry of Social Affairs has launched a national strategy for the right to lifelong learning, while the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training has created new training opportunities that are more in line with the labor market.
Creation of New Specialties and Training Opportunities
New training specialties have been created to give more opportunities to individuals who are not included in the main vocational training streams. The Tunisian Agency for Vocational Training has implemented a set of measures to create jobs and opportunities that are lacking in the sector.
Development of Exams and Training Programs
The Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training has recently developed exams that take into account certain points and observations formulated by the Tunisian Agency for Vocational Training, thanks to diagnostics of the vocational training system. The Minister, Riadh Chaoued, emphasized that the ministry's management system prepares future human resources for better access to employment, particularly through reducing unemployment.
Update of Infrastructure and Maintenance
An update of infrastructure and maintenance, as well as many other areas of activity, is planned. The introduction of reforms, particularly the most urgent ones, is part of the 2026-2030 Development Plan, which the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training is working on. The ministry aims to diversify training specialties and provide suitable conditions for trainees.
Training and Recruitment
Training has been provided to 24,000 new trainees in centers across the country. Several levels of training have been created in Siliana, and a senior technician has been recruited at the Sbeïtla Training and Certification Center. A qualified professional technician has been recruited at the Gafsa Training and Certification Center, who works independently and possesses high technical qualifications and a professional competence certificate in welding.
Launch of a New Training Center
The launch of a new training center in Kef is planned for September, with the aim of diversifying training specialties during the autumn session.
The Tunisian Agency for Vocational Training's Strategy
Ilyes Chérif, Director-General of the Tunisian Agency for Vocational Training, stated that the new institutional support is a response to the labor market and aims to examine the operational capacity of the relevant specialties in the labor market. The agency's strategy will focus on two essential elements: motivation and attractiveness of vocational training.
Improvement of Training Quality and Attractiveness
The agency aims to improve the quality of vocational training and make it more attractive to individuals. The involvement of economists from the early stages of vocational training is crucial to ensure that the skills taught are in line with the requirements of businesses.
Coordination between Ministries
The Minister of Employment and Vocational Training emphasized the importance of coordination between ministries, particularly the Ministry of Education, to reduce school dropout rates. The Minister of Social Affairs has developed a program to combat illiteracy in Tunisia, which can be synergistic with the Ministry of Vocational Training's efforts.
Eradication of Illiteracy
The fight against illiteracy, which affects 19.2% of the Tunisian population, has been placed at the center of the government's attention. The Minister of Social Affairs, Issam Lahmar, affirmed the importance of developing adult education programs to strengthen the autonomy of learners and support their economic and social integration.
International Literacy Day
The Minister of Social Affairs commemorated International Literacy Day, which is celebrated every year on September 8. The event was organized by the National Center for Adult Education on the theme "Lifelong Learning: From Alphabet to Essential Skills." The Minister presented successful experiences from several model lifelong learning centers.
The Importance of Coordination and Synergy
The Minister emphasized the importance of coordination between stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Education, to reduce school dropout rates. The Minister also highlighted the need for a practical and effective program on the national strategy for literacy and lifelong learning, which will serve as a reference document for the ministry's social policies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reforms underway in Tunisia's education and employment sector represent a significant step towards a more democratic and inclusive system, where every citizen has the right to education and professional development. The coordination between ministries is key to success, creating a bridge between education and employment to reduce school dropout rates and unemployment.
