In a Citizen-Led Initiative, STB Bank Renews its Commitment to Almadaniya Association to Facilitate Access to Education in Disadvantaged Rural Areas
The Press — Beyond their economic mission, Tunisian banks have engaged in humanitarian and social actions, taking on the role of social actors, with the major challenge of assuming social responsibility by positioning themselves as a lever to contribute to sustainable development in the regions. STB Bank has just set an example by reiterating its willingness and commitment to improve social conditions in disadvantaged rural areas.
Improvement of Rural Transportation
One of the main social actions in which it has engaged concerns the strengthening of access to education in rural areas, through the renewal of the partnership with the "Almadaniya" association, which plays a crucial role in improving rural transportation for students. The convention, which was renewed and signed, comes to consolidate the efforts undertaken by the two partners to mitigate the harsh conditions related to the displacement of students who travel several kilometers on foot to reach their respective schools. 1,500 students from areas in Kef, Mahdia, Kairouan, and Tataouine, whose homes are located between three and ten kilometers from their schools, will be able to benefit daily from rural transportation, thanks to this program funded by the Tunisian Bank, instead of walking to school.
Contracts with Rural Taxis
The "Almadaniya" Association has established annual contracts with rural taxi owners financed by STB to ensure the rural transportation of these students. "We ensure the management of logistics and coordinate with municipalities and schools to ensure that student transportation takes place in the best conditions and with complete safety," said Dalel Meherzi, Secretary-General of the "Almadaniya" Association. The founder and president of the association, Lotfi Maktouf, and the General Manager of STB, Rachid Batita, highlighted the direct impact of this program on the academic performance of students.
Since its launch, the dropout rate has significantly decreased in the targeted areas, and the academic results of students have improved significantly, with a 3.8-point progression, a 98% attendance rate, and a gain of around 4 hours of leisure time per day. The targeted objective is to guarantee the right to education for all and reduce social inequalities in access to education, concluded the president of the "Almadaniya" Association.
