The Tunisian Association of SOS Children's Villages Announces the Successful Transition of its Mahrès Village to Community Integration
A National Success Story In a statement to the Tunisian news agency TAP, Mohammed Megdiche, President of the association, indicated that this milestone represents the greatest challenge overcome in three years. Launched in 2022, this national project has enabled the integration of 71 families across several governorates, including Greater Tunis, Sousse, Nabeul, Siliana, Monastir, and Sfax. In total, approximately 261 children without family support have been welcomed into these homes.
According to Mr. Megdiche, this approach allows children to avoid the suffering associated with institutional housing, harassment, and discrimination. By living with a family in a neighborhood, they can freely integrate into society without stigma or psychological trauma. This model also helps them develop a sense of responsibility, under the supervision of their foster mother, promoting their development and integration.
Community integration is achieved through the acquisition (rental or donation) of a house for a family from the village. The foster mother manages the household and children like any other family.
The President emphasized that while providing housing for unsupported children is already a remarkable initiative in Tunisia, the community integration model is exemplary. It has a positive impact on the child's psychological and social balance, strengthens their chances of academic and professional success, and offers them a normal family life.
Mr. Megdiche took the opportunity to appeal to Tunisians to make more house donations and contribute to increasing the association's budget. He specified that although 42 additional children have recently been placed under the association's responsibility by court decision, current resources do not allow for their accommodation.
Key Achievements
- 71 families integrated across several governorates
- 261 children without family support welcomed into homes
- Community integration model promotes psychological and social balance, academic and professional success, and normal family life
Call to Action
The Tunisian Association of SOS Children's Villages urges Tunisians to make house donations and contribute to increasing the association's budget to support the integration of more children into community families.
