The “Amal” association cooperates closely with the German-Tunisian Centre. Their common objective: advising, supporting and training women in difficult situations.

"Every year, about 100 women learn a trade with us," says Hajer, director of Amal’s vocational training centre. "Before the courses, we post calls for participation on the Facebook page of the association and the CTA." Participants included women from sub-Saharan Africa who had become victims of human traffickers during their flight and who were stranded in Tunisia.

Hajer has been running the centre since 2018; it has been part of "Amal" since 2003. Due to her previous work in a women's shelter, Hajer is particularly familiar with the plight of single mothers. They are rejected by society and often by their own families and are left to cope alone. That is why it is so important that the association offers much more than vocational training.

Not alone in difficult times

Psychologists take care of the women's psychological well-being during the entire training. They are accompanied in individual conversations and group sessions and, if necessary, referred to psychiatric care. "With our holistic approach, we have done pioneering work in Tunisia," says association president Samia. In Tunisia, there are an average of 1,000 out-of-wedlock births every year. 40 per cent of the mothers would keep their babies and not give them to state care. "The association supports women to integrate socially and economically into society," says Samia. "They are empowered through us to develop skills to take their protection into their own hands. Most importantly, we also aim to create better conditions for the children." In order for the boys and girls to get their rights, "Amal" also offers legal assistance, for example in the recognition of paternity.

To be able to achieve these goals, social workers, lawyers, psychologists, a psychiatrist, a paediatrician, vocational trainers and volunteers work for and with the association. With its knowledge and range of services, the association has become an important national contact point for both state and private institutions and organisations.