The transition to democracy in Tunisia facilitated a heightened awareness of how civil society could aid socio-economic development and help in the fight against unemployment, poverty, and regional disparity.
NGOs are thus finally being considered as an alternative solution to the numerous shortcomings of governmental institutions. Their familiarity with disadvantaged communities and their volunteer capabilities have put them in a prime position to help overcome regional and social discrimination and marginalisation.
Taysir Microfinance and Taysir Consulting, established in 2014, are the products of a combined initiative undertaken by a Tunisian businessman and a French NGO, “Aide Internationale” (Aid International).
Taysir provides small businesses with financial support and consulting services, which allows new entrepreneurs to have access to the resources they need to establish themselves, whilst in turn supporting development in their respective regions.
The NGO’s role consists of providing support to those who would be unable to receive business loans via traditional means. (Often because they either haven’t received a formal business education or because they lack a basic understanding of finance.)
As a result, these new entrepreneurs, previously at a disadvantage, have been able to integrate themselves into the workforce, establish a certain autonomy, and contribute to the economies of their regions.
Giving hope back to the hopeless
Taysir has established itself in the six regions they’ve deemed most in need. Kef, Siliana, Beni Khalled and Kairouan, where there is a serious lack of development, and in the disadvantaged governorates of Tunis and Ben Arous, which have large, struggling populations. Taysir has been working since its establishment to create practical and profitable opportunities for these disadvantaged communities, which simultaneously take advantage of the specific skill sets and resources of their regions. Taysir has also implemented a system of positive discrimination, favouring young people under the age of 35, women, and those living in rural areas.
The product of three years of activism
Large strides have been taken over the last three years in providing a helping hand to Tunisia’s disadvantaged communities. According to statistics provided by Taysir on the 30th of April 2016, some 4,567 microloans and 2,629 interest free honour-loans had been granted.
In addition to these loans they’ve also helped 3,161 young entrepreneurs bring their projects to fruition. It’s important to note that 53% of the beneficiaries of these services were women, 46% were under the age of 35, and 47% were from rural areas.
Alongside these initiatives, Taysir is also engaged in increasing agricultural production in their regions. Their hope is to fight unemployment whilst simultaneously responding to the demands of the job market and assuring new businesses don’t place too high a strain on the natural resources of specific regions. Taysir thus has two agriculturally focused subsidiaries, “Hlibna” specific to dairy farmers, and “Asalna” specific to bee farmers.
Milk: A priority
Hlibna was established two years ago with the intention of supporting dairy production and improving the management of natural resources. By offering independent dairy farmers in Kef, Sidi Thabet, Menzel Temim and Boumhal, the opportunity to receive financial support and consultation services, as well as by facilitating collaboration between independent farmers and large agricultural corporations, Hlibna hoped to see positive economic, social, and environmental benefits.
After two years working towards this goal, the numbers appear to be in their favour. 800 dairy farmers have received their support, 200 calves have been provided to farmers as a result of microloans, and 5 reservoirs and 6 milking stations have been installed in the regions.
Jendouba: A governorate of bee farmers
The second initiative targeted the population of the governorate of Jendouba. The aim is to integrate young people in to the workforce by encouraging development of the apiculture industry. After a single year, jobs were created for over 400 unemployed young people, struggling bee farmers, women, and the disabled.
Recycling: a domain with potential
In addition to their agricultural initiatives, Taysir has become involved in the promotion of environmental initiatives. In collaboration with the German corporation GIZ, Taysir established “Rascalni”. The project’s aim is to encourage young people to find work in the recycling industry.
It’s important to note that the collection of recyclable materials, notably plastic containers and aluminium cans, is the sole source of income for a large number of Tunisians living in rural areas. As a result Taysir chose to implement this project in the more urbanised regions of Tunis, Ben Arous, Ben Khalled and Kairouan.
Young people represent 72% of the beneficiaries of the Rascalni initiative. Taysir has since granted over 40 loans with a value of 115,000 dinars, and 40 salary bonuses with a total value of 60,000 dinars, equal to 1,600 dinars per client.
