Since 2022, the IECD has been developing its activities in Tunisia with the launch of a project to create the first two Dispositifs de la Nouvelle Chance (known as the ‘DNC’ project) for unqualified young people aged 18 to 30.

This is a 4-year pilot project, in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement, the ministry of Vocational Training and Employment, the Agence Nationale pour l’Emploi et le Travail Indépendant as well as the Agence Tunisienne de la Formation Professionnelle.

The aim of this project is to provide an appropriate response to the major challenge represented by the professional and social integration of NEETs in Tunisian society. It will be part of a public policy and will be rolled out across Tunisia, with the support of civil society.

It is being carried out in synergy with other models from which it draws inspiration:

• Second Chance School (E2C) developed around the Mediterranean, through the Réseau Méditerranée Nouvelle Chance (MedNC).

• Second Chance School (E2C) developed in Tunisia for young people aged 12 to 18, in cooperation with UNICEF, British cooperation and three Tunisian ministries.

This pilot project is being implemented in Sousse and Kairouan.

Since 2024, IECD has been developing a training programme in bakery and pastry-making for young people aged 18 to 30. The programme offers a structured and progressive pathway:

• 4 months of intensive training in artisan bakery, delivered in a fully equipped training kitchen and led by an experienced master baker.

• 2 months of in-company placement, enabling participants to gain hands-on experience and facilitating access to employment.

Alongside the technical training, participants benefit from personalised support, including personal development, strengthening of soft skills, career planning and individual follow-up.