USAID Supports inclusive community-led development in Tunisia

El Kef, bordering Algeria, has experienced social unrest and youth disillusionment fueled by extremist activities. Ma3an aims to foster social inclusion and create sustainable community development mechanisms. A key component of Ma3an is the establishment of Community Resilience Committees, which bring together representatives from various sectors of society to drive the resilience process. In El Kef, Sahbi Al Kafi is an active member of this committee, demonstrating his commitment and perseverance despite limited mobility and inaccessible meeting venues. His dedication has inspired other committee members to become more engaged in their community. In February 2019, Sahbi participated in a sustainability workshop that brought together over 60 community actors to develop collaboration mechanisms and practical solutions to challenges facing the community resilience model. He advocated for the effective inclusion of marginalized community members, particularly people with disabilities, as a crucial pillar for building community resilience. Through meetings with stakeholders and collaboration with Ma3an program staff, Sahbi secured access to the international festival of El Kef for people with disabilities, ensuring adequate measures were put in place to enable their participation. Sahbi's personal experience of facing accessibility barriers has driven his commitment to promoting inclusion and equality. He has trained and coached other people with disabilities to rely on themselves and advocate for their rights. As a community champion, Sahbi strives to nurture a culture of inclusion and equality, fostering stronger social cohesion and community resilience. This aligns with USAID's strategic objective to strengthen the capacities of local partners to advance self-reliance. Ma3an's approach to community-led development has been successful in El Kef, with Sahbi's leadership and commitment serving as a model for others. His story highlights the importance of inclusive community development and the potential for individuals to drive positive change in their communities. By empowering local partners and promoting social inclusion, Ma3an aims to create sustainable and resilient communities that can thrive in the face of challenges.