Training, job placement support, and entrepreneurship development for young Tunisians and forced migrants

In recent years, the Mediterranean Sea has become a dramatic space of passage for the many migrants forced to leave their countries of origin in search of a safe place in Europe to rebuild their lives. Every country bordering the Mediterranean has been involved in this epoch-defining phenomenon of human mobility. Tunisia, in this scenario, is both a transit country for people coming mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa and a country of origin for many young Tunisians who, facing poverty and a lack of prospects, see Italy and Europe as an opportunity to build a new life.

On the northern shore of the Mediterranean, Sicily is the main point of arrival for thousands of people trying to reach Europe via the Central Mediterranean route. Beyond being a point of arrival, Sicily continues to be a place of reception for many migrants, particularly unaccompanied foreign minors. The dialogue between Sicily and Tunisia is historically rich in exchanges and interactions that have seen women and men move between the two shores, living side by side peacefully. In recent decades, mobility between the two territories has intensified, and in cities like Mazara del Vallo, it has given rise to new forms of shared citizenship that, through the encounter of diversity, have mutually enriched the communities.

Project overview

With the intention of contributing to a Mediterranean dimension of peace and dialogue, this project aims to intervene on both shores of the Mediterranean — in Tunisia and in Sicily — to support young people in Tunisia and forced migrants in Sicily in building a dignified life project, providing them with training and support in creating sustainable, income-generating work activities.

General objective: to contribute to the empowerment and social cohesion of forced migrants in Sicily and of young potential migrants in Tunisia, through vocational training pathways, support for work placements, and the promotion and development of small entrepreneurial activities.

Key activities

• Promoting and launching job inclusion pathways for young immigrants by recognizing and valuing their skills and supporting their placement in companies.

• Providing training combined with company integration support.

• Promoting and supporting sustainable entrepreneurship, aimed at fostering the economic development of the regions involved and encouraging knowledge exchange between partners.