Akouda

SOS Children`s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Tunisia).

Akouda is a small town located on the central-eastern Tunisian coast. It has about 39,000 inhabitants. Administratively it belongs to the Governorate of Sousse, which is an important port and commercial centre in the area. Over the years, the agricultural activity in this area has declined. In its place people are now working in the tourism sector or in fishing. Sousse is also home to a university, which offers employment to the local population and a higher education to many young people.

Since 2008, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Akouda.

10,823
Women suffered physical violence in first half of 2021

Violence against women

According to data from the Ministry of Family, Women, Children and Seniors, between January and June 2021 10,823 women were subjected to physical violence, 6,079 to verbal violence, 725 to sexual violence. The estimated number of unknown cases is much higher as many victims may be too scared to report their abuse. While the Tunisian Parliament has passed laws with the goal of combating violence against women, there is still a way to go before they are enforced throughout the country.

70 out of 180
in the Corruptions Perceptions Index

Corruption is widespread

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of corruption. A score of zero means a country is highly corrupt whereas 100 means a country clear of corruption. Tunisia scored 44 in 2021. This highlights a stagnation in anti-corruption policies, as there has been no significant improvement over the past years. Tunisia has become an unfortunate example that illustrates how easily hard-earn democratic gains do not always lead to political or economic stability.

Your support makes a difference for children in Akouda

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
90
Families
Can stay together
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children in our care often cook together. It is important that they learn some basic skills for when they are ready to live independently (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Tunisia).

How your support helps in Akouda

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.