The Espace Jeunes de Bizerte, a youth center in northern Tunisia, is struggling to maintain its social mission due to limited resources and staff shortages. Once a bustling hub of activity, the center now appears to be at a crossroads. Despite these challenges, the center continues to provide essential services to young people in the region. According to La Presse de Tunisie, the center's activities have been impacted by a lack of resources and staff departures.
The Espace Jeunes de Bizerte is attached to the National Office of Family and Population (ONFP) and has a multiple mission: promoting reproductive health, raising awareness about risky behaviors, offering practical training, and creating a cultural and sports framework. The center provides a range of services, including cancer screenings, HIV awareness sessions, and pre-marital counseling. In 2025, the center carried out 1,200 cancer screenings, organized nearly 1,500 HIV awareness sessions, and provided around 800 pre-marital counseling sessions.
The center also offers training and cultural activities, with over 1,000 young people participating in technical workshops, 400 attending vocational training sessions, and 350 benefiting from first-aid training. Additionally, 200 young people join clubs focused on radio, robotics, and gaming, while 600 participate in sports activities. Around 15 camps and exchanges are organized each year, providing young people with opportunities for personal growth and development.
However, the center's current situation is far from its former vibrancy. The center is now quiet and almost deserted, with only one professional, psychologist and animator Najet Ben Rhouma, working to ensure the center's activities continue. According to reports, staff departures have not been replaced, and the center's doctor is set to retire, further exacerbating the staff shortage.
The center's future is uncertain, with plans to relocate it to the premises of the regional public health delegation. This move may reduce the center's accessibility and familiarity, potentially leading to decreased attendance. The relocation plans have raised concerns about the center's ability to maintain its social mission and provide essential services to young people in the region.
Despite these challenges, Ben Rhouma continues to work tirelessly to maintain the center's activities. Her dedication and conviction have made the Espace Jeunes de Bizerte a symbol of resilience. Ben Rhouma's commitment to the center's social mission is a testament to the importance of this type of institution in supporting young people's development and well-being.
The Espace Jeunes de Bizerte's struggles highlight the need for sustainable support and resources to maintain essential social services. The center's situation raises questions about the future of similar institutions and the role they play in supporting young people's development. As Tunisia's youth continue to face challenges, the Espace Jeunes de Bizerte remains a vital resource, providing a safe space for young people to access information, guidance, and support.
Key points
- The Espace Jeunes de Bizerte faces significant challenges, including staff shortages and limited resources, which threaten its ability to maintain its social mission.
