Tunisia has become an exemplary model for child protection and care, according to Domenico Barizzi, President of the International Council of SOS Children's Villages. He made these remarks at the opening of the International Meeting of SOS Children's Villages in Hammamet. Barizzi emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences and learning from successful models to improve child protection and care.
The meeting, organized by the Tunisian Association of SOS Children's Villages, brings together 28 associations from the five continents. The event is held under the slogan "Every child has the right to a home." Barizzi highlighted the significance of keeping children at the center of protection and care interventions. He also stressed the need to go beyond partnerships and foster experience exchange among countries.
The Tunisian Association of SOS Children's Villages has made significant progress in child protection, with the number of children benefiting from its interventions increasing from 8,000 to 12,500. The association aims to reach 14,000 children by the end of the year and 20,000 by expanding its services. Currently, around 30,000 children are in need of care and intervention in Tunisia.
The association plans to expand its network of offices from 12 to 24 governorates by 2030. New offices will be opened in the governorates of Nablus, Mahdia, and Monastir. This expansion aims to improve access to child protection services across the country. The association has also seen a decline in the number of children residing in SOS villages, from 350 to 240.
This decline is attributed to the successful implementation of reintegration programs, which help children return to their families and natural environments. The association's efforts focus on family-based care and preventive programs, such as the "Family Support and Prevention of Neglect" program. These initiatives have contributed to a significant reduction in the number of children in institutional care.
The association has secured significant funding, including a government subsidy of 2.5 million dinars since 2019. A resource mobilization campaign has also raised 6 million dinars, bringing the association's current budget to 34 million dinars. This funding enables the association to provide essential services to children in need.
The international meeting also highlights Tunisia's role in supporting children from other countries, including Palestine. The Tunisian Association of SOS Children's Villages has provided significant support to Palestinian children, which has been acknowledged and appreciated by the Palestinian community. The association's efforts demonstrate its commitment to protecting children's rights and well-being.
Key points
- Tunisia hosts international meeting to boost child protection and share experiences
- The Tunisian Association of SOS Children's Villages has made significant progress in child protection
- The association aims to expand its services to reach 20,000 children by expanding its network of offices
