In Tunisia, youth unemployment is rife. To help combat this issue, education is key, particularly for vulnerable young people. However, the lack of basic washing facilities in many schools in rural areas in Tunisia, is greatly impacting pupils’ studies. This, alongside poor hygiene practices has led to the spread of harmful diseases such as hepatitis – and has sparked particular alarm during the Covid-19 pandemic.

To make matters worse, poorly planned infrastructure in schools has meant that many washing and toilet facilities are used by boys and girls. Some girls have been subject to sexual violence and abuse as a result, leaving parents afraid to send their daughters to school.

All of these issues have led to almost 100,000 young people dropping out of school without any qualifications, making it difficult to find work.

Islamic Relief is working with schools to help them run sessions promoting good hygiene practices. We are also equipping them with the hygiene facilities they desperately need, which will benefit 75,000 students in rural schools. In addition we will providing female students with hygiene and dignity items and ensuring they have segregated washing facilities. To help improve pupils’ education, we are building school libraries.