In 2021, Hum'am, a humanitarian association of apprentices at the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Paris, launched an ambitious project in Tunisia: Jendoub'Arts©.
It is in the Jendouba region, in northwestern Tunisia, on the Algerian border, that Hum'am members have chosen to carry out solidarity actions. Why Jendouba? Because it is one of the areas in Tunisia where it rains the most, but paradoxically suffers from the greatest water stress in the country, compounded by alarming social distress and poverty! What was supposed to be a water-focused project ultimately took on a much more comprehensive dimension, with three different components...
A renovated school
Originally, the 28 members of Hum'am had planned to organize a book drive for the school, but moved by the living and learning conditions of the 260 children attending the school, they decided to do more. In June 2021, they visited the school to carry out repairs: waterproofing the roof, fixing the electricity, doors, tables, and windows, and painting. Hum'am also collected laptops in Tunisia to create "digital classrooms." The members found a partner to provide free internet access to the school. These digital classrooms are intended for 10- and 11-year-old schoolchildren and are organized every two weeks with partners around various themes ("how to use a computer," "waste management workshop," etc.).
Facilitating access to water
A water source is located 5 minutes from the school but is very difficult to access. After considering installing a solar pumping station, the apprentices finally opted for a gravity-fed system (with pipes and concrete), which is easier to maintain and therefore more sustainable. The spring will be raised, three taps will be added, and the lost water will be used to irrigate the fields. In addition, the volunteers are planning a lighting system for the area and a manual drainage system for the animal tank. This project, which is being carried out in collaboration with the town hall, is already fully funded by a service provider.
A cooperative farm to bring women closer to employment
As this region is severely affected by unemployment and the women have expressed their desire to find work, the members of Hum'am have decided to add a third component to their project: the creation of a cooperative farm. Ten women and their families will be trained in goat farming, cheese production, and cooperative management. The apprentices have already found premises and started recruiting families and buying goats. The farm should be profitable in six months. Their medium-term goal is to buy more goats and involve more families in the scheme!
To carry out these three projects, Humam raised €41,000 through grants from foundations and companies, an online fundraiser, and by winning competitions!
A complementary project to the Arts et Métiers training program
As Ghita BENADDI, president of Hum'am, humanitarian projects complement the training provided at Arts et Métiers
Leading a Hum'am project is an opportunity to learn about project management, leadership, developing sustainable and environmentally friendly technical solutions, communication, fundraising, open-mindedness, and teamwork. These are just some of the skills and qualities that members acquire in the association, in addition to those acquired during their training at Arts et Métiers.
Humam stands in solidarity with Tunisia, which has been severely affected by the Covid-19 epidemic
Humam is organizing an evening screening of their 2020, 2021, and 2022 projects on Thursday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.
