“I set the model for my friends and gained much more confidence. Finally, thanks to AIC Tune in Tunisia’s assistance through funding, trainings and advice whenever needed, the project was brought to day light and a dream became true”
Njemeddine Halfaoui, an aeronautical engineering student from Bizerte, was financed by AIC Tune in Tunisia program to form a volunteer network to help cheer up ill children in local hospital in Bizerte. The overall goal was to create a culture of engaged citizenship rather than waiting for the government to act. Specifically, Njemeddine Halfaoui’s initiative aim to mobilize the Bizerte community to help sick children, including those suffering from fatal diseases and/or who remain hospitalized for long periods at Bizerte’s main hospital. 5 Volunteers organized an excursion for 15 sick children to visit the airport, see an airplane from the inside, and help make their childhood dream become true. The excursion was followed by a painting party to entertain the children and make them feel a sense of belonging by participating in social activities like normal people. The big challenge was with time and how to invite volunteers to join an action made for the first time. But with a lot of perseverance, motivation and efforts, the project succeeded met all the expectations and more volunteering doctors and students showed their will to engage in such a civic activity. Indeed, the Njemeddine Halfaoui’s network counts 16 voluntary members. The sponsors too like Tunis Air and SNT expressed their commitment and readiness to provide the project leaders with any assistance needed in the future excursions around the country.
