Pupils gather in the playground of the Makhtar boarding school before returning to class on September 29, 2022, in the Tunisian central-west region of the same name. - The Makthar boarding school, a unique business initiative is both generating income and opening pupils' minds to the outside world. Lotfi Hamadi, founder of the NGO "Wallah (Swear to God) We Can", is hoping that helping schools boost their resources through food and energy production can breathe new life into Tunisia's failing, cash-strapped education system. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP)
Pupils gather in the playground of the Makhtar boarding school before returning to class on September 29, 2022, in the Tunisian central-west region of the same name. - The Makthar boarding school, a unique business initiative is both generating income and opening pupils' minds to the outside world. Lotfi Hamadi, founder of the NGO "Wallah (Swear to God) We Can", is hoping that helping schools boost their resources through food and energy production can breathe new life into Tunisia's failing, cash-strapped education system. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP)
Entrepreneur Lotfi Hamadi (left), 46, founder of the 'Wallah [Swear to God] We Can' non-profit group set his sights on the school, south-west of the capital and close to his parents' hometown of Kesra. 'I wanted to take what works in the business world and turn schools into social enterprises,' said Hamadi. 'We are not trying to fill the gap left by the education system but to compensate them a bit, teach them to learn, give them the curiosity to open up to the world.'
Entrepreneur Lotfi Hamadi (left), 46, founder of the 'Wallah [Swear to God] We Can' non-profit group set his sights on the school, south-west of the capital and close to his parents' hometown of Kesra. 'I wanted to take what works in the business world and turn schools into social enterprises,' said Hamadi. 'We are not trying to fill the gap left by the education system but to compensate them a bit, teach them to learn, give them the curiosity to open up to the world.'
Mr Hamadi started a decade ago by gathering donations to buy 50 solar water heaters and 140 photovoltaic panels that produce four times the power consumed on site. By selling a third of the surplus back to the national power company, the school could pay back money owed to utilities and fund site improvements and extracurricular activities. The remaining extra power is distributed for free to three other nearby schools.
Mr Hamadi started a decade ago by gathering donations to buy 50 solar water heaters and 140 photovoltaic panels that produce four times the power consumed on site. By selling a third of the surplus back to the national power company, the school could pay back money owed to utilities and fund site improvements and extracurricular activities. The remaining extra power is distributed for free to three other nearby schools.
Last year, Mr Hamadi's group launched Kidchen, a farmers' co-operative that grows vegetables on about eight hectares of nearby land.
Last year, Mr Hamadi's group launched Kidchen, a farmers' co-operative that grows vegetables on about eight hectares of nearby land.
While some produce goes to the school canteen, 90 per cent has been sold since this summer, with the profits helping to pay for school activities. Kidchen is staffed by six school parents, formerly unemployed, and an agricultural engineer, who receive stable incomes and a share of the equity and dividends.
While some produce goes to the school canteen, 90 per cent has been sold since this summer, with the profits helping to pay for school activities. Kidchen is staffed by six school parents, formerly unemployed, and an agricultural engineer, who receive stable incomes and a share of the equity and dividends.
Mr Hamadi said better schooling is urgently needed in the country, which has endured years of political instability and economic woes since the revolution. The situation now is a far cry from the era of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's first president after independence from France in 1956, who strongly promoted primary education.
Mr Hamadi said better schooling is urgently needed in the country, which has endured years of political instability and economic woes since the revolution. The situation now is a far cry from the era of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's first president after independence from France in 1956, who strongly promoted primary education.
Initially the Arab uprisings inspired hope of greater social and economic rights, but today '75 per cent of pupils leave primary school without being able to write two sentences', Mr Hamadi said. 'The education system has been suffering since the revolution ... because every government has caved in to pressure from the unions.'
Initially the Arab uprisings inspired hope of greater social and economic rights, but today '75 per cent of pupils leave primary school without being able to write two sentences', Mr Hamadi said. 'The education system has been suffering since the revolution ... because every government has caved in to pressure from the unions.'
As a result, more than 95 per cent of the ministry's budget goes to paying staff salaries, leaving little for maintenance, schoolbooks and teacher training. About 100,000 pupils drop out of the Tunisian school system every year, and many parents, worried about low academic standards in state schools, opt for expensive private tuition.
As a result, more than 95 per cent of the ministry's budget goes to paying staff salaries, leaving little for maintenance, schoolbooks and teacher training. About 100,000 pupils drop out of the Tunisian school system every year, and many parents, worried about low academic standards in state schools, opt for expensive private tuition.
Chayeb, the chief farmer, said the Makthar model had helped his family and given his children better school meals and activities ranging from business skills and foreign languages to robotics and drama. 'Before, I was a seasonal worker on five or six-month contracts, always somewhere different,' he said. 'Now I work near where I live.'
Chayeb, the chief farmer, said the Makthar model had helped his family and given his children better school meals and activities ranging from business skills and foreign languages to robotics and drama. 'Before, I was a seasonal worker on five or six-month contracts, always somewhere different,' he said. 'Now I work near where I live.'
Former pupil Chaima Rhouma, 21, is now studying law with a view to becoming a diplomat. She said the project had completely revitalised the school, replacing a garbage-strewn yard with a sports field and garden. Literature, theatre and cinema clubs had filled her with 'good vibes', she said. 'I've become more curious, I'm always looking for new things. Here you can study by having fun.'
Former pupil Chaima Rhouma, 21, is now studying law with a view to becoming a diplomat. She said the project had completely revitalised the school, replacing a garbage-strewn yard with a sports field and garden. Literature, theatre and cinema clubs had filled her with 'good vibes', she said. 'I've become more curious, I'm always looking for new things. Here you can study by having fun.'
The school has gained a reputation in the region and there in high demand for places, with 80 children now on the waiting list, said its director Taher Meterfi. Meanwhile, Mr Hamadi is forging ahead with his next project — a largely organic 40ha farm project to supply the city's 23 schools with energy and food for about 3,500 pupils.
The school has gained a reputation in the region and there in high demand for places, with 80 children now on the waiting list, said its director Taher Meterfi. Meanwhile, Mr Hamadi is forging ahead with his next project — a largely organic 40ha farm project to supply the city's 23 schools with energy and food for about 3,500 pupils.

MENA

Solar power and farming revive Tunisia school as social enterprise - in pictures

An innovative project has allows one college to become self-sustaining by generating its own solar power and growing its own food

The National

November 04, 2022

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Transgender report
How will Gen Alpha invest?

Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.

“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.

Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.

He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.

Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

Price: From Dh796,600

On sale: now

Zayed Sustainability Prize
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street

The seven points are:

Shakhbout bin Sultan Street

Dhafeer Street

Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)

Salama bint Butti Street

Al Dhafra Street

Rabdan Street

Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)

Updated: November 04, 2022, 10:20 AM`
PhotographyTunisiaClimate changeCop27