Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, Imed Hammami
EFE Tunisia CEO, Lamia Chaffai;
Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening.
I am very glad to be with you at this ceremony celebrating 172 new graduates; of whom 135 are with us. As of today, you are starting your professional careers and embracing your hopes for a successful future. So, allow me first to say MABROUK! We are proud of what you have accomplished so far.
I invite you all to join me in applauding the whole EFE team, and acknowledging the employers who partnered with the program: Enda, Sagemcom, Microcred, ADVANS, Magasin Géneral, Téleperformance, and Poulina El Mazraa, Wifak Bank, Business & Decision, KIABI, Monoprix, and Cafés Bondin.
Since 2011, the United States has supported Tunisia’s economic growth, security, and democracy. We attach great importance to helping Tunisians become more competitive in Tunisia and on the global market.
The U.S. government proudly supports MEPI’s partnership with Education for Employment to provide Tunisian youth with employment skills training. Employers have told me the importance of being able to recruit employees who possess the types of skills that EFE graduates acquire.
EFE has also collaborated with nine public universities. This program is meeting a key need by helping young people to find jobs and to launch their own businesses. Not only does this create jobs, but it contributes to the security and stability of the country.
We support the Tunisian government in bridging the gap between university studies and job market needs because we see that Tunisian youth are highly skilled and full of good ideas. The potential of all of you here is obvious. Tunisian youth are a source of pride for the country, and the United States is working hand in hand with the government of Tunisia to ensure you have increased economic opportunities.
Tunisia is still sparking hope as a model of democracy and freedom, and we are confident you will become a model of economic innovation as well. The American government is committed to continuing its support to the Tunisian people and government. And we also count on substantial efforts from the Tunisian government to improve opportunities for competition, both locally and internationally.
On that note, I would like to congratulate you again for this achievement. The future leaders of Tunisia are in this room, and I look forward to seeing the great things you will do for your country.
Best of luck!
Thank you.
