reduce inequality within
and among countries
Pr.Fadyla Darragi, UTM,SDG 10 Ambassador
The University of Tunis El Manar (UTM), under the leadership of Vice President Prof. Fadila Darragi and her team, has launched the Inclusive University project, aiming to create an inclusive learning environment and strengthen diversity, inclusion, and antidiscrimination policies at all levels.
As part of this initiative, several dedicated structures have been established, including the Inclusion and Diversity Office, led by Mrs. Aicha Maui, and the Learning Difficulties and Disabilities Office, directed by Mrs. Imen Ellousi.
These efforts are supported by the Communication and Media Department, headed by Mrs. Ahlem Turki, which works alongside other departments to promote inclusion through media coverage and awareness campaigns. UTM is also a national pioneer, being the only university in Tunisia to offer two academic programs tailored for students with learning difficulties:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy for visually impaired students, taught by faculty members including visually impaired and blind professors at the Higher School of Health Sciences and Technologies of Tunis.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Sign Language at the Higher Institute of Human Sciences of Tunis, emphasizing Sign Language as a tool for inclusion.
These initiatives demonstrate the university’s commitment to fostering equity and diversity across all its structures and programs.
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UTM WITHOUT OBSTACLES
The UTM Without Obstacle Festival aims to promote the integration of students with learning difficulties and disabilities. This inclusive event features a sports festival specifically for students with disabilities, providing them with an opportunity to participate in athletic activities in an accessible and supportive environment.
In addition to sports, the festival includes a range of cultural and knowledge exchange activities designed to foster interaction and learning among all students. The event brings together a variety of NGOs and both national and international stakeholders, working collaboratively to ensure the festival’s success and further the university’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Through this initiative, UTM demonstrates its dedication to creating an environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute to the university community.Â
The UTM Handi Kathon Competition
The UTM Handi Kathon Competition aims to prepare students with disabilities and learning difficulties for entrepreneurship by encouraging them to innovate and think creatively. The competition provides a platform for students to present and develop impactful projects, including apps and IoT devices specifically designed for users with disabilities.
Notable projects included smart glasses for blind people and other innovative solutions tailored to enhance accessibility and independence. The selection jury, composed of experts from socio-economic and industrial sectors, evaluated the projects for their potential impact.
The UTM Hub for Student Entrepreneurship, led by Dr. Mount Marrakchi, also played a crucial role in supporting and mentoring participants throughout the competition.
This initiative highlights UTM’s commitment to empowering students with disabilities, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting inclusive innovation.
International Students Integration
The International Students Integration and Music Festivals at the University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) celebrate the artistic talents of students while fostering inclusion and dialogue. These annual events, held during the UTM International and Regional Student Integration Program, highlight the creative expressions of students through performances, exhibitions, and music, showcasing their artistic skills and diverse cultural heritage.
As part of its commitment to inclusion, UTM actively values the student voice by involving them in decision-making processes and organizing dedicated meetings with international students, particularly those from Sub-Saharan Africa. These meetings address migrant-related challenges and provide a platform for students to share their perspectives.
Such initiatives are integral to UTM’s Migrants Projects and other university activities, demonstrating its dedication to supporting international students and promoting cultural exchange. Through these efforts, UTM reinforces its role as a welcoming and inclusive academic institution.Â
Migrants Project
The Migrant Project, in which the University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) is actively involved, plays a key role in supporting international student integration and addressing the concerns and challenges faced by migrants. As part of this initiative, the university provides platforms to listen to migrant students’ issues, fostering an inclusive environment where their voices are heard and valued.
Additionally, UTM offers a dedicated International Master’s Program in Migration Studies, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address migration-related topics effectively. This program underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its proactive approach to promoting inclusivity, cultural understanding, and support for migrant communities.
DIGITAFRICA Projects
The Digit Africa Project, coordinated by the University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) with technical support from the University of Côte d’Azur in Nice, is a collaborative initiative aimed at advancing digitalization in African higher education. This partnership involves African and European universities working together to enhance digital skills and infrastructure across the continent.
The project has several key objectives, including fostering virtual student exchanges to promote knowledge sharing and interaction among students from different African countries. It also encourages collaboration on mini-challenges related to digital transformation, enabling participants to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Through these activities, Digit Africa not only strengthens academic cooperation but also equips students with essential digital competencies, preparing them to drive progress in their respective communities.
AFRIDI Project
The AFRIDI Project promotes research collaboration within Africa by offering exchange scholarships to students. This initiative aims to enhance academic mobility, foster cross-cultural exchanges, and strengthen research networks across African universities.
By providing scholarships, the project enables students to gain valuable international experience, collaborate with peers from different regions, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in various fields. The AFRIDI Project serves as a vital platform for empowering African students and researchers, supporting the growth of research excellence across the continent.
ISTMT BIG SNACK
The Big Snack Event is organized annually at the Higher Institute of Medical Technology of Tunis (ISTMT) and serves as a celebration of Tunisia’s rich culinary traditions. The event encourages students from different regions of Tunisia to bring their traditional dishes to share with their peers, creating a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate diverse cooking customs.
The exhibition features a variety of traditional foods, including breakfast dishes, scubas, Rafissa, Mlaoui Bread, and olive oil from different regions, each with its own distinct flavor. Additionally, students showcase honey, cakes and sweets, fruits from local markets, and many other Tunisian culinary delights.
The event not only highlights the country’s food culture but also fosters community engagement and a deeper understanding of regional differences through the shared experience of food.
UTM Diversity and Antidiscrimination Policy
The Sustainable Impact Team, led by Dr. Hanene Boussi and the main governance team led by the university president Professor Moez Chafra, have developed the UTM Sustainability and Governance Framework, which includes comprehensive diversity and sustainability policies. These policies are designed to ensure that the university remains committed to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity.
The framework is continuously reevaluated and revised by the leads of various sustainability projects, including Erasmus+ projects and the Inclusive University Project, to adapt to evolving needs and challenges. Through these ongoing revisions, UTM ensures that its sustainability and governance efforts remain dynamic, effective, and aligned with global best practices.