Since its opening in March 2023, the "El Battah" youth centre in the governorate of Jendouba has welcomed almost 300 members, mainly in sports clubs, as part of the first generation of the Programme for the Rehabilitation and integration of Residential Areas (PRIQH2), the centre's director, Sofiene Rabhi said in a statement to TAP. He stressed the specific nature of setting up a youth centre in a working-class neighbourhood, where crime, unemployment and illegal emigration are widespread, and said that this was a major challenge. In order to ensure its success, a great deal of effort has been made to rescue these young people and involve them in sporting and cultural activities that help to develop their talents through a participatory approach. In this context, he pointed out that the number of members has been increasing since the "Al Battah" Youth Centre opened its doors to young people from the neighbourhood and adjacent districts, saying that the main challenge is to maintain and even increase this n umber. Rabhi pointed out that cultural clubs have been set up within the centre to meet the needs and aspirations of young people. The aim is also to work towards developing their skills and knowledge in various fields and to reveal their hidden talents so that they can be active players in their limited environment. The aim is also to contribute to the emergence of a generation capable of educational and social success. He added that the "El Battah" youth centre has chosen to start its sports activities with the 6 to 18 age group. These activities are mainly karate, kickboxing, basketball and handball. "Partnership agreements have been signed with associations to provide us with coaches. The aim is to provide young people with training that leads to qualifications," he explained, pointing out that this space is a real outlet for young people. Rabhi lamented the lack of interest in youth centres, despite the fact that they play an active role in the lives of young people, in addition to the services provi ded to them by cultural and youth leaders and teachers. As part of the support provided by the Ministry of Youth and Sports for projects promoted by young people, we have committed ourselves to the green economy," said Rabhi, adding that a project in this regard was presented to the Ministry in February 2023 with the aim of launching several training workshops within the institution. He added that several partners, in addition to donor support, had contributed to the success of the workshops. As part of the workshops, the young people were trained in project design. They also visited completed agricultural projects in the Ain Draham delegation and Hammam Bourguiba, where they were able to share their expertise directly with their owners. Finally, these young people were given follow-up and support throughout the year, with access to an exhibition space within the institution to showcase their agricultural products. In this context, the manager suggested organising an annual marketing festival. Source: E N - Agence Tunis Afrique Presse