For over thirteen years, Djerba Solidarity and Development (DSD) has established itself as a key player in promoting a social and solidarity-based economy on our island. Our mission goes far beyond occasional interventions; it is part of a long-term vision built on fundamental values such as solidarity, mutual aid, and innovation. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our volunteers, the valuable support of our partners, and the mobilization of civil society, we have not only developed impactful projects but also transformed the living conditions of the most marginalized populations, including youth, women, and vulnerable communities.
Since the founding of the association in 2011, our actions have always had a clear objective: to address socio-economic challenges in a sustainable way. We firmly believe that in order to create real and lasting change, it is essential to work from the ground up, strengthening local governance, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, and investing in the empowerment of women and young people. As a founder of DSD, I am particularly proud of the results we have achieved through projects that address a variety of issues, such as employment, the environment, vocational training, and social innovation.
One of our major achievements has undoubtedly been our contribution to transparency in local governance. We have encouraged more active citizen participation and implemented accountability mechanisms to ensure that local projects are carried out transparently and with the involvement of residents. We have also placed a special emphasis on sustainable development through initiatives like the « Green Djerba » project, which aims to promote a sustainability label for the island, involving local, national, and international stakeholders. Furthermore, projects such as « Gender Sustainable Seafood » and « Sauvons Djerba » have not only helped to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic but also promoted a green economy, creating sustainable jobs. Another cornerstone of our commitment is the protection of civil and social rights. Through our awareness campaigns, notably around Law 5-2016 protecting the rights of suspects, we have sought to strengthen the rule of law and improve legal procedures to ensure fairer justice. These actions reflect our vision of a more inclusive society, where everyone, regardless of their social status or background, has a role to play in building the common good.
The future of Djerba, and more broadly that of our country, depends on our collective ability to innovate, build bridges between various stakeholders, and promote a more just and equitable society. Through our efforts, we have helped create income opportunities for numerous families, empowered young people and women, and raised awareness among the youth about environmental challenges. Today, as we face increasingly complex challenges, our commitment remains steadfast. We continue to adapt our actions to current needs, with a determination to strengthen our community’s resilience and promote development that is both inclusive and sustainable. The challenges are many, but our will to continue serving the people of Djerba is unwavering. Together, with our members, partners, and all who believe in our vision, we will continue to build a better future for all.
Taha Bouchaddakh
Founder of Djerba Solidarity and Development