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Students develop artistic abilities at the special education vocational training center in Ariana, Tunisia Nov. 3. A $675,000 extension to the center was funded by the AFRICOM Humanitarian Assistance Program.

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A student creates a piece of jewelry at the special education vocational training center in Ariana, Tunisia Nov. 3. A $675,000 extension to the center was funded by the AFRICOM Humanitarian Assistance Program.

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Students learn horticulture skills at the special education vocational training center in Ariana, Tunisia Nov. 3. A $675,000 extension to the center was funded by the AFRICOM Humanitarian Assistance Program.

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U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Kathleen Hanson observes a weaving project at the special education vocational training center in Ariana, Tunisia Nov. 3. A $675,000 extension to the center was funded by the AFRICOM Humanitarian Assistance Program.

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TUNISIA - U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Kathleen D. Hanson inaugurated a $675,000 extension of a special education vocational training center funded by the U.S. Africa Command Humanitarian Assistance Program in Ariana, Tunisia Nov. 3.

The new construction, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, added several workshops and classrooms to the facility, greatly improving learning conditions and permitting a significant increase in the school’s enrollment. The center allows students with learning disabilities to develop cognitive skills and receive training in jewelry craftsmanship, horticulture and pastry making.

Hanson, accompanied by Office of Security Cooperation Chief Mark Whiteman, met with students and educators at the training center and noted the shared values between the United States and Tunisia in the area of disability rights and special education. She also met with officials of the Union Nationale de l’Education Spécialisée et de l’Intégration,  a non-governmental organization that works with the Tunisian Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Education to promote special education for youth with learning disabilities.

She commended UNESI for its commitment to the advancement of special education in Tunisia and said that the new enhanced training center symbolizes the shared determination of Tunisians and Americans to ensure educational opportunity for all.