The transformation to greener, more inclusive local communities

The ETF has selected this project as one of the five finalists for the prestigious Green Skills Award, recognising its innovative grassroots approach to women's empowerment through green skills education.

Why this project stands out.

• A strong focus on rural women and reaching underserved regions in southern Tunisia
• Green entrepreneurship integrated in every training programme
• Community-driven, collaborative learning environments
• A scaleable model with a proven impact and a clear vision for expansion across Tunisia

“Women in Tunisia develop themselves year by year. I am proud of them. They find new ideas, new projects. And we support each other.”

– Sendi Ibtissem, Founder and Director of CBS Training, Tunisia

• Two branches: Gafsa, a dynamic hub for training and community outreach, and Redeyef, offering specialised training tailored to regional needs
• Training programmes that changes lives:
  • Craftmanship and manual trades
  • Sewing, pattern making, traditional crafts
  • Hair & Beauty
  • Pastry
  • Languages, digital and IT skills
  • Sustainable development, sustainability and the circular economy
  • Composting and organic farming
  • Carbon footprint awareness
  • Green skills and green innovation
  • Business start-up and management
  • Leadership, entrepreneurship and soft skills

• +500 graduates across all green and vocational programmes, of which
• 60+ new entrepreneurs launched their own eco-friendly or small businesses

• 180 graduates employed or interning in the green economy and related sectors
• 75 alumni progressed to further training or formal education pathways

At CBS Training, Sendi's mission is to:

• Empower rural women: help women acquire the practical and theoretical skills to achieve economic independence
• Promote sustainable practices: from composting to carbon footprint reduction, sustainability is woven into every programme
• Support entrepreneurship: help women develop and launch their own businesses through tailored training and coaching
• Enhance employability: build soft skills including communication, leadership, and resilience
• Facilitate ecological transition: support individuals and companies in adopting circular, sustainable business models

Fatma G., a 2021 graduate, launched a green micro-enterprise in her hometown that now serves four neighbourhoods – powered by local partnerships and boosted by media visibility.

Anis S., who completed digital skills training in 2022, now works in solar energy and was recently promoted to team leader.

Rim, Mariem, and Saida, who all successfully completed their training in sewing, hairdressing, and traditional crafts, each started micro-businesses in their villages—empowering not just themselves, but also other young women in their communities.

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Sendi’s story is one of vision, resilience and purpose. A mother of two young boys, she left her job in a call centre to launch CBS Training – a centre she has built from the ground up with passion and determination.

“It was not easy. But through hard work, I overcame my obstacles one step at a time...I want to become the leading reference for green economic solutions in my region and across Tunisia. And, eventually, internationally."

– Sendi Ibtissem, Founder and Director of CBS Training, Tunisia.