This document outlines a preliminary engagement model to leverage the Tunisian diaspora following the January 2011 revolution. It proposes creating a virtual portal and think tank to tap into Tunisian experts abroad and raise funds. The goals are to turn the diaspora into active participants in rebuilding by collecting expertise and investment, especially for projects in poor regions. An initial fundraising goal of $1,000 per diaspora member is suggested. Key next steps include launching the portal and organizing a conference to establish think tank groups and review funded initiatives. Sustainability issues like declining interest and lack of local resources are also discussed, along with recommendations like collaboration with local leaders and community engagement.

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Tunisian Diaspora Fund
April 2011. Lotfi Saibi and Mondher ben Hamida
High Level Overview

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Contents
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Background
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Objectives
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Preliminary Engagement Model
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Next Steps

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Background
Tunisian
Diaspora
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Apathy
Suspicion
Frustration
Lack of involvement
Pre Jan14
Post Jan14
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Emotionally involved
Highly motivated
Very excited
Willing and able to help
Time
January 14, 2011
Question is:
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How can we turn this excitement into tangible actions?

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Objectives
Goal
Turn the Tunisian Diaspora into an involved and active
participant in the re-building process
Primary Dimensions
Expertise
Investment
Tap into the global pool of Tunisian
experts abroad (and home) to
establish a Think Tank that can
help the business and political
communities
Leverage the collective power of
the Tunisian diaspora to raise
funds to invest mainly in the poor
regions of the country

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Preliminary Engagement Model
Web Portal
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Create a virtual portal for Tunisians abroad to:
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Create and maintain the web largest directory of Tunisian experts
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Lay the foundation for a World-Class Think Tank to provide a constant
stream of ideas, proposals and reports to the Tunisian political and business
communities
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Provide an interactive and transparent platform to collect funds, select
investment opportunities and track progress
www.newtunisia.org
Models
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Leverage (at most) 3 investment vehicles:
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Micro-Lending – make an immediate impact
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Leverage existing institutions (e.g. www.endarabe.org.tn )
Add Tunisia to the network of leading micro-lending brokers (e.g.
www.kiva.org and www.babyloan.org)
SICAR/VC – invest in midsize projects
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Establish a fund to invest in midsize industrial and/or agricultural
projects with significant employment potential
Government or Private Bonds – contribute to large/ambitious projects
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Contribute to large initiatives (e.g. public works, private company
extension, etc.)

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Next Steps
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Set up and launch www.newtunisia.org
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Define a execute a fund raising campaign under the banner
“$1,000 per Tunisian Abroad”
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Define and build an ‘Expertise Repository’
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Organize a ‘Reboot Tunisia’ conference (before end of 2011)
to set up think tank groups, review funded initiatives and
define final framework

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Sustainability issues
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Declining interest after initial set up period - especially when there
is disagreement on what and where to fund a project.
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Funding too slow to come by - causing projects to be on hold for long
periods.
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Sustainable maintenance - As Diaspora funds tend to usually pay for and
upgrade schools and hospitals, little attention is paid to training and staffing these
facilities.
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Lack of local resources – local resources and innovation is marginalized at
the expense of foreign resources.
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Lack of training - needs assessment, fundraising strategies, designing project
proposals, planning, accessing information and identifying potential sources of support.

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Recommendations
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Collaboration with local government leaders with the sincere interest of
improving their communities.
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Engage the communities – communication and information sharing with
local groups, leading to community ownership.
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Strong Multiplier-Effect – training educators and health professionals must be
accomplished for the building and rehabilitation projects to succeed.
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Training of Associations in mastering the technical skills of project
management, fundraising, and planning.

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Example school project

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Example regional Hospital