When Stories Weave Change: Celebrating the Work of Ashoka Fellows Leila Ben Gacem and Asma Mansour in Tunisia

The WISE Changemakers Collaboration Fund has helped highlighting the inspiring local initiatives across Tunisia.  Among the first recipients of the fund were Ashoka Fellows Asma Mansour and Leila Ben Gacem, who took on the ambitious task of documenting the stories of changemakers in their communities. What began as a research project quickly evolved into something bigger, a beautifully crafted book that captures the spirit of social innovation in Tunisia.

With support from the Fund, Asma and Leila were able to publish a digital version of the book. They then raised additional funds to print hard copies and even develop an educational card game inspired by the stories. The book gives voice to social entrepreneurs whose work is improving lives, preserving cultural heritage, and opening up new opportunities. From silk weaving and eco-tourism to hands-on science education, the stories highlight what can happen when people come together with creativity, purpose, and a shared commitment to positive change.

SKILA: Reviving a Dying Craft and Giving Power to Artisans

In Mahdia, a small coastal city with a rich history of silk weaving, two local entrepreneurs Malek Hamza and Hassine Labaied turned a simple gift into a big idea. They founded SKILA, a social enterprise that produces high-end scarves while giving weavers not just fair pay, but a real voice in the business. Each artisan is a co-owner of the company, sharing the decisions and the success.

SKILA’s story inspired the creation of a second business, Nsija, which focuses on weaving cotton. Together, these ventures are giving artisans a reason to stay, pass on their skills, and feel proud of their work.

Dar El Ain: Connecting People, Nature, and Culture

Up north in Ain Drahem, a beautiful mountain region often overlooked by tourists, Rania Mechergui had a dream. She wanted to create eco-tourism that respects nature, supports local women, and promotes traditional crafts. That dream became Dar El Ain, a center that now works with over 100 local partners from chefs and artisans to tour guides to offer visitors a unique experience that benefits the whole community.

Rania’s work shows that tourism in Tunisia can be both sustainable and inclusive. Through Dar El Ain, women who once stayed on the margins of the economy are now earning income, gaining confidence, and preserving their heritage.

Sciencia: Making Science Fun and Accessible

In the capital, another kind of innovation was taking place. Dr. Latifa El Ghezal, a university professor and mother of two, was worried about the education system and its heavy focus on memorization. She co-founded Sciencia, a social enterprise that teaches science through play. Kids explore robotics, chemistry, and other subjects by experimenting and asking questions.

Since 2014, Sciencia has reached over 3,000 children and trained dozens of young educators, most of them women. It’s not just about science it’s about helping children become curious, confident learners. And with help from the WISE fund, Sciencia’s story is now inspiring others to rethink education across the region.

More Than Funding: A Book That Builds Bridges

The WISE Collaboration Fund helped create a book that brings all these stories together. This book is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and hope. It shows how people across Tunisia despite economic hardship, political instability, and limited resources are building better futures for their communities.

As one of the writers, Lobna Saidi, beautifully put it: “these stories are filled with dreams, setbacks, and victories. But most of all, they show that many Tunisians still believe in change and are working hard every day to make it real”.

A Fund That Makes a Difference

The impact of the WISE fund goes far beyond financial support. It gave visibility to grassroots efforts, strengthened partnerships, and encouraged collaboration between entrepreneurs, artists, and educators. It allowed people especially women and youth to feel seen, valued, and supported.