“When I met my ex-boyfriend, I believed that despite of the fact that he was religious and I wasn’t, our love was strong enough to keep the relationship going. I thought that if we make some compromises here and there we would manage. Unfortunately it became too much of a barrier between us and After 1.5 years we ended our relationship. I was heartbroken for a long time.”
“So how did you get over it?”
“I allowed myself to cry and feel the pain. It took a long time but eventually I got over him.”
(Tunis, Tunisia)

“My mother has diabetes and high blood pressure. Since I can remember I have been responsible for doing the dishes, cooking and cleaning the house. My dad was away a lot for work so I was the one taking care of my mother and brother. I had to grow up really fast. It was hard but I would always hide my tears because I didn’t want my mum to feel guilty.
I am a law student and I hope to become a judge one day. It is strange because on the one hand, I know I had a tough childhood but on the other hand, it is because of my experiences as a child that I have l have this strong determination to become someone.”
(Tunis, Tunisia)

“I study psychology. During the first days of my studies, they gave us an assignment where all the students had to talk to a complete stranger about their struggles. I remember walking around all day trying to find the courage to do so but I couldn’t. I wasn’t ready. So I looked up to the sky and I talked to god. I shared everything that was weighing on my heart. I was upset with myself that I couldn’t find the courage to talk to a stranger. I always knew that sharing your struggles with other people is hard but that day I actually experienced how difficult it can be..”
(Tunis, Tunisia)

“I have been unemployed for more than a year. I have been trying to find a job but it is not easy. The hardest part about being unemployed is that you feel as if your life is being put on hold. I have friends who have good jobs and they have enough money to get married and buy things. It is not easy but my dad taught me to not be jealous. He always said that the only person you should compare yourself to, is who you were yesterday. So that is what I am trying to do.”
(Tunis, Tunisia)

“If I had to choose between my diploma or my falcon I would choose my falcon. I have a master degree but it has never given me any opportunity. My bird, his name Massaoud has given a me a life. Thanks to him I can feed my children. For the past 18 years, we are here, waiting for tourist who want to take a picture with Massaoud. My father, who was also working with falcons taught me to take good care of animals. Some people with the same job, they clip their bird’s wings which means their bird is no longer able to fly. I would never do that to Massaoud. Clipping his wings is like stealing his identity. I treat him like he is my child. Every night, when we come home after a long day I let him free. He deserves to be happy.”
(Sidi Bou Said, Tunis)