The Ecole Privee, Rue Ibn El Jazzar, Manouba, is housed in a palace of the Beys, the former rulers of Tunisia, which was converted into a school 1922, and subsequently enlarged with the addition of a classroom block. The school was handed over to the Salesians by the Sisters of Charity of Nevers in 1989. The palace still forms the central part of the establishment, with the addition of the two storey classroom block. The school has extensive recreation areas where we are able to host up to 700 children at a time, though this is rare as we tend to favour split recreations, thus reducing dangers and improving supervision, that is, Salesian 'assistance'.

The Salesians run the school on behalf of the diocese of Tunisia, one of six schools in and around the city of Tunis administered and belonging to the Prelature of Tunis. The Salesians, four of us at present, occupy an apartment in the palace where we are reasonably comfortable and have our little chapel.

The school population consists of some 660 primary school children, for the most part local, boys and girls from the ages of 5 to 12 years. These are divided into 'Preparatoire' and 'Primaire', cared for in separate buildings. The Preparatoire, formerly Jardin d'Enfants, or Kindergarten, is made up of 4 classes, of around 25 pupils. They have their own staff and timetable, and preference is given to those who have siblings in the Primary classes. At the end of one year most of these children will be admitted to the Primary school.

The Ecole Primaire consists of 6 'years', each grade divided into classes of anything from 24 to 30 pupils: the number of classes in each year varies from 5 to 3, each section given a colour to identify its occupants. The curriculum is the one offered by the Ministry of Education and monitored by inspectors. As well as basics, like reading and writing, and sums and Islamic Studies, the children at all levels study literary Arabic and French, and have the opportunity in years 1- 4 to study computers. This becomes compulsory in Year 5 as does the study of English. Other optional activities, or 'Clubs' as they are called, are English, music, dance, and arts and crafts. All classes have a PE period during the week.

The teaching staff are all local Tunisians, as are the administrative personnel, and work under the direction of the Salesians who occupy the positions of management, as Headmaster and Bursar. At present the Headmaster is Fr. Mario Mule Stagno from Naxxar, Malta, and the Bursar and Rector is Fr. Laurence Essery, formerly of St. Patrick's School, Sliema and Savio College, Dingli. There are two other confreres who make up the community and assist in the school, mainly during recreation periods, Fr.Thomas from India and Fr. Krzysztof from Poland.

Though the running of the school is the focus of our Salesian presence, the community is heavily committed to helping in local convents and parishes, as well as supporting groups where our participation is welcome. Much personal time of the confreres is spent in the study of French and Tunisian Arabic, as well as reading about, studying and discussing the local culture, both religious and social.

Our presence in the school is one of witness to the Kingdom by way of bridge building, inter-religious understanding and sharing of ideals. We seek to live what we believe in, and leave very much to the One God we and our Muslim parents and children all reverence and worship. It is in this mutually respectful atmosphere that we are able to implement Don Bosco's Preventive System and live the 'Family Spirit'.