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TI O H IP A S S O CIA

TAFA Introduction
The Tunisian American Friendship Association was founded in 1957, one year following the independence of Tunisia. In appreciation of the American assistance to Tunisia to obtain its independence, president Bourguiba, decided to explore all possible means to develop scientific, technological, cultural and economic ties with the USA. He ordered the creation of TAFA to be a Non-Governmental Institution having as a main task the promotion and strengthening of relationships between the people of both countries. In the past 15 years, TAFA was very active in the organization of events that had impact on developing exchanges in all apolitical domains between the two countries.

President Bourguiba receiving New York City's traditional welcome.

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 Youth Exchange: 26 high school students, representing 26 governorates of Tunisia, had a unique opportunity to be hosted during 3 weeks by American families in the Boston region. The program totally funded by TAFA friends mainly Tunisian and US private companies established in Tunisia. US Space Program Accomplishments tour: in Tunis and other major cities of Tunisia. To make general public aware of the achievements of US scientist and astronauts in space exploration for the benefit of man kind. The US Embassy was highly involved in organizing this event. Partnership between Genetic Department of Medical School of Houston, Texas and the Medical School of Tunis: A seminar dedicated to genetic technology for human kind was organized by TAFA. Imminent scientists from Texas USA were invited to speak about their experiences and the future of this science. Thanks to this initiative, a partnership between the two schools was established and a Laboratory for Agro Mechanical Laboratory in the City of Kef : with the collaboration of the US Embassy in Tunis, TAFA was able to offer a laboratory dedicated to Agro mechanics to the Centre for Agricultural Training in the City of Kef , west of Tunisia. Annual Friendship Day: yearly get-together barbecue party organized with the participation of the American community in Tunis, their Tunisian friends and civil society representatives. They meet to enjoy American Music (Jazz, Country, etc.) and American food along and exchange ideas to promote apolitical exchanges and ties between our two countries. Historical Visit to Washington DC for the Support of the Tunisian Revolution: on February 5, 2011 three board members of TAFA were the first Tunisians to visit DC and meet with representatives of Congress, Senate, State Department and other US institutions to explain why the revolution took place, what were the future social and economic impacts and possible geopolitical threats. This voluntary visit had a memo-

Christmas Event
The Festive season got underway for the Tunisian American Friendship Association with an annual jazzy Christmas gathering. The Christmas party was held in the Golf Club of the Rsidence Hotel on the 12th December 2013. Blue Note Projects Band provided lively warm jazz music much appreciated by the many guests. The hall was very festive with table decorations, candles, nuts and a very tasty finger food pass around buffet was provided. US Ambassador Jake Walles has done us the honour of being in our midst as well. It was a very enjoyable evening where TAFA members shared Christmas spirit in a convivial atmosphere. Thanks to all who had helped make it a successful night, and reminded everyone of TAFAs values.

TAFA Committees !
Student / technology transfer to the US. Twining of Carthage in the US. Door knock mission in the US (after elections). Tunisian American Day (BBQ or Spring fair). Build your Tunisian American Community (Membership). Cultural / Sport Committee.

PERSON OF THE MONTH

Katherine Ayachi
1- First, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Im from North Carolina, and I came here to teach second grade at the American Cooperative School of Tunis in 1996. I was planning on staying a year or two and then moving on to other international schools. However, I got lucky and met Mourad Ayachi and decided to stay awhile. We got married in 2000 and three children later, were still here in Tunisia. We have a thirteen year old son, Skander, a ten year old son, Ryan and an eight year old daughter, Maya. I am still a teacher at the American Cooperative School of Tunis. I have taught in the elementary school here on and off during the past seventeen years. In the past five years, I have moved from being a classroom teacher to being a reading specialist and EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher. Yoga is also an important part of my life, and Im a trained yoga instructor. However, I cant quite find time to teach lately with work, family and my own yoga practice

2- How long have you lived here and how did you find the transition to living in Tunisia?
As I said before, I came in 1996. I was only twenty-five and single. I had a great first year here. Since I worked at the school, I was supported within the small American community that exists there. School was really like home to me, and still is in many ways. However, I also wanted to go out and meet new people.

During those few couple of years, I was involved a lot with the international running group, The Hash. I met a lot of international friends there and enjoyed spending some time away from the school getting to know other people and cultures. I also traveled a bit throughout Tunisia with The Hash and even took a couple of trips abroad. Im not sure The Hash is still as large or organized as it was back then, but in 1996 it really was an excellent way to make connections and get to know Tunisia.

3- What are the best things to do in the area and what do you enjoy most about living in Tunisia?
I love the Tunisian countryside especially in the winter and spring. The lush green landscape is beautiful and the weather is perfect for hiking during this time of year. I enjoy going to visit Roman ruins with Dougga, Bulla Regia and Oudna being some of my favorites. I also just enjoy wondering around Carthage, Sidi Bou and LaMarsa. Since Tunisia is a tourist destination for many Europeans, the hotels are also nice to visit. Sometimes I just like to get away on a mini-vacation right here in Tunisia by heading to Tozeur, Djerba, Hammamet, Sousse or Tabarka. All these places have something totally different to offer and have great hotels that can cater to most every need.

4- Whose biggest fan are you in Tunisia (artist, literature, etc.)?

The first person who comes to mind is Anouar Brahem. His fusion of jazz and classical Arabic bring two worlds together for me.

5- Is there anything we have not talked about that you would like to share with us?
Just that I do love Tunisia. It is most definitely my second home. Seven years from now I will have lived here as long as I lived in the United States. Its a beautiful country. Even though I sometimes really look forward to traveling home or going to see other places, Im always happy to come home to Tunisia.

 Sheep ing from Tunis to USA !

This is quite a fascinating story. In the late 1700s "Barbary" sheep from Tunisia were imported to the United States. This breed, now called Tunis in the US originated in Tunisia on the northern coast of Africa. The Tunis is one of the oldest breeds of livestock developed in America. The first Tunis ewes that were imported to America were a gift from the Bey of Tunis to George Washington. The pair was placed with Judge Richard Peters of Belmont, Pennsylvania, who made rams available and gave away to spread this sheep breed to others.Their popularity continued to grow and once they were one of the predominant breeds in this country.The breed is becoming increasingly recognized for its good potential for low input production of meat, wool, and perhaps milk.

TAFA sponsors Math Summit

TAFA is sponsoring the math summit of the Mediterranean Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (MIMS). This MIMS conference is in the memory of Salah Baouendi. Salah Baouendi was a distinguished professor in UC San Diegos department of Mathematics, a world renowned researcher and a model for leasdership on the campus, died peacefully in his home on December 24th, 2011. He had a great passion for mathematics as well as for the department and campus and made fondamental and lasting contributions to mathematics. Salah was particularly passionate about mentoring young mathematicians. Part of his legacy is a world-wide group of mathematicians working on questions that were inspired by Salah and his mathematics. The math summit will consist of a 4 day conference in a series of lectures given by Paolo Salvator, Ismar Volic, Ben Walter, Jeff Giansiracusa and Christophe Cazanave. which will bring together young researchers in the field of algebraic topology and homotopy theory.