The Michael Cracknell Initiative: A Legacy of Equity, Dignity, and Environmental Stewardship
The Michael Cracknell Initiative, named after the co-founder of Enda who passed away on July 4, 2024, was launched by the Enda group on October 24, 2024, as a tribute to his legacy. This initiative, set to become an official foundation, aims to perpetuate the values of a man deeply committed to equity, human dignity, and environmental preservation – values he upheld throughout his 35 years of action in Tunisia.
First Year of Activity (2024/2025)
For its first year of activity, the Michael Cracknell Initiative has been allocated a budget by the Enda Tamweel Council as part of its social and environmental responsibility (RSE). This budget will be used to implement the initiative's strategy in three key sectors that Michael Cracknell passionately defended throughout his life.
Education: An Opportunity for Potential
- Rural Transportation and Access to Culture: The Michael Cracknell Initiative collaborates with civil society to ensure the transportation of children living in remote and isolated areas to their schools. Young girls, often forced to abandon their education due to transportation issues, are the primary beneficiaries. One of the initiative's achievements is the acquisition of a documentary fund for rural children.
- Access to Higher Education: The initiative plans to support 500 underprivileged students with financial assistance (scholarships) to facilitate their entry into higher education, as well as free access to a license to enhance their skills.
Health: Supporting the Most Vulnerable
- Ophthalmological Campaign: Through the Michael Cracknell Initiative, Enda participated in a large-scale ophthalmological campaign organized by the Ministry of Health and civil society, deployed on June 21, 2025, across the 24 governorates of the country. This solidarity campaign enabled hundreds of people to regain their sight through eye surgeries, including free access to cataract surgeries for those in need.
Environment: For a Healthier Planet
The initiative plans to launch actions focused on:
- Reforestation campaigns
- Designing and promoting waste management and recycling initiatives
- Organizing educational workshops in schools and awareness campaigns in rural communities on environmentally friendly agricultural practices
- Encouraging, recognizing, and valuing initiatives and projects with a positive environmental impact
Competitions will be organized to encourage and value the most innovative and effective ideas. Young people and youth associations will be key actors in this sector.
A Legacy of Values and Principles
These initiatives reflect the values and principles upheld by Michael Cracknell, as evident in his posthumous letter to Enda staff:
"...Please, in your professional life, be sincere and work well, regardless of your position; do not forget that you work for poor people who you help to improve their situation. Working poorly harms our clients more than our institution. In your private life, put the environment at the center of your daily concerns; you really have no choice, for yourself and for your children. Everyone must contribute to protecting and improving the state of the planet. No gesture is useless."
Many children and young people who were supported by Michael Cracknell during his lifetime or through the organization that now bears his name will one day say: "Rest in peace, Uncle Michael, we will continue your work."
