286. The SESN also developed a national micro-finance policy in February 2012 to enhance access to micro-finance services for the majority of poor or low-income households sidelined by the conventional financial system as well as to micro-entrepreneurs throughout the country. The objective of this policy is to provide each and every one with an opportunity to generate their own income. 287. The Republic of Djibouti initiated several legal measures and practices to ensure cultural development. 288. Substantial progress has been made in the implementation of Djibouti’s language policy for individual growth including for Somali and Afar communities residing in Djibouti and abroad. 289. In this respect, broadcasting by the public radio and television corporation (RTD) of information and outreach programmes in national languages on the cultural and artistic heritage of the various communities is no longer restricted to specific times of the day. Programmes are aired throughout the day. 290. In the framework of educational reforms launched in 2000, efforts to modernize the school system and make it more responsive to its sociolinguistic environment have been reflected in the development of curricula and the publication of textbooks on the national languages in basic education. Literacy programmes for communities in local languages is a long-standing practice which has proven its effectiveness (awareness-raising, mobilization…). 291. The Djibouti Institute of Languages (ILD), which is part of the Djibouti Study and Research Centre, is also involved in implementing the language policy by organizing discussions on, and standardizing and modernizing the national languages particularly through: - The collection of existing documents; The publication of scientific literature (including oral literature, dictionaries, journals…); The organization of symposiums (e.g.: to standardize expressions most commonly used by the media in the Somali and Afar languages); Participation in research on the teaching of national languages in Djibouti. 292. On account of these actions in favour of language development, Djibouti is considered as leading the way in the region for the promotion of cultural diversity. The capital is host to international organizations working in this field such as “Somali Speaking Pen” and “Afar Speaking Pen”. With the assistance of the State of Djibouti, these organizations support all initiatives to promote knowledge of these languages, as well as their respective cultures and writings (including literary programmes in the media, the publication and exhibition of books, forums…). 293. The establishment of the Djibouti Arts Institute (IDA) in 2003 is part of this commitment to ensure the lasting promotion and development of culture through specific public policies. This initiative is expected to foster greater appreciation of the national cultural heritage and growing professional competence in the area of culture through technical training and practice in arts-related careers (music, drama and the visual arts). Through its various activities, this institute has also fostered the social 54