Cairo, 5 October 2023 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Egypt, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and the Embassy of Italy in Egypt have signed an agreement to implement a new project: Towards Equitable Access to Quality Education and Health Services in Egypt for Women, Children and Other Members of Migrant and Host Communities in Vulnerable Situations.

This project will be managed by IOM and in partnership with the Egyptian Red Crescent and Save the Children. It aims to support the Government of Egypt to enhance access to quality education and health services for vulnerable groups including migrants, asylum-seekers, refugees, and host community members, focusing primarily on women and children.

“This signature stands in the framework of the long-lasting, multi-faceted and successful cooperation between Italy and Egypt in the field of migration,” said Carlos Oliver Cruz, IOM Chief of Mission in Egypt, and continued: “I am delighted to scale-up our support to policies and awareness-raising on migration in relation to health and education, as well as the enhancement of quality education and health services for women, children and other members of migrant and host communities in vulnerable situations thanks to the Development Cooperation of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.”

The project envisages a participatory, whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach with the involvement of various stakeholders. IOM will work together with Save the Children and the Egyptian Red Crescent and utilize their respective expertise, networks and resources to increase knowledge and access of women and children to quality education and healthcare in Egypt, helping to ensure that no one is left behind. 

The project will benefit 10,000 beneficiaries directly through a range of activities, 1 million people through online activities, and 30.000 indirect beneficiaries (family members, teachers etc.). I The activities include capacity building sessions for teachers and parents, Ready-to-Learn courses for children, health sessions for vulnerable girls and women, awareness-raising activities, roundtables with relevant stakeholders, among many other things.

Through this project, IOM aims to increase the knowledge on women and children’s access to education and healthcare in Egypt, help meet the substantial demand for education, with a focus on early childhood education and basic education, and enhance access to healthcare assistance, specifically in terms of women’s health.

This project supports the realization of Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt’s Vision 2030. It also aligns with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, specifically the UN Sustainable Development Goals, namely, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being; Goal 4: Quality Education; Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities; and Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.