Sohag, 12 July 2021 – Within the framework of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) second phase of “Initiatives for Local Development of Egypt through the Support of Egyptians Abroad” (ILDEA) project, a visit to monitor the progress of implementation of the intervention in Sohag was organized by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMEDA) to gain insights on the quality of the intervention and provided services to beneficiaries.

With the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (IADC)’s support, IOM in collaboration with the Government of Egypt (GoE) aims to increase the engagement of Egyptian expatriates in the development of their country through developing a strategic approach with a continuous dialogue, as well as enhancing the national capacities for promoting investment and trade opportunities to/with Egypt through the engagement of Egyptian expatriate communities.  

In cooperation with MSMEDA, the intervention in Sohag is implemented by Qualifications Development Bank (QDB), the authorized representative of City & Guilds: A global leader in skills development with experience of shaping skilled workforces.

The objective of this initiative is to train young men and women on vocational skills, to be able to join the labor market. The skills include plumbing, electrical installations, and tailoring. The training targets 174 beneficiaries, 30 of which are women. The acquired skills will increase youth’s capacity to find stable employment and participate in economic and social life.

Over the course of the two-day visit, representatives from IOM and MSMEDA alongside monitoring and field consultants met colleagues from MSMEDA’s office in Sohag. The discussions revolved around the social and economic situation in Sohag; exploring possible areas of growth. The consultants also conducted focus group discussions with the project beneficiaries across several villages where the trainings were conducted. One of the highlights of the visit was meeting Badreya and knowing her story.

Badrya Abd Elsatar, a hard-working young woman and a notable beneficiary from the trainings first reached out to a local NGO requesting aid so her daughter can receive a hearing aid. The NGO informed her about this training, which can provide a long term means for income generation. 

Badreya began by tailoring clothes for her children and torn clothes repair for her neighbors. Little by little, she became well-known in her neighborhood. As Badreya’s tailoring skills developed, she was able to produce full sets of garments on her own. She soon began selling her products. From these earnings, she brought her daughter her first hearing aid. Badrya’s plan is to expand her business to become the first tailor offering such services on her island.

Badrya lives on an island outside “ElMaragha” district training locations. Despite the 1.5 hour commute to the training site and quoted saying, “...it’s totally worth it.” As it is helping her provide for her family and offer the best she can for her children. 

This project supports the realization of Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030. It also falls in line with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, specifically the Sustainable Development Goals, namely Goal 8 “Decent Work and Economic Growth”, Goal 10 “Reduced Inequalities”, and Goal 17 “Partnership for the Goals”.

For more information, please contact Mariam Salim at IOM Egypt, Tel: +20 1012 428 527, Email: msalim@iom.int