National Council for Women Collaborates with ILO to Train Financial Educators
UNESCO’s Groundbreaking Program Aimed At Empowering Women And Communities In Egypt
The UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo, in collaboration with the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the Regional Center for Adult Education (ASFEC), organized a four-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop to prepare adult educators for piloting the Women, Family, and Community (WFC) learning program in Egypt.
The workshop brought together 35 educators representing various key stakeholders in the adult education sector, including the Ministry of Social Solidarity, civil society organizations, the Adult Education Authority, ASFEC, and champion literacy facilitators.
The WFC program is a unique learning initiative designed to foster social and economic empowerment for marginalized women in Egypt. Aligned with the country’s national family development plan, it focuses on capitalizing on women’s critical role in developing their families and communities. UNESCO and UIL introduced this framework during the International Literacy Day 2023 celebrations, demonstrating their commitment to supporting Egypt in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 by promoting lifelong learning for all, ensuring no one is left behind.
The ToT workshop, held at ASFEC in Sirs El-Ryan, marked the beginning of the project’s pilot phase. Over four consecutive days, participants engaged in interactive sessions covering diverse topics such as family and intergenerational learning, social and emotional learning (SEL), education for sustainable development, civic education, global citizenship education (GCED), financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and creative industries (CCIs). “The WFC Learning Together content and training program provides a good opportunity to build strong partnerships with civil society and many actors in adult education,” remarked Dr. Amal Shaheen from the Public Authority for Adult Education.
Participants left the workshop equipped with practical skills and tools, ready to implement the WFC program and its learning toolkits in their professional and personal lives. Many attendees committed to operating literacy classes using the WFC methodology in vulnerable areas covered by their organizations. A comprehensive action plan for the pilot phase and a monitoring framework are being developed to assess the effectiveness of this new approach to adult education. Dr. Magda Mahmoud Abdel-Aal from the Majd Misr Foundation for Media and Development expressed, “Through my long work with women in the neediest villages, I find that this content provides an integrated package for personal, community, and professional development that contributes to achieving family cohesion and enables effective citizenship practices.”
One of the workshop’s significant outcomes was raising awareness about the importance of promoting intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in teaching and learning practices. Additionally, participants explored various approaches to creating safe learning environments and promoting gender equality. Hadeer Adel from the Community Development Association commented, “The presentation and training motivated me to complete my master’s and PhD studies in adult education; I feel empowered to use the integrated WFC content in my work.”
Looking ahead, WFC is designed to be adaptable and contextualized in diverse learning environments. Additional workshops will be organized in the coming months for stakeholders interested in adopting the program in their projects to reach more adult educators in underserved areas. For more information on upcoming workshops and initiatives, visit the UNESCO Cairo and UIL website
Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, met with Labor Minister, Mohamed Gibran, to discuss strategies for job creation, human capital development, and international cooperation.
The meeting focused on the importance of investing in human capital to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Both ministers emphasized the need to create more employment opportunities, particularly for young people, through the 2024-2027 Economic and Social Development Plan.
Al-Mashat highlighted the role of vocational training, high-quality employment services, and private sector involvement in creating job opportunities that align with the evolving labor market. She also discussed the Ministry’s efforts to support the state’s development efforts and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Labor Minister Gibran outlined the Ministry of Labor’s initiatives to modernize labor services, digitalize labor offices, and improve vocational training programs. He also emphasized the importance of creating a balanced labor environment that protects the rights of both employers and employees.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the two ministries in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the Egyptian labor market. By investing in human capital, creating jobs, and improving vocational training, Egypt can achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Al-Mashat Calls for Regional Cooperation to Address Climate Challenges During 4th UFM Climate & Energy Business Forum
Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, participated in the 4th Climate and Energy Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean. The forum brought together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for addressing climate change in the Mediterranean region.
In her address, Al-Mashat highlighted the urgent need for regional cooperation to combat climate change. She cited recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC) that warned of the severe consequences of climate change on the region’s stability, security, and prosperity.
Minister Al-Mashat emphasized that climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but also a security and economic one. She called for a comprehensive approach that addresses the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of the challenge.
She also noted that the Mediterranean region has a unique opportunity to transition to a more sustainable and resilient future. By investing in renewable energy and climate-friendly technologies, the region can create new jobs, boost economic growth, and protect the environment.
Minister Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt’s commitment to playing a leading role in the global effort to combat climate change. She highlighted the country’s efforts to decarbonize its economy, improve energy efficiency, and promote renewable energy. She also stressed the importance of climate finance in supporting these efforts and ensuring a just transition for all countries.
National Council for Women Discusses Achievements and Future Plans on Regular Meeting
Housing Ministry to Grant Incentives for Year-Round Operation of Commercial Stores in New Alamein
4th Edition of “Forever Is Now” Reflects Fusion of Ancient and Modern Vibes at the Giza Pyramids
The opening of the fourth edition of “Forever Is Now” kicked off yesterday at the Giza Pyramids. This unique exhibition blends ancient heritage and modern creativity. It showcases works by renowned international artists who reinterpret the historical significance of these iconic structures.Running from October 6 to November 17, 2024, the exhibition features diverse installations. These works challenge traditional perceptions of art and history. Curated by the art collective Art D’Egypte, “Forever Is Now” fosters dialogue between the past and present. Moreover, it highlights the pyramids’ timelessness as a source of inspiration.
This year’s exhibition includes installations that utilize cutting-edge technology and interactive elements. Additionally, many artists use sustainable materials. As a result, this vibrant display resonates with both local and international audiences.
The opening ceremony attracted a diverse crowd. Art enthusiasts, diplomats, and cultural figures all attended. Visitors enjoyed guided tours that offered insights into the artists’ motivations and messages. This fusion of contemporary art with a historical site sparked engaging conversations about culture and history.
“Forever Is Now” not only celebrates artistic innovation but also emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The exhibition invites visitors to discuss the pyramids’ significance in the context of global art and history.
As the event unfolds, it promises to captivate audiences with thought-provoking installations and immersive experiences. Ultimately, “Forever Is Now” stands as a testament to art’s power.