The European Union announced its support for the World Bank and the Social Fund for Development in expanding partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to develop and implement projects aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities for the Egyptian youth.

The initiative is part of the Emergency Employment Investment Project funded by the EU with a 70 million grant and implemented by the WB, the EU Delegation to Egypt said in a press release.

It is expected to help over 38,000 beneficiaries in some of the poorest districts in Egypt to access normal job opportunities and create or enhance their own businesses. 

The program supports selected NGOs to implement a range of activities enabling young people to secure jobs, such as technical training, soft skills training, counseling, or access to financial and non-financial services to start a business. The initiative also encourages NGOs to seek partnerships with employers, other NGOs or training providers to reinforce their services. 

A key feature of this initiative is the commitment of participating NGOs to placing their beneficiaries to a job. 

“We work with NGOs that can design and implement demand-driven projects in line with real employer needs and local market opportunities,” said Medhat Massoud, head of SFD’s central sector for Human and Community Development.

“Proposals must demonstrate that the NGO has a strong understanding of the specific needs of the youth and the different barriers they face in finding employment.”

The initiative was launched in 2014.

Source: MENA