Mass protests in Egypt and the surrounding region in recent weeks have captured the world’s attention and brought youth issues of unemployment and lost opportunities to the forefront.

Here at MEDA, we have followed these events with great interest, in the hope that more will be done to create sustainable economic opportunities for the large numbers of youth in these countries. The ILO estimates that in Egypt, youth constitute almost 60% of the country’s total unemployed.

MEDA has been active in Egypt since 2002, primarily in the area of youth and financial services. These mass demonstrations have served to reinforce our commitment to working with Egypt’s youth through projects such as PPIC-Work and YouthInvest.

PPIC-Work seeks to improve the working conditions and learning opportunities of working children who are engaged in the growing micro and small enterprise sector in Egypt.

YouthInvest partners with well-established microfinance institutions, banks and other organizations in Egypt and Morocco to increase financial services, training and job placements for youth ages 15 to 24.

Through these initiatives, we have seen youth learn how to increase their employability or start their own business. They are gaining an awareness of workplace safety and acquiring critical skills that contribute to personal success and a thriving economy.

Developing strong relationships

We have developed strong relationships and partnerships with a number of Egyptian organizations, from Alexandria to Aswan, and are enhancing their capacities so they can carry on this important work with youth when these projects end.

We have high hopes that positive change has begun and will result in a more inclusive society, where the new leadership will begin addressing the needs of those most vulnerable. This includes youth, but also women, children and those who are struggling to support themselves and their families.

We would like to thank our private, individual donors and The MasterCard Foundation and the Canadian International Development Agency for their ongoing support of this crucial work with Egyptian youth.

Together, we can bring new opportunities and new hope to this generation of young Egyptians, and those that follow.