Egypt and Switzerland on Monday extended an agreement to establish eight digital community centers for the next three years until 2025.
Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy, alongside Swiss ambassador to Egypt, Yvonne Baumann, witnessed the signing of the agreement on Monday, at the headquarters of the Civil Education Center, in cooperation with Terre des Hommes in Egypt.
The purpose of the centers is to empower refugees inside Egypt and Egyptian youth by developing social, life and entrepreneurship skills through technology, in addition to empowering and training them to benefit from the growing Egyptian digital economy.
Sobhy welcomed the Swiss ambassador and affirmed that the agreement comes in light of the importance the political leadership attaches to “building people”, investing in youth, raising institutional efficiency in all state agencies, as well as enhancing cooperation between development partners.
He added his ministry is pleased to put all its capabilities to serve the youth and expatriates who are in Egypt, qualify them technologically while providing decent job opportunities for them.
The minister referred to the role played by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in developing the skills of youth in various governorates and preparing them for the labor market to keep pace with development.
He stressed on the importance of enhancing cooperation between the commission, especially in regards to empowering women and prepare them market through youth centers.
For her part, Baumann said that Switzerland believes as Egypt does in empowering youth by developing their skills, providing career guidance and counseling, and facilitating their access to the labor market.
This partnership has become even more important in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, she added, stating that Switzerland is committed to supporting Egypt’s role in providing services and ensuring a decent life for refugees and migrants.
Baumann commended the Egyptian government for continuous efforts to absorb the large communities of immigrants and refugees who came to the country, even before the war in Sudan and since its outbreak.
The first year of the agreement saw youth trained in eight youth centers in the Tenth of Ramadan City, Ain Shams, Helmeyet al-Zatoun, Sheikh Zayed, New Maadi and others.
