For more than four decades, the collaboration between the U.S. and Egypt has thrived, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the USAID. Since 1978, USAID has made a substantial investment of more than $30 billion in Egypt, focusing on crucial sectors such as education, health, economic development and governance. With the poverty rate in Egypt standing at 29.7% across its population, USAID is doing everything it can to support the overall growth of the country. The tangible impact of USAID programs in Egypt is evident in the positive transformations across Egyptian society, reaching women, minorities, and the broader population.
Education for Empowerment
Education stands at the core of USAID’s commitment to Egypt’s future. More than half of students in Egypt do not even meet the lowest benchmarks when it comes to international test assessments. However, the agency has significantly enhanced reading abilities in early grades, creating a foundation for lifelong learning. With a specific focus on STEM education, USAID has established schools and degree programs to equip students with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving job market. By fostering critical thinking over rote memorization, USAID is not only contributing to Egypt’s economic growth but is also preparing a skilled workforce for the challenges of the 21st century.
A noteworthy initiative in this regard is the USAID Egyptian Pioneers program which was established in November 2022, for which USAID has awarded the American University in Cairo $86 million. This nine-year cooperative agreement aims to provide scholarships and training to Egyptian students, emphasizing sectors critical to “Egypt’s economic growth, including women’s empowerment, health, digitization…” The program seeks to build a more inclusive and capable workforce, addressing the needs of young, low-income Egyptians and empowering them with market-relevant knowledge and skills.
Economic Growth and Prosperity
With its investment, USAID has facilitated the expansion of telecommunications networks and enhanced water and wastewater facilities, benefitting more than 25 million people. By supporting the private sector, USAID has created jobs, stimulated entrepreneurship and strengthened enterprises, contributing significantly to the realization of Egypt’s Vision 2030.
To support Egyptian university students in launching successful careers, USAID, alongside the Egyptian government and private companies, is setting up 30 career centers at 22 public universities. These centers will offer internships, training and other career development programs. USAID has also organized three virtual career fairs, connecting students with employers and generating nearly 20,000 job opportunities.
Additionally, USAID is partnering with Google to provide 500 students with professional certificates. In workforce development, USAID is enhancing technical education to meet industry needs, resulting in thousands of jobs and internships. It is implementing the “3R” strategy with 30 companies to recruit, retrain, and retain workers.
Agricultural Transformation
Recognizing the vital role of agriculture in the Egyptian economy, USAID has invested $1.4 billion in the sector since 1978. These investments have not only increased agricultural export revenue by 1,500% but have also empowered small-scale farmers. Through innovative technologies, training and market-oriented strategies, USAID has elevated the entire agriculture value chain, ensuring that farmers meet international standards and gain confidence in their products.
The Feed the Future Egypt Rural Agribusiness Strengthening initiative is a USAID program that began in 2018 and has continued expanding into 2023, USAID aids farmers in improving self-reliance and producing export-quality crops. Aligned with the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security campaign, this program connects Egyptian farmers and food processors with domestic and international markets, offers financial support and promotes food safety practices. Additionally, it modernizes agribusinesses by upgrading processing facilities, refrigeration trucks and irrigation systems. USAID programs in Egypt like this one are being used to grow the agricultural sector in order to help economic growth and food security within the country.
Current Programs and Future Prospects
The ongoing USAID programs in Egypt reflect a commitment to sustainability and continued impact. The Center of Excellence for Agriculture established in 2019 and expanding into 2024 supports research necessary for the steady growth of Egypt’s economic and agriculture sectors. Providing them with vital agricultural information that can be used to capitalize on Egypt’s current agricultural strengths.
In education, USAID’s initiatives such as STEM Teacher Education, Early Grade Learning, Teach for Tomorrow and Literate Village are addressing the challenges in the education system and preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce.
As the partnership between the U.S. and Egypt continues to evolve, USAID remains dedicated to creating lasting positive change. Through strategic investments, collaborative efforts and a focus on sustainability, USAID contributes to the realization of a prosperous and inclusive Egypt.
– Tristen Jerkins
Photo: Flickr
Mental Health in Tuvalu
Threats of Isolation
A current and life-threatening issue for Tuvalu and its government in recent years has been the with impending effects of the weather changing patterns. Surrounded by nothing but the roaring sea, the worsening elements slowly rip Tuvalu apart. A study highlighted the direct links between weather issues and mental health, as a result of people fear toward the issue. The impact of such stress can cause an increase in heightened cases of psychological distress and increased rates of psychiatric disorder, alongside issues such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and alcohol abuse.
Lack of Access to Mental Health Care
Although direct informative links detail mental health statistics, there is limited knowledge and support for islanders affected by various mental health issues. Although laws exist protecting those suffering from mental health, medical support nears nothing. No mental health hospitals stand on the island, nor do mental health nurses or psychiatrists assist those suffering. The remoteness of the Island heavily contributes to the lack of resources. There is a great lack of nurses and doctors, specifically zero mental health nurses and psychiatrists to treat and administer help for mental health issues for the 11,000-strong population.
The rates of mental health issues in Tuvalu compared to other nations appear relatively low. The lack of support and medical financing likely causes lower rates of mental health conditions. For depressive rates, 3.1% of the population has received a diagnosis with depressive disorders as of 2015, a stark difference from a nation such as Australia which sits at 5.9%, a nation with much more support for those with mental health issues. Although no direct links seem to exist between mental health and poverty, the two fail to assist each other well. If the people struggle, the country continues to struggle. Due to the small size of Tuvalu, there is a risk of those with mental health issues being forgotten about, as there is a lack of resources to help them.
Mental Health and Poverty
Various studies have shown that there is a clear relationship between mental health and poverty; with there being various reasons pertaining to why, such as depression and anxiety being the most common. Due to Tuvalu’s geographical location, natural disasters heavily affect it. Due to the remoteness of Tuvalu, there is a lack of sufficient evidence regarding poverty and issues such as homelessness which is a contributing factor to mental health across the globe. However, some research suggests there is a strong correlation between these two issues.
Financial Aid for Tuvalu
Despite the harsh, current conditions that Tuvaluans are experiencing, largely related to a change in the weather patterns, in 2021, The World Bank directors approved a $17.5 million commitment which would give Tuvalu greater and important access to essential resources, which may alleviate mental stresses due to changing weather. The money also aims to improve access to education for the children of Tuvalu, specifically children with disabilities. Additionally, the aid will help improve public health, funding it appropriately.
New Zealand has a long friendship with Tuvalu, assisting it and its economy in many ways; particularly through trading and hopefully the help will allow Tuvalu to further thrive. The combined efforts of the Tuvaluan government, organizations and countries alike are slowly relieving the strain on the economy and may help address mental health challenges as well.
Initiative to Address Mental Health
Alongside the financial assistance, the nation has received $15 million in grants to fund its health service. The money largely aims to improve general health services but will also assist those who suffer from mental health issues in Tuvalu. The grant could allow the nation to build a new ward in the capital’s hospital and from that, possess the ability to help hundreds more people. Mental health issues are often worsened through general suffering, disease and stress. Hopefully, the financial support can alleviate these issues.
– Lily Thornhill
Photo: Flickr
Poverty Innovations in Zambia
The Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project (ZATP)
ZATP is an initiative with a focus on enhancing Zambia’s economy. This project provides financial aid through grants and business development services to make the country’s small-scale agriculture more competitive. It also aims to encourage partnerships between farmers and buyers. This allows smallholder farmers to have access to much larger markets. As of September 2023, the project has supported 98,000 beneficiaries directly, thus helping to eradicate poverty.
Availability of Safe Water and Sanitation
Out of Zambia’s population (19.6 million), 32% lack access to basic water services and 53% lack access to basic sanitation services. Hence, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) investments aim to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. This is part of an initiative called “The First 1,000 Most Critical Days Program”, referring to the first 1,000 days of life after birth, where access to water and sanitation is most vital for physical and mental development. USAID supports the research of this project, providing financial aid to water supply and sanitation companies to improve the efficiency of their delivery and the extent of their reach as an initiative towards poverty eradication in Zambia.
Benefitting Girls and Women
The Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods Project (GEWEL) promotes societal inclusion for women. It has received trust fund grants from Irish Aid, the U.K.’s Foreign, Common and Development Office and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The second phase of the project runs from 2020 to 2024 and has, thus far, benefitted 75,000 women in 51 Zambian districts, providing them with life and business skills as well as a cash grant. Additionally, GEWEL will expand bursary coverage from 14,000 girls in 27 districts to 43,000 girls in 39 districts to provide girls with access to secondary education, helping to set up the future of Zambia’s fight against poverty.
Household Energy Usage
The Zambian government, with the aid of the World Bank, introduced initiatives to improve access to electricity across the nation. The Electricity Service Access Project (ESAP) has been active since June 2018 and has been operational since June 2018 and is slated to continue for five years. The ESAP aims to benefit 22,000 low-income households and 1,000 rural Small Enterprises by subsidizing the cost of grid connection. As of January 10, 2022, the ESAP successfully connected 40,346 beneficiaries, helping to aid poverty innovations.
The Power Africa project, funded by USAID, increases access to clean energy sources in rural areas. Zambia often experiences national power blackouts because 85% of electricity comes from hydropower, which is often impacted by droughts and flooding. As a result, the Government of Zambia has set a goal of universal electricity access for all Zambians by 2030. Therefore, Power Africa encourages investment in other energy sectors, for instance, solar energy use in health clinics. This initiative has aided the development of 208 megawatts of electricity generation projects in the nation.
Health Care
The Southern Africa Tuberculosis and Health System Support Project was established as a regional center to help those suffering from occupational lung diseases. The project supports laboratories in meeting regional procedure standards, thereby improving the efficiency of monitoring Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. The project also gives case notifications, which have been particularly vital in recent years, when tuberculosis case notifications rose from 27,700 to 29,700 per year (2021) in targeted geographical locations.
Zambia’s poverty innovations have also focused on eradicating undernutrition, which is responsible for 20% of maternal deaths and 45% of child deaths. With support from USAID, the 1,000 Most Critical Days Project aims to advocate the importance of good nutrition and integrate food security and economic growth into all community activities. This program has made vital progress in health and nutrition, as well as supporting the production and consumption of food, which provides nutrition in all of the 42 districts of Zambia.
– Eva McMonigle
Photo: Flickr
WHO’s Health Emergency Appeal 2024
Threats posed, like outbreaks of infectious diseases, have left almost 300 million people in need of humanitarian protection globally. The appeal acknowledges that a lack of access to medical care places an economic burden on individuals during medical crises, perpetuating poverty. As a result, the appeal extends its consideration to people worldwide who require humanitarian care in general.
Decreasing Humanitarian Funding Around the Globe
Humanitarian care across the globe has been vastly underfunded in recent years. It reached its lowest point in 2023 when health cluster partners received only 12% of the funding they appealed for. According to WHO Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, inaction by member states has put millions of lives at risk in the long term.
WHO’s Health Emergency Appeal for 2024 intends to reverse the cycle of humanitarian underfunding by requesting increased amounts of assistance from states like Germany and Saudi Arabia. Germany and Saudi Arabia have already contributed to the cause in significant ways.
KSRelief, a Saudi Arabian NGO that provides humanitarian care on the global level, has collaborated with the WHO in five instances to improve disease-prevention measures. In addition, Germany has already pledged $10 million for the appeal, with more aid coming in the shape of medical support for WHO regional missions in countries like Ukraine, Gaza and Egypt.
How the WHO Will Use Appeal Funds
To address humanitarian crises timely and robustly, the WHO hopes to optimize its use of funds secured through the appeal. The organization’s response consists of detecting medical threats in impoverished regions, deploying resources such as medical personnel and supplies and forming health systems that provide medical assistance against future threats.
This year’s appeal deals with an exceptional number of humanitarian crises. Armed conflict and/or repressive governments in countries like Isreal, Sudan, Ukraine and Somalia became more devastating in 2024. This situation makes these countries vulnerable to medical threats, further impoverishing their populations.
A key goal listed in documents connected to the WHO’s 2024 appeal is adapting to local environments within target countries. Adaptation to the local environment would ensure that important variables such as individual wealth and availability of medical facilities are considered when formulating a response to health emergencies. By working with a network of local partners in target regions, the WHO can succeed in its mission, which involves providing unique humanitarian assistance to communities whose needs and issues vary significantly.
Satisfying the quota of funds listed in the appeal ($1.5 billion) would allow the WHO to employ a larger medical workforce, deliver greater amounts of specialist supplies and ultimately form medical systems capable of providing long-term medical care in impoverished regions. Such assistance would lift millions out of health-related poverty in developing countries. Additionally, it will help provide jobs, contributing to the improvement of the economy in developed countries.
– Parth Mishra
Photo: Flickr
The Graduation Approach and Poverty Alleviation in Bangladesh
The innovative strategies of BRAC’s “Graduation Approach” have been instrumental in uplifting the impoverished and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Built upon the hopes of addressing multidimensional poverty, it has effectively contributed to the sustained alleviation of poverty in Bangladesh.
The Graduation Approach in Bangladesh
The Graduation Approach is a multifaceted intervention designed to empower the ultra-poor by combining asset transfer, skills training, access to financial services and coaching. In Bangladesh, this approach has been implemented through various programs, with one of the most notable initiatives being the Targeting Ultra Poor (TUP) program launched by BRAC. The TUP program has demonstrated the transformative power of the Graduation Approach.
Central to the approach is the concept of asset transfer, which involves providing participants with productive assets, such as livestock, tools or seeds, to kickstart income-generating activities. As agriculture in Bangladesh plays a central role in the economy, asset transfer has enabled participants to establish small businesses. Subsequently, rural areas have reduced poverty between 2010 and 2016, accounting for 90% of the poverty alleviation.
In addition to asset transfer, the Graduation Approach places a strong emphasis on skills development and training. In Bangladesh, this has materialized in the form of tailored training programs that equip participants with the knowledge and expertise needed to effectively manage their businesses or agricultural activities. This training has enabled people living in poverty to make informed decisions and optimize their resources. Such training initiatives have contributed to the long-term success of the Graduation Approach in alleviating poverty. It has been proven that combining large-scale asset transfers and skills training equips the ultra-poor with access to self-employment and increases earnings by 37%.
Access to financial services is another critical facet of this approach. In Bangladesh, the provision of microcredit and savings facilities has empowered participants to invest in their enterprises, build assets and weather financial shocks. Coaching and mentorship are also integral components of the Graduation Approach. For instance, 11,864 workers have received financial services and financial literary education across 30 factories in Savar, Tongi and Gazipur. This presence of coaches and mentors has not only offered practical assistance but has also empowered participants with the confidence to be self-sufficient.
The Positive Impact
The poverty progress in Bangladesh has been striking, with the Ultra-Poor Graduation program reaching more than nine million people in two million households and helping 95% of participants escape extreme poverty. This level of success has allowed the BRAC Ultra-Poor initiative to be implemented in 13 other countries, including Ethiopia, Honduras and Pakistan. Such implementation has occurred through technical assistance to governments and NGO partners. By showcasing how national approaches by governments can drive progress in poverty reduction, the graduation approach has demonstrated a ripple effect.
One of the key strengths of the Graduation Approach is its potential for scalability and sustainability. The approach fosters self-reliance by equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to manage their livelihoods. In influencing policy change to support the uptake of the Graduation Approach, it is believed that up to 21 million people can escape poverty by 2026. The program’s encouraging success in Bangladesh paves the way for similar development worldwide.
– Chloe Zyko
Photo: Flickr
The Bolivian Chagas Platform
Chagas claims more than 12,000 lives each year and is the leading cause of heart disease in the Americas. However, the disease is treatable. While most Chagas patients are infected as children, symptoms often only manifest in adulthood, by which time it is often too late. The majority of cases occur in poor communities in Central and South America, where 99% remain ultimately untreated due to inadequate global Chagas surveillance. Today, Bolivia has the highest worldwide prevalence of Chagas disease.
Bolivia’s Efforts at Disease Control
Although the Bolivian Ministry of Health declared the prevention and treatment of Chagas to be of national interest, lack of resources, management, implementation and regulation of solutions prevented the introduction of treatment until the early 2000s.
In 2009, in conjunction with the CEADES Foundation and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Bolivia established the Platform for the Integral Care of Patients with Chagas Disease. The platform aimed to provide comprehensive care for individuals with chronic infection. It was based on four pillars:
The Bolivian Chagas Platform developed a two-stage plan aimed at addressing the situation. First, the platform implemented a top-down test program to introduce a health care plan using protocols to work closely with local health authorities in seven local centers. From 2009 to 2014, the program was recognized as a successful approach for effectively handling Chagas disease in three of Bolivia’s most affected cities.
In the second phase of the Bolivian Chagas platform, starting in 2015, the model was expanded to 52 primary health care centers. This expansion was achieved through a decentralized and horizontally scaled-up approach. At the end of the second phase in 2018, more than 181,000 people at risk for Chagas received testing, resulting in a 32% increase in diagnoses and considerably improved patient care. Additionally, 67% of health care workers in the intervention area received training specific to the Chagas Platform guidelines. Chagas screening has now been implemented for regulatory health care visits.
Current Situation and the Way Forward
Although Bolivia ranks as the leading country in the global prevalence of Chagas, it fell from first to fourth position in terms of the number of people infected by the disease as of 2015, after the program’s first stage. The global impact of Chagas disease has demonstrated a consistent decrease in the number of cases.
While most are still concentrated in Latin America, the rising numbers in North America and Europe underscore the need to screen high-risk populations and increase awareness of this overlooked tropical disease. Chagas persists today as an endemic disease in 21 countries. With adequate resources, quality of diagnosis, proper treatment and primary health care integration, the effects of the Bolivian Chagas Platform can ensure long-term success.
– Bella Simokaitis
Photo: Flickr
Roadside Clinics in Africa Helping Hard to Reach Communities
Established in 2006– initially in response to health care needs of migrant communities during the height of the AIDS epidemic–, local nonprofit known as North Star Alliance, has responded to this challenge with what they call Blue Blox Clinics, roadside clinics in Africa offering often-free, mobile health care to go.
The Economics of Mobile Health Clinics
According to Mobile Health Map, mobile health clinics offer high-quality care at a reduced cost compared to traditional health care delivery methods. Their data indicates that for every $1 invested in mobile health services, $12 is saved.
These projects aim to provide cost-efficient solutions that don’t rely on frequent, additional visits. Tactical, prevention-focused treatments from roadside clinics provide, on average, the equivalent of 65 years of perfect health, considering both the length and quality of life.
Upcycling to Innovate
Made from recycled shipping containers, North Star’s Blue Box clinics are strategically located along busy transportation routes in East and Southern Africa.
Specifically, the project has displayed a commitment to quality health care that extends beyond traditional health care settings, reaching individuals who may not have easy access to medical facilities due to their transient lifestyles or remote locations. With many patients residing along the Kenyan-Ugandan border, these roadside clinics in Africa accommodate difficulties that traveling and crossing borders present to keeping an account of extensive health information.
Roadside clinics in Africa provide an array of solutions via referrals, prevention, outpatient care and treatment, some of which include:
Success and Scaling Up
North Star currently operates 23 roadside clinics in 10 countries in Africa. In 2022, more than 50,000 truck drivers were reached through the program and more than 2 million individuals received care since the clinics’ inception.
Mobile health care clinics like these stand to provide treatment to predominantly mobile or low-income communities, at a necessarily and exorbitantly lower rate than traditional hospitals or health facilities.
Looking Forward
North Star’s roadside clinics in Africa serve as community anchors, fostering a sense of security and support among travelers and residents. By offering a range of services tailored to the diverse needs of the population, including vaccinations, consultations and basic medications, these clinics contribute significantly to promoting public health and safety along Africa’s roads.
Through tireless dedication and strategic placement, North Star’s roadside clinics serve as beacons of care, enhancing the overall health infrastructure and resilience of the communities they serve. The organization plans to implement more clinics in underserved areas to meet demands for health services.
Investments in health are investments in people and properly scaling up means to acquire vital health services is imperative to securing a future of healthy individuals.
– Bella Simokaitis
Photo: Unsplash
8 Facts about Education in the South Pacific
8 Facts about Education in the South Pacific
Looking Ahead
Significant work remains to advance educational opportunities in the South Pacific, but initiatives are underway to foster development across the board. By strengthening partnerships and leveraging international support, the region is taking steps toward a more inclusive and effective educational landscape.
– Chloe Thomas
Photo: Flickr
Innovation and Development in Armenia: Success and Optimism
Background
The current situation in Armenia is complicated: although the nation has seen its Human Development Index increase by more than 20% since 1991, more than a quarter of Armenians were still living below the poverty line in 2019 and every third child is currently living in poverty. These consequences can be partially attributed to the trend of over-reliance on a few sources of prosperity, such as the export of commodity goods, tourism and financial services, which has restricted the opportunities available in the country to working-age individuals and their children.
Furthermore, Armenia had the largest agriculture sector as a proportion of GDP among Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus (EESC) countries at 11% in 2021. The need for modernization and diversification is key to Armenia’s development success and the nation has solid foundations for continued poverty alleviation to be achieved. Armenians can look within for inspiration, with exciting, high-value industries such as the ICT sector proving to be catalysts for new growth and innovation. This highlights the importance of sustained innovation, education, opportunity creation, creativity and modernization for the ongoing development success of Armenia.
Government Initiatives
The Ministry of High-Tech Industry seeks to capitalize on Armenia’s high-tech potential by improving education in the sector. This initiative aims to attract influence from foreign high-tech specialists and establish a National Venture Fund to provide grants and support for startups in the country.
Armenia typically struggles with high outmigration. So, supporting bright young prospects as soon as they enter the labor force may lead to further innovations and the growth of new markets in the country. Furthermore, the arrival of tech specialists from Russia has “opened up new opportunities, with the potential to positively affect start-up creation, investment and growth of the ICT sector.”
The Ministry is also planning to increase the digital literacy of the general population through digital education programs and the widespread expansion of high-tech communication services. This is to ensure public digital literacy, improve accessibility to digital services for persons with disabilities and ensure the availability of a fixed internet connection.
Armenia has a legacy of “entrepreneurial culture and pockets of innovation excellence, such as the information and communication technology service exports sector.” Therefore, “strengthening innovation will play a central role in ensuring the country’s sustainable development, building a solid foundation for its transition to a knowledge-based economy.” New sources of growth for Armenia’s economy will inevitably bring some relief to the worst off in society, as the nation will be able to move away from things such as remittances from Russia to boost GDP, which usually only benefit the better-off.
NGO and International Efforts
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development laid out its priorities in its 2019-2024 country plan for Armenia. It is prioritizing increasing the ability of small- and medium-sized enterprises to grow and add value, broadening access to finance, in particular for underserved segments and improving economic governance and greater competition. It will aim to achieve these goals by providing direct financing to SMEs, supporting the introduction of innovative technologies, bringing together and working with various financial interest groups and improving the quality of legal, institutional and regulatory frameworks that competition authorities can tackle monopolies.
Furthermore, The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has been doing great work in Armenia. This includes investing in small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting local start-up initiatives and tourism development. The program is actively boosting entrepreneurism, developing a future-proof labor market and improving preparedness for shocks in rural communities. Through the promotion of technology-based education, re/up-skilling and upgraded public service models, the livelihoods of nearly 30,000 people have been strengthened to date.
Conclusion
While Armenia continues to work through difficult circumstances, the country is full of exciting initiatives seeking to push it far beyond simple subsistence.
– Arshiya Eslamdoust
Photo: Unsplash
USAID programs in Egypt
Education for Empowerment
Education stands at the core of USAID’s commitment to Egypt’s future. More than half of students in Egypt do not even meet the lowest benchmarks when it comes to international test assessments. However, the agency has significantly enhanced reading abilities in early grades, creating a foundation for lifelong learning. With a specific focus on STEM education, USAID has established schools and degree programs to equip students with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving job market. By fostering critical thinking over rote memorization, USAID is not only contributing to Egypt’s economic growth but is also preparing a skilled workforce for the challenges of the 21st century.
A noteworthy initiative in this regard is the USAID Egyptian Pioneers program which was established in November 2022, for which USAID has awarded the American University in Cairo $86 million. This nine-year cooperative agreement aims to provide scholarships and training to Egyptian students, emphasizing sectors critical to “Egypt’s economic growth, including women’s empowerment, health, digitization…” The program seeks to build a more inclusive and capable workforce, addressing the needs of young, low-income Egyptians and empowering them with market-relevant knowledge and skills.
Economic Growth and Prosperity
With its investment, USAID has facilitated the expansion of telecommunications networks and enhanced water and wastewater facilities, benefitting more than 25 million people. By supporting the private sector, USAID has created jobs, stimulated entrepreneurship and strengthened enterprises, contributing significantly to the realization of Egypt’s Vision 2030.
To support Egyptian university students in launching successful careers, USAID, alongside the Egyptian government and private companies, is setting up 30 career centers at 22 public universities. These centers will offer internships, training and other career development programs. USAID has also organized three virtual career fairs, connecting students with employers and generating nearly 20,000 job opportunities.
Additionally, USAID is partnering with Google to provide 500 students with professional certificates. In workforce development, USAID is enhancing technical education to meet industry needs, resulting in thousands of jobs and internships. It is implementing the “3R” strategy with 30 companies to recruit, retrain, and retain workers.
Agricultural Transformation
Recognizing the vital role of agriculture in the Egyptian economy, USAID has invested $1.4 billion in the sector since 1978. These investments have not only increased agricultural export revenue by 1,500% but have also empowered small-scale farmers. Through innovative technologies, training and market-oriented strategies, USAID has elevated the entire agriculture value chain, ensuring that farmers meet international standards and gain confidence in their products.
The Feed the Future Egypt Rural Agribusiness Strengthening initiative is a USAID program that began in 2018 and has continued expanding into 2023, USAID aids farmers in improving self-reliance and producing export-quality crops. Aligned with the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security campaign, this program connects Egyptian farmers and food processors with domestic and international markets, offers financial support and promotes food safety practices. Additionally, it modernizes agribusinesses by upgrading processing facilities, refrigeration trucks and irrigation systems. USAID programs in Egypt like this one are being used to grow the agricultural sector in order to help economic growth and food security within the country.
Current Programs and Future Prospects
The ongoing USAID programs in Egypt reflect a commitment to sustainability and continued impact. The Center of Excellence for Agriculture established in 2019 and expanding into 2024 supports research necessary for the steady growth of Egypt’s economic and agriculture sectors. Providing them with vital agricultural information that can be used to capitalize on Egypt’s current agricultural strengths.
In education, USAID’s initiatives such as STEM Teacher Education, Early Grade Learning, Teach for Tomorrow and Literate Village are addressing the challenges in the education system and preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce.
As the partnership between the U.S. and Egypt continues to evolve, USAID remains dedicated to creating lasting positive change. Through strategic investments, collaborative efforts and a focus on sustainability, USAID contributes to the realization of a prosperous and inclusive Egypt.
– Tristen Jerkins
Photo: Flickr
Helping the Deaf Community in Pakistan
The following is an overview of five organizations dedicated to helping the deaf community in Pakistan overcome obstacles that contribute to their poverty. Ayesha Raza, whose parents and brothers are deaf, remarked in 2022 that “the majority of the deaf youth is unemployed in Pakistan, and they face issues like language barriers, inequality and discrimination.”
5 Organizations Helping the Deaf Community in Pakistan
Looking Ahead
The deaf community in Pakistan continues to face many challenges related to discrimination and lack of access to resources compared to their hearing counterparts. However, these five organizations have made great progress toward promoting equitable access for deaf Pakistanis in the future.
– Natalie Coyne
Photo: Flickr