Egypt
Shahinaz Reda Ahmed, CEO, EFE-Egypt
Ms. R. Ahmed has worked for over 14 years in educational management, planning, and delivery, holding positions at AMIDEAST, the American University in Cairo, the Fulbright Commission, and the Arab Academy for Science and Technology. Additionally, she has held consulting positions with USAID, Community and Institutional Development, and Logic Consulting. Ms. Ahmed holds a Master’s degree in Education and International Development from the Institute of Education, University of London, a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the American University in Cairo, and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Alexandria, Egypt.
About EFE-Egypt
Egypt is facing a rising unemployment crisis particularly following the Arab Spring. Although the official unemployment rate is 8 percent, actual unemployment is estimated at 15-25 percent. Egypt will need to generate 450,000 new jobs each year just to keep its current unemployment rate from rising even higher, given soaring population growth – a projected increase of more than 25 percent in just two decades.
EFE Egypt was established in 2007 to give youth a brighter future while helping business find skilled staff they need. With support from the United States Department of State’s Office of The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and local corporate partners and donors, EFE-Egypt has launched programs for textile and banking industries and as well as workplace training courses. In July, 2010, EFE-Egypt launched a program for junior professionals that support local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Doaa, a graduate of EFE’s Merchandiser Training Program
Beyond acquiring the skills necessary to succeed as a textile merchandiser, Doaa gained the self-confidence and motivation she had always sought. “Now I'm aware of the world and people around me. I'm not nervous anymore and I learned a lot on how to communicate with people. Even my family and husband felt this change; they see I’m more open to life, not nervous and greatly motivated with trust in myself and my capabilities. ” Doaa plans to help others achieve what she has through the MTP program.
EFE Egypt’s Programs
The Banking Training Program
The Banking Training Program (BTP) was launched in 2009 with support from the U.S. Department of State Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to train unemployed University graduates to work as customer service personnel and tellers at bank branches in Cairo.
The Textile Training Program
The Textile Merchandiser Training Program (MTP) was also launched in 2009 with support from the U.S. Department of State Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to train University graduates to be textile merchandisers in the ready-made garment industry in Egypt. This industry greatly contributes to Egypt’s GDP and is one of the largest industry employers in Egypt.
The Junior Professional Training Program
The Junior Professionals Training Program (JPTP) for SMEs was launched in 2010 to train university graduates to be entry-level professionals with Egyptian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), bringing together modules of EFE-Egypt’s successful training programs, to offer employers a comprehensive training program that is also adaptable to their industry specific needs.
The School to Market Program
The School-to-Market Program was launched in 2010 to train university seniors in Workplace Success and integrated business skills linked directly to internships with companies in the country, where participants will gain the skills and experience that they need to secure employment in the private sector following graduation.
The Civic Engagement Program
“Musharka” Civic Engagement Program – Launched in March 2011, is an exciting program committed to strengthening the understanding of civil society, the spirit of community, social entrepreneurship and volunteerism among students, while equipping students with the skills needed to enter the job market. Graduates are then placed as interns in NGOs where they will not only implement their projects but also assist NGOs in the very critical work they are currently doing.
Board Members
Anis Aclimandos
Board Chair, President of TransCentury Associates
Ahmed Abou Ali
Partner at Hassouna and Abou Ali Law Firm
Walid Bakr
Principal, Riyada Enterprise Development, Abraaj Group
Ron Bruder
Founder and Chair, EFE-Global
Adel Danish
Chairman and CEO of MASREYA Information System
Hisham Fahmy
CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt
Wael Fakharany
Regional Manager, Google Egypt and North Africa
Jamie McAuliffe
President & CEO, EFE-Global
Gamal Moharam
Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce
Shahira Zeid
Vice Chairman and CEO, MZ Investments
