Education For Employment (EFE)
is the leading nonprofit that trains youth and links them to jobs across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Who we are
We are a network of locally run NGOs across 10 countries connecting unemployed youth in the MENA region to the world of work. We work closely with local governments and the private sector to create programming that reflects the needs of today’s job market and make sure that upon graduation, our alumni are linked to tangible employment opportunities or receive support to start their own business.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create economic opportunities for unemployed youth in the MENA so that they can create a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Why We Do What We Do
MENA has one of the largest youth populations in the world, but it also has one of the highest youth unemployment rates. That’s a lot of untapped potential in one place. Imagine what all that young energy and talent could do for this region's future and its economy if given the chance. With nearly two decades addressing youth unemployment in MENA, there is still so much work to be done. We are committed to giving every young, unemployed person in MENA a chance for a brighter future.
United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Where it all began
Committed to advancing the employment landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), we invest in extensive research and data driven insights to gain valuable knowledge about the dynamics of the MENA employment market and inform our programs and strategy.
With a focus on inclusion, particularly for women and refugees, we develop innovative solutions to address the varying yet pressing employment challenges in the region. This investment is part of our efforts to create more economic opportunity for young people from Morrocco to Yemen, and support others who are doing similar work in the region.
EFE's first graduation in Gaza. Launch of EFE-Palestine
EFE-Europe is founded to support EFE's mission as EFE's European hub
First graduation in Jordan | 2022: 15,764 graduates
First graduation in Morocco | 2022: 56,695 graduates
First graduation in Yemen | 2022: 5,305 graduates
First graduation in Egypt | 2022: 10,563 graduates
Uprisings across the Arab world focus the world's attention on Arab youth unemployment
TIME 100 Most Influential List forI creating EFE
First graduation in Tunisia | 2022: 17,836 graduates
Awarded Schwab Foundation Global Social Entrepreneur
EFE-UAE launched as a regional hub for partnerships and local programs
First graduation in Saudi Arabia | 2022: 6,626 graduates
First graduation in the UAE | 2022: 1,255 graduates
First graduation in Algeria | 2022: 1.483
100,000th Graduate
Rapid-shift to online training
71% job placements despite COVID
135,000 Graduates
New program launches in Bahrain
EFE’s US offices are based in Washington D.C. and manage opportunities in North America. From US government agencies to corporations, and U.S.-based donors and funders we work closely with partners to further our mission. Education For Employment is a registered 501(c) non-profit in the U.S.
The EFE-Europe office is located in Madrid and serves as a thriving hub for advancing opportunities across the EU. Collaborating closely with governmental entities, EU donor agencies, and corporations, EFE-Europe is responsible for furthering our mission by leveraging European partnerships.
Strategically located in Dubai, our UAE hub office acts as a dynamic center for fostering opportunities within the region, working with regional corporations and global companies to advance EFE’s mission across the MENA region.