The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) and UNICEF, with the support of the Education Above All Foundation (EAA), the Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt, and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), on Thursday unleashed a wave of opportunities for youth empowerment across Egypt with the inauguration of five new Innovation Labs in Giza, Qalioubeya, Kafr Elsheikh, Damietta, and Alexandria.
These labs as part of the UNICEF-supported ‘Meshwary’ programme under the auspices of the Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, are set to ignite social innovation, digital skills, and entrepreneurship among all youth, including migrants and refugees in Egypt.
The ‘Meshwary’ Innovation Labs offer training zones, computer labs with high-speed internet, fabrication spaces for hands-on prototyping, and collaborative coworking areas, all under one roof.
In his remarks at the inaugural event, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, said, "The launch of the Meshwary Innovation Labs is a real example of the government's efforts to empower young people. We believe that youth can shape the future of Egypt. This initiative, implemented in partnership with UNICEF, represents a significant step towards providing innovation support to enhance the capabilities of Egyptian youth across various governorates."
The Minister continued: "We believe that investing in the minds and talents of young people is the most important investment in sustainability, and innovation labs represent a new platform for expressing their energy and creating innovative solutions to societal issues. We will continue, with the support of the governmental leadership, to develop programmes and initiatives that give our youth the opportunity to be active partners in shaping the future."
The innovation labs are designed with inclusion at their core. They feature Braille signage, ramps, and elevators, ensuring accessibility for all young people.
In turn, Natalia Winder Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, said: “We are committed to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to thrive in today's dynamic world, and we aim to scale these Innovation Labs nationwide.”
“Thanks to the leadership of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, with the valued support of our development partners, these Innovation Labs will offer youth with a space where they will find dignity, ownership, and belonging,” she added.
Building on the 2022 launch of the first Innovation Lab in Cairo, these new labs are contributing to support the Government of Egypt advance its commitment—made during the High-Level Meeting in Tunisia in 2022—to reach 13.5 million young people with opportunities to learn, earn, and lead. They will also provide young people across the nation with access to opportunities, tools, and trust; determined to create a society where innovation and inclusion are the norm.
Follow the latest news on Google News
