On World Day Against Child Labor.. Social Solidarity Ministry Reviews Efforts to Curb Practice

Marking the World Day Against Child Labor, Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity has outlined a broad range of initiatives aimed at preventing child labor, protecting vulnerable children, and addressing the root economic and social factors that drive children into the workforce.

Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy reviewed the ministry’s latest interventions as Egypt joined the international observance on June 12, reaffirming the country's commitment to safeguarding children's rights and fulfilling national and international obligations to eliminate child labor.

This year’s World Day Against Child Labor is being observed under the theme “A Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.” The campaign calls for stronger policies that prevent child labor and ensure access to quality education, comprehensive social protection, decent employment opportunities for adults, and improved enforcement of child protection laws.

According to the ministry, Egypt’s approach focuses on tackling the underlying causes of child labor rather than merely addressing its consequences. The strategy combines social protection, education, economic empowerment, awareness campaigns, and community-based interventions to reduce children's vulnerability to exploitation.

A key pillar of the government’s efforts is the Takaful and Karama conditional cash transfer program, which aims to reduce economic pressures that may compel families to send children to work at an early age.

The ministry reported that approximately 5.5 million children, from newborns up to 18 years old, are beneficiaries through households enrolled in the program.

To remain eligible for financial support, beneficiary families must ensure that school-age children maintain at least 80% attendance rates. Children from participating households are also exempt from school fees, helping reduce school dropout rates and encouraging continued enrollment.

The ministry has also expanded economic empowerment initiatives targeting low-income households, particularly female-headed families and other vulnerable groups.

Through vocational training programs and income-generation schemes, the government seeks to strengthen household financial stability and reduce dependence on child labor as a coping mechanism.

Egypt currently operates 70 vocational training centers for school dropouts and 399 technical guidance and skills development centers, providing beneficiaries with practical and professional skills designed to improve employability and household income.

The ministry highlighted the role of its 12 Child Labor Prevention Centers operating across 10 governorates. These centers serve as safe spaces for children at risk of labor exploitation and provide pathways back into education.

Between September 2024 and August 2025, the centers supported 519 children and their families, offering social care, educational and recreational activities, psychological support, awareness programs, and school reintegration services.

The centers primarily target children aged 7 to 18 who are either working or considered vulnerable to entering the labor market, particularly those living in disadvantaged or unsafe communities.

In partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the ministry launched the “The Scream” awareness initiative, aimed at educating communities about the dangers of child labor and promoting understanding of relevant international conventions and national legislation.

The program has reached more than 1,500 children in Assiut Governorate, in addition to hundreds of children in other regions.

The ministry also continues to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Labor through Egypt’s National Steering Committee on Child Labor and has contributed to the implementation of the National Action Plan for Combating the Worst Forms of Child Labor and Supporting Families (2018–2025).

Officials confirmed that work is currently underway to develop the second-generation national plan covering the period 2026–2030, in cooperation with United Nations agencies and national partners.

The ministry has also participated in social dialogue sessions focused on improving living wages for workers in Egypt’s jasmine supply chain in Gharbia Governorate, a sector where economic hardship can increase the risk of child labor.

As part of these efforts, authorities distributed food assistance to vulnerable families, including 365 food and meat packages in Qutur and 220 food packages in Basyoun, helping reduce financial pressures on households.

Beyond direct protection measures, the ministry has launched the “I Am Talented” initiative across five governorates to identify and nurture children's creative and innovative abilities.

The program aims to channel children's energy into positive educational and developmental activities while supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals.

Community outreach also remains central to prevention efforts. Social workers and community outreach leaders conduct home visits, awareness sessions, and case monitoring to identify at-risk children and connect families with support services.

The Ministry of Social Solidarity emphasized that combating child labor requires a comprehensive and sustainable approach that combines protection, education, economic opportunity, and public awareness, ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe environment.