USAID Delegation Visits Egypt

US Agency for International Development (USAID) Acting Administrator John Barsa visited on Tuesday Egypt in support of the United States’ commitment to economic development and religious freedom.

Barsa headed a delegation including USAID Chief Advisor for International Religious Freedom Samah Norquist and Deputy Assistant to President Sarah Makin.

[caption id="attachment_156265" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Delegation[/caption]

Accompanied by US Ambassador in Cairo Jonathan R. Cohen, the delegation visited several historic sites in Old Cairo where USAID, helped in preserving and lowering the groundwater and installing sewer lines.

These sites included the Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, also known as the Hanging Church, where they met Bishop Youlious of Old Cairo.

[caption id="attachment_156262" align="aligncenter" width="682"] USAID Delegation at The Hanging Church[/caption]

USAID has provided more than $100 million to preserve and restore more than 70 historic sites in Egypt, saving these sites for future generations, expanding tourism, and generating income and jobs for Egyptians.

The delegation also met with faith-based organization Coptic Orphans. In partnership with Coptic Orphans, the United States has helped over 5,000 girls in Minya, Assiut, and Sohag to develop skills to become leaders in their communities.

Together with Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, the delegation visited Flat6Labs, where they met with young entrepreneurs to learn about their business plans and successes.

[caption id="attachment_156263" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Minister Al-Mashat and Ambassador Cohen[/caption]

The Flat6Labs, supported USAID and the Egyptian American Enterprise Fund, is the leading business accelerator in Egypt, helping 106 businesses create 7,450 jobs.

Since 2011, USAID, has invested over $150 million to support thousands of entrepreneurs and small- and medium-sized businesses in Egypt.

The day concluded with a celebration of the new Intercommunity Girls’ Empowerment program together with Al-Mashat, Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El Kabbag, President of the National Council of Women Dr. Maya Morsy, Cohen, and other distinguished guests.

The $3 million-program will reach 1,500 youth, parents, and community leaders in Upper Egypt to support economic development, promote understanding between religious communities, and strengthen girls’ access to education and employment.