International Labor Organization (ILO) - implemented Employment for Youth in Egypt (EYE) project tackles economic vulnerability of young women and men in migration-prone areas by supporting the generation of decent employment opportunities created by and for the Youth themselves. It supports the establishment and capacity building of Youth Platforms as the sustainable mechanism to promote social enterprises, employment generation, social initiatives and social inclusion.
Today and according to the Egyptian national statistics; youth aged between 15 – 29 represent 26.2 million of the population (almost more than one-quarter of the total population), among each four of them; one young man or women is unemployed (24.8%). These striking figures call for more fierce interventions to provide youth with employment opportunity, which is the main driving factor of the desire to irregular migration. It has become a national priority on the government’s agenda to tackle the challenges of youth employment and migration in Egypt and responding to the needs of its growing young population.
The project has uniquely positioned itself to support existing and / or emerging Youth Platforms. Supporting such platforms stems from the belief that these platforms will unite local youth; allow them to increase their positive contribution to the local community and to make their voices heard. Through these platforms, the program will sponsor social inclusion and engagement initiatives for and by youth including the creation of social business. The program funding will thus not only allow to support relevant social development work, but by the same stroke, kick-start the social dynamics that will ensure sustainability. As appropriate, the program will support the formalization and registration of these platforms as legal entities, in accordance with the needs and aspirations of each group. Through these platforms, the proposed program will also be able to raise awareness among youth and families about of irregular migration, environmental threats, and good environmental practices at home and at the local communities.
Project Outcomes
Outcome 1: Economic vulnerability of young women and men in migration-prone areas in Nile Delta is reduced through better and greater decent jobs opportunities.
Outcome 2: The active participation and engagement of young women and men in their communities are promoted, and youth better understand their potential and play active role in their society.
ILO recently opened a call for proposals with the objective to supporting youth initiatives for social change, in Qalyoubia and Menofia, by building the capacities of youth new/existing platforms to have more and effective economic and social engagement in their communities, in a way to tackle environmental threats and irregular migration issues. The deadline for submission of applications is 22 September 2019.
Click here to know more about this ILO tender opportunity.