Erasmus+ Initiative Enhances Education and Training in Egypt
The European Union’s Erasmus+ program, a funding scheme supporting activities in Education, Training, Youth, and Sport, offers a platform for organizations to collaborate in project partnerships across academic and vocational training, schools, adult learning, and European sport events. Under Key Action 2 (KA2), “Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices Capacity Building in the field of Higher Education ” enables organizations from different participating countries to develop, share, and transfer best practices and innovative approaches in education, training, and youth sectors.
eSTEM – The International Diploma for School Teachers in STEM Education Project
Al Alfi Foundation played a crucial role in the International Diploma for School Teachers in STEM Education (eSTEM) project by leading the monitoring and evaluation work package. This involved assessing the program’s alignment with intended learning outcomes and the development of related skills. Quality assurance was a priority, achieved through systematic monitoring focusing on course outcomes identification and teaching strategies. A comprehensive rubric, covering course layout, learning outcomes, materials, assessment, and activities, guided the evaluation process. Utilizing data from the diploma structure and core courses available on the project website, the report by Al Alfi Foundation aimed to provide insights into the diploma’s effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and offer recommendations to enhance STEM education for teachers.
STREAM – University Student Capacity Building: Towards Readiness for Sustainable Development-Oriented Regional Job Markets in Partner Countries
Launched in November 2020, STREAM is an Erasmus+ Project under Key Action 2. The project aims to develop globally exposed university graduates equipped with essential character, social, and cognitive skills, blended with academic and subject-matter competencies. STREAM prepares students for the fast-evolving job market, enabling them to integrate effectively into multi-cultural, diverse ecosystems in Egypt, Jordan, and Algeria. Al Alfi Foundation, a key partner in the consortium managing this project, actively participates in all project activities and has been instrumental in developing a Gap Analysis of existing and future student qualifications and the competencies needed by the market. This analysis forms the basis for designing the student journey throughout the university academic life cycle.
Al Alfi Foundation’s involvement included drafting the survey methodology, disseminating surveys among stakeholders, following up on data collection, and presenting the findings from surveys conducted in the partner countries. The reports provided by Al Alfi Foundation have increased awareness of current employability and market needs compatibility situations, guiding the development of project activities towards achieving its goals.
OPPM – Online Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Postgraduate Program
Despite the identified need for academic programs on pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine in Egypt and Lebanon, no substantial efforts have been made to address this gap. The healthcare community’s awareness of such programs is low, and there are no higher educational degrees for pharmacogenomics in the Middle East. This creates a pressing need for implementing personalized medicine educational programs in the core training of pharmacists and physicians.
The OPPM program, implemented under KA2 of Erasmus+, aims to increase awareness and emphasize the importance of pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine in enhancing community health. It also seeks to raise awareness among other target groups, including nurse practitioners, clinical scientists, pharmaceutical company workers, and medical research laboratories. The program utilizes online education, incorporating IT and e-laboratories to facilitate learning and extend its reach beyond Egypt and Lebanon. Identifying appropriate drugs for specific patient phenotypes can heighten drug efficacy, reduce adverse outcomes, increase cost-effectiveness, and boost public confidence in pharmaceuticals.
Al Alfi Foundation contributed to the development and reporting of a gap analysis on the need for postgraduate degrees in pharmacogenomics in Egypt and Lebanon. The Foundation also implemented quality control, monitoring, and quality assurance procedures, leading all dissemination and sustainability activities for the project.
About Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. This is nearly double the funding compared to its predecessor programme (2014-2020). The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. It supports priorities and activities set out in the European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan and the European Skills Agenda.
About Al Alfi Foundation
An independent philanthropic foundation established in 2008 focuses on human and social development through education and capacity building for Egyptian scientists, educators and gifted students in STEM education in Egypt.
We aim to build a knowledge-based economy and empower Egyptian youth for a sustainable future.