Higher Education for Life and Work (HELW) Initiative Boosts Career Opportunities for Egyptian Youth

The Higher Education for Life and Work (HELW) project, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with Al Alfi, iCareer, Advance HE, and the UK  Prosperity Fund – Skills for Prosperity Egypt, is making significant strides in enhancing career prospects for Egyptian youth. This initiative aims to bolster the Ministry for Higher Education and Scientific Research, select Egyptian universities, private sector organizations, and university graduates to improve career guidance and match young people with decent employment opportunities.

The HELW project focuses on contributing to Egypt’s capacity for inclusive economic growth, particularly by improving labor market outcomes for youth from specific target groups. By partnering with the Ministry for Higher Education and Scientific Research, HELW supports the ministry in designing programs and policies that align with labor market trends through innovative technology platforms. Additionally, the project provides direct career guidance to young graduates, facilitating their transition from education to employment.

The HELW initiative was executed in two phases

• Phase I

  Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in May 2007, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) has led and implemented pioneering programmes aimed at establishing Dubai and the UAE as the centre for knowledge and research.
  MBRF aims to empower future generations and enable them to devise sustainable solutions to facilitate the process of knowledge and research in the Arab World. The Foundation is committed to create knowledge-based societies throughout the region by funding research projects, activities, and initiatives. It nurtures ideas and innovation while focusing on its main pillars which are education, entrepreneurship, and research and development.

• Phase II

  Al Alfi, in collaboration with the ILO, implemented a series of initiatives aimed at building the capacity of graduates. This included core skills training and English language courses. The “Be Ready Programme” offered English language training to 630 graduates in collaboration with Berlitz, providing approximately 120 hours of training across two levels.
  Additionally, 1100 graduates received core skills training, focusing on interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, as outlined in the latest World Economic Forum Report. This phase also included the Business Plan Competition, which provided mentorship, training, and financial awards to university students eager to transform their ideas into viable business models. Candidates underwent Bootcamp training and had the opportunity to pitch their startup ideas to business leaders, investors, and members of the Egyptian entrepreneurship ecosystem.

  In addition to these training programs, Al Alfi was responsible for drafting the MoHESR Strategy 2030. This comprehensive strategy was developed in close coordination with the Ministry and provides a detailed framework for the development of higher education in Egypt, addressing social, economic, and cultural challenges. Another notable activity was the organization of a STEM Bootcamp targeting middle school students from public national schools. Held at The Greek Campus from January 29th to February 5th, 2023, the Bootcamp aimed to raise awareness and interest in STEM fields among students, fostering creativity and a well-rounded education essential for Egypt’s development.

About The International Labour Organization (ILO)

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace.
The only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919 the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.

About iCareer

Established in 2011, iCareer staff has over 10 years of experience in employment services over the Middle East and other regions of the world. We delight ourselves in our extremely unique personal, knowledge-based recruitment & training services allowing us to give true knowledge and industry perception to our applicants and customers, while supplying long lasting recruitment & training solutions. iCareer is part of The Alliance company , a reputable Egyptian company based in 6th of October, Great Cairo.

About Advance HE

Advance HE is a member-led charity of and for the sector that works with partners across the globe to improve higher education for staff, students and society.
We are experts in higher education, with a particular focus on teaching and learning, governance, leadership development and equality, diversity and inclusion. We work with our network of global associates and partners, and with people, providers and systems around the world, to understand different contexts and challenges in the higher education sector, and to deliver solutions.

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.