Minister Nevine Kabbaj has eloquently emphasized the Ministry's comprehensive approach, harmoniously interweaving the threads of social protection and economic empowerment. This visionary paradigm underscores the profound significance of labor and productivity as linchpins for nurturing and uplifting local communities.
The Ministry's mandate encompasses the robust support and facilitation of target groups, enhancing their capacities, streamlining their access to favorable loans, and orchestrating the transfer of productive assets. These measures synergistically propel the wheels of production and employment, driving progress and prosperity.
In the words of Mr. Mohamed Al-Atreby, the pledge of EGP 50 million translates into tangible opportunities for job creation. This infusion of funds will empower the implementation of over 2,400 projects, specifically tailored for deserving families residing within the 'Decent Life' villages across seven governorates.
The eminent Dr. Ali Jumaa extols the collaboration's essence, which breathes life into hope, empowerment, and employment prospects. This synergy embodies a beacon of optimism for reaching the deserving and championing empowerment.
Rooted in Banque Misr's pioneering role in the realm of social responsibility, and within the framework of a developmental partnership, Banque Misr continues to exercise its vanguard role in community development. This is epitomized by the formalized collaboration with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Misr El Kheir Foundation. Through this collaboration, Banque Misr commits EGP 50 million to foster employment opportunities while facilitating the realization of over 2,400 projects catering to deserving families.
This endeavor seamlessly integrates into the broader tapestry of community development and economic empowerment, specifically within the 'Decent Life' villages spanning seven governorates. Its overarching goal is to propel society forward and augment the quality of life for its citizens.
The cooperation protocol, signed on August 28, 2023, was executed by Mr. Ayman Abdel Mawgoud, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for NGOs, in conjunction with Mr. Mohamed Al-Atreby, Chairman of Banque Misr, and Prof. Dr. Ali Gomaa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Misr El Kheir Foundation. The signing event was attended by prominent figures, including Mr. Hossam El-Din Abdel Wahab, Vice Chairman of Banque Misr, Dr. Fatma El-Jouli, Head of the Corporate Communications Sector at Banque Misr, and Dr. Mohamed Rifai, CEO of the Misr El Kheir Foundation. This symbolic partnership symbolizes Banque Misr's dedicated commitment to financing projects that drive economic empowerment for deserving families in 'Decent Life' villages, spanning seven governorates in the Arab Republic of Egypt: Beni Suef, Fayoum, Beheira, Kafr El-Sheikh, Damietta, Dakahlia, and Gharbia.
Minister Nevine El-Kabbaj, the Minister of Social Solidarity, underscored that this protocol brings together two influential partners, serving as catalysts, creators, and contributors to advance the wheels of development. She noted that despite differences in their institutional affiliations and development perspectives, Banque Misr stands as a prominent financial institution in Egypt, deeply committed to corporate social responsibility. On the other hand, the Misr El-Kheir Foundation serves as a pivotal development entity, known for its conscientious leadership, remarkable efficiency, impactful achievements, and effective collaboration with governmental bodies to achieve sustainable development goals. Their combined efforts are dedicated to addressing comprehensive rights, spanning healthcare, education, social welfare, scientific research, community engagement, various aspects of life, and holistic development, with the ultimate goal of eradicating unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, and disease.
Al-Kabbaj emphasized that economic empowerment programs hold a prominent position on the Egyptian state's agenda, whether initiated by government, civil, or private sector organizations. Economic empowerment is considered an indispensable tool for effectively addressing the issue of poverty, providing both short and medium-term solutions. The Ministry of Social Solidarity has adopted an approach that combines social protection with economic empowerment, recognizing that work and production are pivotal aspects that must be extended to local communities. This approach encompasses livelihood improvement, food security, human capital investment, enhanced quality of life, and active participation in shaping both the present and future of our nation.
The Minister of Social Solidarity emphasized that small and micro-enterprises constitute fundamental pillars of any country's economy. They not only play a significant role in resolving economic crises for populations but can also have an effective impact on improving the overall economy, not just the microeconomy. Consequently, the Ministry of Social Solidarity takes on the responsibility of supporting and assisting the targeted segments of the population in enhancing their capabilities and facilitating their access to accessible lending opportunities or the transfer of productive assets, all aimed at propelling production and employment.
Additionally, the Ministry provides a comprehensive array of both financial and non-financial services to the target groups with utmost dignity. These services encompass training in economic project management and marketing skills, technical, artisanal, and administrative training. Furthermore, microcredit facilities are made available to enhance financial inclusion for these specific groups. The Ministry extends its support to production units and collective projects, strengthens its ties with production cooperatives, and explores ways to further empower them. Initiatives such as veterinary care campaigns and enhanced marketing opportunities are also integral to this multifaceted approach.
The Minister detailed the Ministry's dedicated efforts to harmonize contributions from all stakeholders, including various branches of the Ministry, civil society organizations, the private sector, and partner government agencies. The project for which we are about to sign the protocol is a result of collaboration between the Ministry, Banque Misr, and the Misr El Kheir Foundation. Experts from all three parties have worked diligently to create a project marked by professionalism, one that takes into careful consideration the provision of financial services tailored to the capabilities and circumstances of the target group.
Furthermore, the Ministry has been proactive in offering technical support to the partnering institution in crafting a comprehensive proposal that meticulously adheres to methodological principles. The Ministry has also played a crucial role in delineating the scope of targeting to ensure seamless alignment with the economic empowerment initiatives conducted by the Ministry in the governorates participating in the Decent Life presidential initiative. This approach takes into account the potential for generating further projects through the reinvestment of revenues, thereby ensuring efficient capital utilization.
Mr. Mohamed Al-Atribi, Chairman of Banque Misr, articulated Banque Misr's commitment to collaborate with civil society institutions and support initiatives aimed at bolstering economic empowerment among the most vulnerable families residing in Decent Life villages. This commitment aligns with the directives of the Egyptian state, which strives to uplift the most deserving segments of society through the presidential initiative 'Decent Life' and the overarching national initiative aimed at the development of rural Egypt in pursuit of Egypt's 2030 vision. The collaboration encompasses a diverse range of projects spanning craftsmanship, commerce, and services, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the governorates. These efforts are poised to have a positive impact by generating employment opportunities and delivering returns that contribute to the enhancement of families' living standards, ultimately fostering synergy between community development and economic empowerment.
Furthermore, Mr. Al-Atribi stressed that Banque Misr is dedicated to channeling its support into a multitude of developmental initiatives aimed at empowering society, elevating the living standards of those less fortunate, and establishing sustainable communities. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the overall quality of life for citizens. The bank remains steadfast in its determination to foster partnerships across various sectors of Egyptian society, including governmental, civil, and private entities. By doing so, Banque Misr aims to serve as a compelling exemplar within society, inspiring emulation at all levels and across sectors. This, in turn, fuels effective and genuine contributions to the development and renaissance of Egyptian society as a whole.
Prof. Dr. Ali Gomaa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the "Misr El-Kheir" Foundation, highlighted the Foundation's central motto, which underscores its primary mission of human development. He elaborated on the Foundation's multifaceted contributions across various sectors of society, including healthcare, education, scientific research, social solidarity, and various aspects of daily life. Dr. Jumaa commended the collaborative efforts with state institutions and the banking sector, underscoring the Foundation's extensive track record of success since its inception in 2007. Over the years, Misr El-Kheir Foundation has achieved significant milestones through numerous partnerships, whether with governmental entities, the private sector, or financial institutions.
Furthermore, Jumaa emphasized that the signing of the protocol represents a seamless continuation of the Foundation's ongoing successes. These achievements have been instrumental in empowering beneficiaries to secure income through the ownership of small projects or by providing support to existing income-generating initiatives. This support has played a pivotal role in enhancing the social and economic conditions of families. It has been achieved through the provision of either tangible assets or financial assistance.
Additionally, he pointed out that the selection of the geographical areas for implementation was carried out with great care, encompassing seven governorates. The primary objective of this project is to provide monetary support aimed at fostering economic empowerment opportunities. These opportunities are intended for individuals with substantial experience in managing and operating diverse projects who meet the established eligibility criteria. Those who aspire to secure financing for expanding or establishing a project that contributes to income generation for their families are strongly encouraged to participate. This initiative is designed to contribute to the provision of life's essentials, including education, healthcare, and sustenance, thereby enabling individuals to achieve a decent quality of life.
He further clarified that this collaboration highlights the responsibilities and roles of the "Misr El Kheir" Foundation as a prominent civil society institution in Egypt, in conjunction with the significant social role played by Banque Misr as a substantial financial institution. This cooperative effort is viewed as a beacon of hope, offering assistance to all deserving individuals within society.
