Job Search Clubs in Egypt boosted by training facilitators

Two Training of facilitators rolled-out by ILO PROSPECTS Egypt as part of its efforts to strengthen Job Search Clubs in three targeted governorates.

News | 25 March 2021
“Job Search Clubs (JSCs)” form the basis of an ILO programme that aims to empower and assist young job seekers to find decent jobs in the shortest time possible. It involves two intensive weeks of activities, with members of the club meeting daily under the supervision of an ILO-trained coordinator to provide them with the guidance, information and tools they need to find decent work opportunities.

ILO PROSPECTS Egypt, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS), started the new year with two JSC Training of Facilitators in Cairo, where forty-six potential facilitators from the governorates of Greater Cairo, Alexandria and Damietta have received the training during the period of 30 January – 4 February 2021, and 20 – 25 March 2021 at Pyramisa Suites Hotel.

During the first round, twenty-two facilitators were trained from the MoYS in order to roll-out the programme in youth centers among the nation. In the meantime, during the second round, twenty-six facilitators from various INGOs, NGOs and implementing partners such as Caritas, Plan International, Refuge Egypt Organization, VTEC, Lifemakers Foundation and others, were trained on the programme in order to eventually roll-it out to individuals from refugee communities in Greater Cairo, Alexandria and Damietta.

The programme equips participants with a comprehensive introduction to the JSC methodology including different job search techniques and skills that will enable them to lead potential JSC sessions. Participants will earn a certificate to roll-out these clubs for refugees and host communities within governorates targeted by PROSPECTS.

Major-General Ismail El Far, Head of the MoYS Central Department of Projects and Youth Training, and Ms Nanis El-Naqouri, Director-General of the MoYS General Directorate of Projects visited during the first round of training and highlighted the crucial role of facilitators in JSC activities, helping young women and men find decent job opportunities.

In addressing participants, Ms El-Naqouri said: “You are the ones who will empower young people and put them on the path towards finding the right jobs that suit their qualifications the important work of the Ministry in reducing unemployment in Egypt relies on your role as facilitators.” In response, participants shared their thoughts and vision of how JSCs could make a difference to the lives of young refugees and Egyptians.

“Job Search Clubs are a game changer, empowering young people and helping them to move on in new opportunities in life,” said Mahmoud Abuelnile, Parliament Supervisor at Al-Andalusia Youth Center in Cairo. He added: “Youth centres across Egypt have recently been renovated by MoYS and have become sources of refuge, sharing and solidarity where young women and men can benefit from education and trainings entertainment, cultural activities and more. Now with job search clubs being set up in these youth centres, the opportunities are even greater and more life-changing, attracting more young people to help transform their lives.”

This training programme is also the first for facilitators from Alexandria.
For more information on Job Search Clubs in Egypt, please click here.