EFG Hermes Foundation and Sawiris Foundation for Social Development partner to realize integrated sustainable development in Upper Egypt
EFG Hermes Foundation and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch an integrated sustainable development project in Naga’El-Fawal, Esna, Luxor.
The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Ghada Waly, Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity;), Mrs. Mona Zulficar, Chairperson of the EFG Hermes Foundation and Board Member of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development; Mr. Karim Awad, Group CEO of EFG Hermes and Board Member of the EFG Hermes Foundation; Mrs. Hanaa Helmy, CEO of the EFG Hermes Foundation andEng.Noura Selim, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, Ms. Rosa Abdel Malek, Partnerships Manager of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development.
H.E. Dr. Ghada Walyexpressed confidence in this new partnership, saying “This agreement demonstrates the ongoing role that the private sector can play in initiating sustainable solutions to challenges facing under-privileged rural communities as well as addressing prominent thematic issues that impact the nation as a whole such as economic empowerment, human development, and enhancing the quality of living standards.”
Markaz Esna, El Deir villagesuffers from poverty, high rates of unemployment, limited access to healthcare, and poor housing conditions attributed to rapid population growth,inadequate infrastructure, and lack of opportunities for economic independence.
The partnership targets Naga’ El Fawal to become a hub for the development of El Deir village,with its 60,000residents.
Dr. Mohamed Badr stated, “The gap analysis was conducted in conjunction with the Governorate of Luxor, local authorities and NGOs.
The new initiative will address the actual needs of the village and its surrounding community as identified by the on-ground research to provide investments in community infrastructure, educational opportunities,and increasing the skill level of the local workforce.”
“Our decision to focus on infrastructural, educational and economic challenges reflects the Foundation’s holistic approach to sustainable development. We view this partnershipas a long-term commitment to rehabilitate the social fabricand provide economic empowerment to people most in need, starting with Naga’ El Fawal, El Deir village,” said Mrs. Hanaa Helmy, CEO of the EFG Hermes Foundation.
Emphasising on the benefits of this fruitful partnership, Mrs. Mona Zulficar, Chairperson of the EFG Hermes Foundation andBoard Member of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development said,“I am thrilled by the initiative; theSawiris Foundation’s experience in implementing projects across the country shares the commitment ofthe EFG Hermes Foundation’s philosophy of integrated sustainable development holistic approach.”
Eng. Samih Sawiris, Founder and Board Member of Sawiris Foundation added, “We strongly believe in the value and power of partnerships, particularly with strong institutions such as EFG-Hermes Foundation, who are also keen to fund and implement high impact projects that reach the most marginalized members of our communities. Together, I am sure we will make a profound difference to the lives of the 60,000 inhabitants of Naga’ El Fawal”
Karim Awad, Group Chief Executive Officer of EFG Hermes stated, “Through this partnership, both foundations have augmentedthe potential benefitto Naga’ El Fawal and its neighbouring communities. This is more than just a partnership, but rather a prime exampleof partnerships exceeding the expected outcomes of individual endeavours to better serve the community.”
This agreement is the first collaboration between the EFG Hermes Foundation and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development on a major development project.
The partnership will have a significantlypositive impact on the lives of the residents of El Deir village. Project goals include upgrading housing, sanitation conditions, renovatinga local school and establishing a bakery, a nursery for early learning and a community service centre. Furthermore, literacy programmes are offered in conjunction with economic empowerment projects to women and youth.
“By pooling our financial resources and varying sets of expertise, there is true potential to foster true economic and social transformation in Naga’ El Fawal, El Deir village” commented Eng.Noura Selim, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation for Social Development.
“This project includes plans to bolster the skill level of the workforce, provide new employment opportunities and has long-term potential to extend beyond the village and facilitate meaningful economic development in surrounding communities as well,” she added.
The project’s first steps began in September 2017. The EGP 53 million development project represents a significant milestone for all partners involved as they continue their efforts to address the needs of the country’s impoverished rural communities and forge successful partnerships to execute sustainable development initiatives across Egypt.
