In the presence of Dr. Ghada Wali – Minister of Social Solidarity,

“Crédit Agricole Egypt Foundation for Development” launches Phase II of “Ebhar Misr” Initiative, in collaboration with “Education First Foundation”

Cairo, October 23, 2018 – Building on its initiative for supporting Egyptian talented students nationwide, Crédit Agricole Egypt’s Foundation for Development and Education First Foundation have inked a five-year cooperation protocol to launch Phase II of “Ebhar Misr” Initiative, under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Solidarity.

The signing ceremony was held at the office of the Minister of Social Solidarity – Dr. Ghada Wali – in the presence of Mr. Assem Ragab – Chairman of Crédit Agricole Egypt and Crédit Agricole Egypt’s Foundation for Development, Dr. Salma Al-Bakri – Chairperson of the Education First Foundation’s Board of Trustees – and Ms. Randa Kamel – Secretary-General of Education First Foundation.

On this occasion, the Minister of Social Solidarity – Dr. Ghada Wali – has voiced her satisfaction regarding this cooperation, noting that the civil community is a key partner in rebuilding the new Egypt. She added that “Ebhar Misr” is a demonstration of this cooperation and proof that young men and women are the country’s hope and future.

Mr. Assem Ragab – Chairman of Crédit Agricole Egypt and Crédit Agricole Egypt’s Foundation for Development – said: “Crédit Agricole Egypt’s Foundation for Development focuses on youth, seeking to create brilliant minds and support the talented to achieve their goals. In addition, the foundation has launched an electronic platform to be a destination for talented school students in Egypt.”

Mr. Ragab added: “The foundation works on achieving sustainability through an annual program to foster talented students and innovators the upcoming years. This program will guarantee creating a primary link for talented school students and offer them periodical training and qualification support all year long to unleash their talents.”

Mr. Pierre Finas – Managing Director of Crédit Agricole Egypt – seized this opportunity to express his pleasure regarding the launch of this second phase of Ebhar initiative confirming the pursuit of the bank’s efforts to support the community through the foundation. This initiative is aligned with of the bank’s social responsibility strategy focusing on youth that represent the majority of the Egyptian people and aiming to make a difference in the lives of the communities in which we operate.”

Dr. Salma Al-Bakri – Chairperson of the Education First Foundation’s Board of Trustees – has affirmed that “Ebhar Misr” will be Egypt’s largest talent platform. The initiative will seek to open door for innovation for Egypt’s extremely talented youths. She added that the Egyptian institutions’ solid belief in the Egyptians has encouraged a number of governmental and non-governmental institutions, such as the ministries of Education, Social Solidarity and Culture, the Faculty of Fine Arts, the American University in Cairo (AUC), Microsoft Corporation and ABAMI Consultancy, in addition to the international partners (Florida Atlantic University – Pompano Beach Schools, U.S.), to support the idea.

 “Ebhar Misr” Initiative is considered the fruit of collaboration between Crédit Agricole Egypt’s Foundation for Development and Education First Foundation, which has great experience in designing and implementing programs for talented children. The program targets supporting and fostering talented children nationwide, with the aim of nurturing and enriching their skills to become leaders in their fields in Egypt and worldwide.

In collaboration with Education First Foundation, Crédit Agricole Egypt’s Foundation for Development has sponsored a summer program – from July 27 till August 9, 2018 – for talented students in the fields of science, technology, arts and music nationwide. More than 25 students received customized professional programs. At the end of the camp, students were awarded tablets and a private training camp in the U.S.

Established in 2017, Crédit Agricole Egypt’s Foundation for Development seeks to expand in serving and enhancing the lives of the unprivileged and give back to the community via sustainability-oriented projects, building on the bank’s extensive experience and trademark. The foundation operates in the fields of education, health, entrepreneurship and other fields that contribute the most to changing people’s lives for the best.

Education First Foundation – affiliated to the Ministry of Social Solidarity – mainly targets supporting the country’s education system through enhancing the capacities of the sector’s staff and motivating and encouraging top-achieving students in different fields, in addition to serving as a link between NGOs and the government to support the education in Egypt. For three years, the foundation has worked on different sectors to train teachers and support top-achieving students.