Brazil's successful visit to Egypt results in development of strategic youth-oriented programmes

UAE, April 22, 2015 - A recent successful visit of a Brazilian official  delegation to Egypt has led to the creation of a strategic youth-oriented agenda, which includes key issues such as taking youths off the street and expanding the school feeding program. The move is in line with the activities of the Center of Excellence Against Hunger, a collaboration between the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Brazil, to help countries expand their school meal programmes to improve the food security of children.

The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) will support the required assistance in Brazil’s transfer of knowledge and experience of its best practices to Egyptian officials regarding the development of the local youth’s academic and vocational qualifications. In addition, it will facilitate their visit to the South American country to attend events related to the issues.

Dr. Michel Alaby, Secretary General and CEO, Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said: “ABCC has always worked closely with the Brazilian Government and various Arab countries with an aim to extend benefits to the local society. We are excited to play a pivotal role in helping Egypt to provide proper education and meaningful employment for its youth and such initiatives will definitely support the Egyptian society in building a bright future for its young population. The relationship between Brazil and the Arab World has a long history of mutual cooperation and we are looking forward to build bridges between Latin America and the Arab nations.”

The Egyptian Government is keen to establish partnerships with private sector organizations to help its youths attain educational and professional qualifications to get respectful employment and contribute towards the country’s social and economic progress. The focus of the Brazilian official  delegation’s visit expanded from its initial school-feeding programme to youth orientation at the request of the Egyptian authorities, since it is a great challenge to keep young children off the streets and admit them in schools to guarantee proper education for all. According to WFP data, Egypt invests USD 60 million every year in its school feeding programme, reaching 5.3 million out of the total 17 million enrolled in the country’s schools.

The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce was established to consolidate and expand partnerships, generate opportunities, and bring Arab and Brazilian companies together. It has been in operation for more than 60 years, playing an active role in boosting economic, cultural and tourism activities and facilitating the flow of information between Arabs and Brazilians.