Sharkeya Governorate, 10th of Ramadan Industrial Area, Egypt – April 14 – 15, 2025, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in collaboration with the Productivity and Vocational Training Department (PVTD) of the Egyptian Ministry of Industry and together with Don Bosco Institute in Cairo successfully concluded SHARKEYA CONNECTS 2025 – Bridging Technical Skills & Jobs. It is a landmark event held under the Multi-Educational Programme for Employment Promotion in Migration-affected Areas – MEPEP, and the Promotion of Employment and Socio-economic Development Opportunities through a Better Quality TVET System in Sharkeya – PESDO Project which are funded by the European Union, highlighting the synergy between technical education and employment in Egypt.
Phase I: The Official Inauguration of the 10th of Ramadan Vocational Training Centre
On Monday, 14 April 2025, the event commenced with the Official Inauguration of the 10th of Ramadan Vocational Training Centre (VTC), with the esteemed presence of H.E. Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transportation; H.E. Michele Quaroni, Italian Ambassador to Egypt; Dr. Sophie Vanhaeverbeke, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Egypt; General Ehab Abdallah, Head of PVTD; and Dr. Martino Melli, Head of AICS Cairo.
The dignitaries toured the fully refurbished centre, visiting three upgraded buildings where significant improvements were made and new hight-technology equipment were provided and installed to meet high training standards.
The tour concluded with the Official Inauguration of the SERENA – Sharkeya’s Eco-Resilient Educational Area, the first eco-friendly and resilient public TVET facility in the 10th of Ramadan industrial area. Designed with energy-efficient systems, green spaces, and sustainable materials, SERENA represents a modern model for TVET infrastructure in Egypt. The honourable guests interacted with students in the classrooms and workshops, gaining first-hand insight into their learning experience.
On the sidelines of the Official Inauguration, a Job Fair was organised to provide the students and trainees with a decent jobs’ opportunities. Additionally, an Interactive and Innovative Tailoring Workshop was held for a group of tailoring students to encourage them to be creative.
Phase II: Technical Dialogue and Private Sector Engagement
The second day, Tuesday, 15 April 2025, hosted a Technical Forum and Signing Ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Zamalek. The forum focused on bridging the gap between technical education and the evolving demands of Egypt’s labour market.
Key milestones of the day included the official transfer of ownership of MEPEP assets to the PVTD; the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the PVTD (the Job Placement Office at the 10th of Ramadan VTC that was established in the framework of MEPEP Programme) and private companies to facilitate smoother employment pathways; and a dynamic technical forum featuring a panel discussion with stakeholders from government, international cooperation, the private sector, and academia.
Prime Minister Visits the 10th of Ramadan VTC
In a major and unexpected endorsement of the programme’s impact and national significance, H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, paid a surprise visit to the 10th of Ramadan VTC on Saturday, 19th April 2025. In the presence of H.E. Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transportation, General Ehab Abdallah, Head of PVTD and Dr. Martino Melli, Head of AICS Cairo, the Prime Minister undertook a high-level tour and inspection visit of the centre.
Although it was not planned by MEPEP, this high-level visit served as a powerful recognition of the programme’s success and achievements. The Prime Minister’s presence underscored the government’s commitment to revitalising technical and vocational education across Egypt. During the visit, H.E. Dr. Madbouly explored the newly equipped facilities, engaged with students and instructors, and praised the collaborative efforts of Egyptian and international partners such as the European Union and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in enhancing Egypt’s TVET ecosystem.
SHARKEYA CONNECTS 2025 marks a pivotal milestone in the MEPEP Programme’s mission to transform technical education into a driver of opportunity and inclusion. By aligning education with employment, and infrastructure with innovation, the initiative continues to build a resilient foundation for Egypt’s skilled future.
For more information on the MEPEP Programme and future events, visit eu-mepep.org
