The Multi-Educational Programme for Employment Promotion in Migration-affected Areas – MEPEP, was honoured to welcome Dr. Tiberio Chiari, Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS Cairo, for an official visit to the 10th of Ramadan Vocational Training Centre – a cornerstone of MEPEP’s efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Egypt.
The visit was conducted in the presence of General Ehab Abdallah, Head of the Productivity and Vocational Training Department – PVTD, under the Ministry of Industry, and Dr. Nicola Tucci, MEPEP Team Leader and Dr. Simona Campidano Economic Sector Coordinator – AICS Cairo.
A Meeting to Celebrate Progress and Strategic Partnership
The visit commenced with a fruitful meeting that provided an opportunity to acknowledge and thank key partners. Dr. Chiari expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration with PVTD and Don Bosco Institute, a strategic collaborator through the PESDO Project.
The discussion highlighted the strong cooperation between AICS, PVTD, and Don Bosco, which has been instrumental in realising tangible progress within Egypt’s TVET sector. These achievements reflect MEPEP’s comprehensive approach, which integrated infrastructure development, institutional strengthening, and innovation-driven practices.
Driving Innovation and Sustainability through TVET
Dr. Chiari praised MEPEP’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, particularly through the establishment of SERENA – Sharkeya’s Eco-friendly Resilient Educational Area. As the first-ever public eco-friendly, sustainable TVET building in the 10th of Ramadan industrial zone, SERENA serves as a national model for integrating green infrastructure within the TVET ecosystem. Its construction reflects a forward-thinking approach to climate-sensitive development and inclusive learning.
A Tour of Transformation
Following the meeting, Dr. Chiari toured the significantly newly refurbished facilities of the 10th of Ramadan VTC. This included a walkthrough of the three refurbished buildings, featuring newly equipped classrooms, training workshops, and laboratories, as well as a detailed tour of the newly fully constructed SERENA building.
Throughout the visit, Dr. Chiari interacted with trainers and instructors who showcased the use of the state-of-the-art equipment provided by the programme. These demonstrations underscored the practical impact of MEPEP on day-to-day training and skills development, preparing learners for the evolving demands of the labour market.
A Shared Vision for a Skilled and Resilient Workforce
The visit reinforced the commitment of MEPEP/AICS to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and high-quality technical education. As Egypt continues to modernise its TVET landscape, such strategic partnerships play a pivotal role in equipping young people, particularly those in migration-affected areas, with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving labour market.
