On 8th November 2024, as part of the study tour organised by Don Bosco Cairo under the PESDO project in the framework of the MEPEP, the programme team, accompanied by Dr. Martino Melli, Head of AICS Cairo, Eng. Sahar Mahmoud Abu Zeid, Head of PVTD, Dr. Nicola Tucci, EU-MEPEP Team Leader, conducted insightful institutional visits in Turin, Italy. These visits provided valuable opportunities to strengthen partnerships and explore innovative approaches to technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
The MEPEP representatives first visited the CNOS-FAP Piemonte centre in Valdocco, where they introduced the core efforts of AICS Cairo’s in education and vocational training, highlighting MEPEP’s objectives. The visit provided deep insights into CNOS-FAP’s mission and innovative training methodologies, fostering discussions on potential collaboration.
Key discussions revolved around bridging Italian and Egyptian vocational training models, raising awareness of the value of diplomas, and enhancing the perception of vocational pathways. During the visit, the team toured the CNOS-FAP Piedmont campus and workshops, gaining hands-on insight into its practical training environments. CNOS-FAP operates 60 vocational centres across 15 Italian regions, promoting skills development and youth employment.
Later, the team visited the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITCILO), where the team was introduced to the centre’s core activities and strategic initiatives, including the Catalyst Initiative, exploring promising avenues for future collaboration.
A key highlight of the study tour was the roundtable discussion titled “PPP and TVET: Exploring new Public–Private Partnerships in the Technical Educational and Vocational Sector to strengthen the synergies between Italy and Egypt”, held on 11th November 2024 and hosted at CNOS-FAP premises. This round table brought together representatives from the Piedmont Region, ITC-ILO, CNOS-FAP, Municipality of Turin, the European Training Foundation (ETF), alongside other stakeholders such as AICS Cairo, the PVTD, and Istituto Salesiano Don Bosco Cairo. As the highest representative of AICS Cairo, the Director Dr. Martino Melli’s participation enriched the discussions, contributing to a forward-looking exchange on strengthening TVET and workforce development. The round table also involved the A.I. Group company, a private sector representative engaged in the green transition, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices in vocational training. The exchange of ideas and experiences during this session laid the foundation for future collaborations enhancing cooperation between Italy and Egypt in technical and vocational education.
MEPEP remains committed to fostering international partnerships that drive excellence in TVET, promote youth employability, contributing to a more inclusive social and economic environment.
