Cairo – The U.S. Government announced on Thursday a new project in Egypt that exploits cell phone and internet technology  to create employment and income-generating opportunities for young Egyptians, especially those in disadvantaged areas. The U.S. government-funded Employment through Technology and Information (ETI) project brings computer access and an internet and cell-phone based job matching service to ten marginalized rural and urban communities.  The project was launched on Thursday, January 17 at an event held at one of the new computer centers opened in Cairo.  It is a joint effort of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Hands Along the Nile (HANDS), the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS), One Global Economy (OGE), SoukTel, and 10 local community leaders.

“We are proud to be engaged in this partnership that brings hope to Egyptian youth,” said U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson at the opening event.  “By combining our assets, experience, and creativity, we can accelerate inclusive growth to help achieve Egypt’s social and economic goals.  It is this kind of partnership that builds a stronger and more prosperous economy for the Egypt’s future.”

The ETI project includes a locally-created Arabic language employment and entrepreneurship website called the “Egypt Employment Beehive,” and provides local linkages to job opportunities in Egyptian communities, a youth digital literacy and leadership training program, and a mobile phone-based job sourcing application.  The Egypt Employment Beehive creates an unprecedented opportunity to extend information about how to build stronger businesses, create more jobs, and build stronger communities.  Ten computer centers will provide access to these web services and market-skills training to communities in Cairo, Minya, and Beni Suef.