The Renewal of Cooperation Protocol between «Wataneya» and «the Solidarity» for Care Leavers Independence and Self-Reliance

The Ministry of Social Solidarity renewed its cooperation protocol with Wataneya Society in the field of aftercare, in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Nevine El-Kabbaj, Minister of Social Solidarity. The event marked the review of Wataneys’s achievements during the first phase of the “Life After 18” project, which aims to empower orphaned youth socially and economically during the aftercare stage and enhance their active participation in building their future. The project was launched in 2019 in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, Drosos Foundation, private sector partners, and civil society organizations.

The project focuses primarily on enabling orphaned youth and promoting their effective participation in society and their economic independence. It operates through three main pillars: youth empowerment, support for care homes, and empowering the eco-system surrounding youth and children.

Dr. Nevine El-Kabbaj, Minister of Social Solidarity, stated that the ministry adopts an ambitious strategy for alternative care, aiming to support every orphaned child and youth in Egypt. “This strategy is not only about sustainable development, but also about fair and inclusive development that encompasses all categories. Its goal is to achieve an integrated developmental perspective and provide better services. We are working to enhance cooperation with ministries and governments to provide comprehensive services for youth,” she said. The minister expressed her gratitude to Wataneya Society for its efforts and dedication in the field. She also announced the ministry’s continued support in developing the service map for care program graduates with the national association and the official launch of the toolkit for youth independence, scheduled for January 2024.

Azza Abdel Hamid, Founder and Chairman of Wataneya Society, stated, “We value the ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity at various levels to develop the alternative care system, starting from the development of care homes, the foster care system, and the empowerment and rehabilitation of orphaned youth. Today is a pivotal day in the lives of these young individuals, as we witness the culmination of our efforts that have yielded tangible outcomes on the ground, supporting youth in their journey towards independence and finding their path.”

During the first phase of the program, the training program was successfully implemented with 340 children and youth. Collaboration was also established with 14 care homes to improve care systems and train over 60 caregivers in preparing children and youth for independence. Furthermore, the first platform for orphans, “Gayelak Men Henak,” was launched as part of the project’s commitment to raising awareness and building a supportive community for orphaned youth. The joint efforts also resulted in the development of the first draft of the Alternative Care Law in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, aiming to enhance the rights and protection of orphaned youth.

At the end of the day, Yasmine El-Hagry, Executive Director of Wataneya Society, presented the society’s 15-year journey, which aimed to enhance the alternative parental care system through developing quality standards, research and development, training, and qualification of professionals in the sector. In this context, Azza Abdel Hamid unveiled the Society’s new identity, “SANAD,” representing the Society’s vision, mission, and belief in its responsibility towards the orphan cause, emphasizing that today they are their support, and tomorrow they will be the nation’s support.