History and Background
The economic development and employment program at CEOSS started as a vocational training program for youth through a classroom setting. The program then developed into a hands-on program in which youth developed technical skills through on-the-job training. CEOSS, later, developed the program further and partnered with specialized training centers to train youth and women technically and administratively, presenting opportunities for marginalized women and youth to build their employability skills as well as connect with possible employment opportunities or open small businesses, all of which are based upon the needs of job-seekers.
Additionally, the economic development and employment program recognized that employers too have needs and developed a means for employers to connect with job-seekers equipped with the necessary skills. Through usage of technology, CEOSS developed electronic databases and forums in which employers and job-seekers are connected. With specific regard to CEOSS’ economic development and employment program, it is comprised of two phases:
- The first phase (1992 to 2003) our philosophy was “training based on the needs of the youth”, in which training on a variety of technical skills was provided through on-the-job training or partnership with specialized training centers.
- During the second phase (2003 to present) CEOSS’ philosophy transformed from the needs of the youth to the “needs of the job market”, in which youth and women were trained in skills required by prospective employers and is in demand in the job market.
Goal
To improve the quality of economic and social life of the poor citizens by improving and increasing their income level.
Areas of Work
- Empowering citizens to obtain their rights to jobs
- Provide vocational and administrative training for Employment
- Provide appropriate job opportunities through direct job opportunities
- Conduct Management training in order to raise the efficiency of business owners of different professions
- Use technology in youth employment
- Implementation of specialized studies of needs of the labor market
Accomplishments
The economic development and employment program at CEOSS has experienced many achievements throughout implementation of its projects. The following represent the most notable of such achievements:
- In 2005, CEOSS developed linkages with 154 businessmen and 144 private sector training centers to provide job training.
- In 2011, established two technologically-based portals increasing employment and income generating opportunities in 10 disadvantaged communities by using information and communication technology:
- The first portal, the Employment and Economic Information Beehive, with in excess of 170,000 visitors, focuses on jobs, entrepreneurship, and economic activity. In order to link individuals with economic opportunities, the Beehive: 1) connects residents with local employment opportunities, 2) educates citizens on best practices for job searches, and 3) equips local small business owners and entrepreneurs with contextualized information on microenterprise development and finance.
- The second portal, SoukTel, is a consistently updated job search engine, with the unqiue feature of accessiblity outside of the internet over a two-way interactive SMS text messaging system. The system provides linkage between job-seekers and prospective employers, while simultaneously using a favorite, powerful and cost effective communication tool, the mobile phone. The system has over 3,400 youth registered and over 185 companies with job-vacancies.
- In 2013, CEOSS established the first mobile unit in Egypt for recruitment and economic empowerment for people with disabilities who are unemployed. The mobile unit provides employment services as well as training and career guidance for people with disabilities through campaigns carried out in their communities periodically. These campaigns are implemented in partnership with local CSOs, government institutions, and the private sector benefiting over one thousand young men and women in each campaign.
CEOSS works in urban and rural areas of the Cairo, Minia, Beni Sueif, and Qalyoubia governorates with around 160 CBOs and is experienced in implementing economic development projects with around 12,000 beneficiaries. Our local development unit adopts an economic development program that focuses on employment based vocational and administrative trainings, income generation initiatives (with focus on marginalized and rural women and female headed households), and IT based employment methods.
