Latest news with #MinistryofSocialSolidarity
Al-Ahram Weekly
5 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Nurturing the youngest - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
A plan to upgrade nurseries and improve services for children under four is now in action The Ministry of Social Solidarity began a nationwide inventory of nurseries on 29 June in alignment with the presidential directives issued in March on International Women's Day to increase the number of nurseries and raise the enrollment rate of children from birth to four years old. In May and during a meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli, Maya Morsi, the minister of social solidarity, reviewed the status of nurseries under the National Early Childhood Development Programme, outlining the plan for early childhood development and nursery services. The plan aims to expand the number of nurseries by 2027 to accommodate 13,000 children, upgrade 113 nurseries, establish 176 new ones, and train 2,308 care providers, nursery managers, and parents on ways to deal with kids in addition to implementing a unified preschool curriculum and activities to be offered in nurseries nationwide. According to the latest Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) figures, the number of children in Egypt was 39.6 million in mid-2023, with 20.3 million males (51.3 per cent of the total) and 19.3 million females. The number of nurseries affiliated with the Ministry of Social Solidarity rose to 25,200, with 1.5 million children enrolled in 2022. With the commencement of the census, 1,800 social workers were deployed countrywide to collect detailed information on children from birth to four years old, as well as on licensed and unlicensed nurseries. Nursery owners were taken by surprise when staff from the social solidarity directorates and rural women leaders arrived to inspect the premises, take photographs, and check birth certificates. This raised concerns, particularly among owners of unlicensed nurseries. According to a working mother in Zeitoun neighbourhood, 'There are very few licensed nurseries in the area. Most of them are unlicensed, and their monthly fees are lower.' 'My work gave me only three months of maternity leave, and I didn't have the luxury of staying home to care for my newborn. At first, I tried to apply for my daughter at a well-known nursery in our neighbourhood, but it had a waiting list and the fees were exorbitant. I was worried about the alternative: unlicensed nurseries, as I assumed their standards would be poor or that they wouldn't provide proper care.' 'I was surprised to find the opposite. I enrolled my daughter in a nursery located on the second floor, and found that it provided excellent care, attention, education, and cleanliness.' A nursery owner in the same neighbourhood said, 'The only space I could find for a nursery was a spacious apartment on the third floor, which meant I was violating the first licensing condition: that nurseries must be located on the ground floor. I had searched extensively for ground-floor spaces, but couldn't find any. I did find a villa with a garden, but at a monthly rent of LE25,000, which I couldn't afford.' The owner noted that the cost of furnishing and equipping the nursery is very high, explaining that one child's chair costs LE250. She added that she had tried to obtain a loan from Nasser Bank to improve the nursery, but the primary requirement was having a licensed facility — something she did not have. Upon starting the census, due to concerns voiced by unlicensed nurseries, the Ministry of Social Solidarity granted them a temporary licence valid for six months, allowing time to rectify their legal status. To obtain the temporary licence, applicants must comply with several regulations, including requirements related to both the licensed applicant and the nursery administrator. These include submitting a copy of their national ID, educational qualifications, a criminal record certificate, a health certificate, a declaration confirming the appointment of qualified staff, and the availability of personnel files. If the staff are unqualified, they will receive training in coordination with the ministry. Additionally, applicants must submit a declaration of implementing a child protection policy, a statement assuming full responsibility for children's safety, and a declaration committing to compliance with all relevant authorities during the temporary licence period, including Civil Protection, the Ministry of Local Development, the New Urban Communities Authority, and other relevant bodies. Regarding location, the regulations stipulate that nurseries must be located no higher than the first floor, possess proof of ownership or a valid lease, adhere to the child capacity specified in the temporary licence, and be situated in an area free of any hazards that could endanger children. The ministerial circular also outlined procedures for the directorates to follow. These include conducting a census of all requests submitted by nurseries seeking to regularise their status, classifying the obstacles preventing licensing, and submitting this information to the ministry. In addition, each directorate must submit a monthly report detailing the number of completed temporary licence applications. Furthermore, a committee stemming from the Higher Committee for Nurseries was established to oversee the regularisation process and address related challenges. Its responsibilities include compiling a national database of statistics received from the directorates and identifying and resolving issues impeding the issuance of temporary licences. The committee is also tasked with coordinating with relevant authorities as needed. A central committee has also been established to monitor nurseries that have been granted temporary licences, following a timetable to ensure their eligibility and oversee the progress of their licensing procedures. Upon hearing about the census, an unlicensed nursery declined to take in children, leading one mother of two to find another nursery. 'It was also unlicensed, but located on the ground floor, though far from my home. Still, I had no alternative,' the mother said. Unlicensed nursery fees in middle income areas start from LE1,200 while licensed nurseries start at LE2,500. 'The survey is being conducted using Geographic Information Systems, in line with national digitisation and digital transformation efforts,' said Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity Margaret Saroufim. 'The census is meant to develop policies supporting families. The lack of data in this sector hinders development strategies,' she added. According to Morsi during her meeting with Madbouli in May, a proposal to amend the regulations governing nurseries has been finalised. In addition, an integrated system has been developed to automate early childhood services, including licensing procedures for nurseries. The goal is to address the key challenges nurseries face and improve access for children. * A version of this article appears in print in the 17 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Identity
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
A Step In the Right Direction: Egyptians to Face Fine for Returning a Sponsored Child to a Foster Home
News of a new policy introduced by the Ministry of Social Solidarity, which imposes a 20,000 EGP fine on any family that decides to return a sponsored child to a state-run foster home, is going viral. This announcement comes following the release of one of Ramadan's most talked-about shows, Welad El Shams, prompting many to draw a direct link between the drama's storyline and the timing of this policy. The goal is clearly to ensure that the decision to sponsor a child under the kafala system is not taken lightly but rather treated with deep seriousness and long-term commitment from the foster families. However, public opinion has been divided, with some questioning the impact of enforcing such policy. Could the fear of a fine force foster families to keep children they're not emotionally invested in, leaving those children to suffer in environments lacking love and genuine care? So, what do you think about this new policy? Will it truly make a difference, or does it need to be complemented with stronger first-stage assessments, ensuring that only families who are psychologically and emotionally prepared for fostering are allowed to take that step?
Egypt Today
26-05-2025
- Egypt Today
6.779 pilgrims arrived Saudi Arabia since start of Hajj pilgrimage on May 18th, Solidarity Ministry
CAIRO – 26 May 2025: The Civil Society Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia has received 6.779 pilgrims since the start of the Hajj pilgrimage on May 18th, according to Ayman Abdel Mawgoud, Permanent Undersecretary of Egypt's Ministry of Social Solidarity and Head of the Civil Society Hajj Mission. Abdel Mawgoud, stated that 2.625 pilgrims arrived at Jeddah Airport, while 4.154 pilgrims arrived at Medina Airport. This was amid extensive arrangements and full coordination with relevant authorities to facilitate all procedures from the moment of arrival until they settle into their accommodations. Head of the Civil Society Hajj Mission confirmed that flights will continue daily according to a precise schedule until the full pilgrims are dispatched next Friday, May 30. The ministry is fully committed to providing an integrated system of services, including comfortable accommodations and safe transportation. The Head of the Civil Society Hajj Mission explained that the mission is working around the clock to monitor the conditions of the pilgrims, through a central operations room and field committees in Mecca and Medina. He emphasized that all procedures are being carried out in coordination with the Saudi authorities to ensure smooth flow of traffic and ease of procedures at airports.
Economic Key
23-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Key
Al-Massiyah Receives 1,300 Egyptian Pilgrims from Social Solidarity Delegation in Makkah for Hajj 2025
In a heartfelt display of hospitality and readiness, Al-Massiyah Pilgrims Services Company welcomed 1,300 Egyptian pilgrims from the Ministry of Social Solidarity's official Hajj delegation upon their arrival in Makkah. This marks another step in the company's mission to deliver an exceptional pilgrimage experience, in line with the highest standards of service and care. The Egyptian pilgrims, who are part of the charitable societies' group, were warmly received at one of the group's partner hotels in Makkah. During the reception, Al-Massiyah representatives reassured the pilgrims of their full preparedness to serve them with excellence, working around the clock to ensure their comfort, safety, and spiritual focus throughout the Hajj journey. As part of the welcome, the company offered a variety of gifts, including Zamzam water, dates, roses, and traditional Saudi coffee—adding a cultural touch to the festive and spiritual atmosphere. The event was attended by key figures from the Tawafa sector and service centers. Pilgrims expressed their deep gratitude and joy at reaching the holy land, praising the generous reception, seamless organization, and the professionalism that reflected the Kingdom's dedication to serving the Guests of Allah. Ali bin Hussein Bandakji, Chairman of Al-Massiyah, emphasized the honor of serving pilgrims, stating: 'Welcoming and serving the Guests of Allah is a noble duty that we cherish. Our entire team works in harmony to ensure that pilgrims perform their rites with ease and peace, in line with the directives of our wise leadership.' Bander bin Abdulrahman Damnahouri, Vice Chairman of the company, stressed the importance of creating a safe and dignified environment for pilgrims: 'We apply the highest quality standards from the moment of arrival until the end of the pilgrimage, ensuring that each pilgrim feels at home and among family.' Mouhammad Aqeel Damnahouri, Al-Massiyah's advisor, noted that comprehensive preparations have been made: 'Our top priority is the comfort and well-being of every pilgrim. We are committed to enriching their journey with high-quality services—spiritual, educational, and logistical—from arrival to departure.' Ali bin Abdullah Alloush, Head of Service Center No. 5 responsible for the charitable societies' pilgrims, concluded: 'Our field teams are well-trained and fully prepared to offer their utmost in service. We pray for the acceptance of every pilgrim's Hajj and for ease in performing their rituals.' This reception is part of Al-Massiyah's broader operational plan that aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to elevate the standards of Hajj services and offer a safe, memorable, and spiritually enriching experience to pilgrims from all over the world. تم نسخ الرابط
Daily News Egypt
11-05-2025
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt marks 10 years of ‘Takaful and Karama' social protection programme
Egypt commemorated a decade of the 'Takaful and Karama' social protection initiative with a national celebration highlighting its impact on millions of vulnerable citizens and its evolving role in empowering communities. Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar described the programme's launch as a milestone in the government's efforts to support the country's most disadvantaged populations. He credited President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's vision and the Ministry of Social Solidarity's partnership with the World Bank for transforming the initiative into a regional model for integrated social protection. The celebration, held under the theme 'Social Protection: Lessons from the Past Shaping the Future,' was organized by the Ministry of Social Solidarity under the patronage of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. Distinguished attendees included former Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova, and British Ambassador to Cairo Gareth Bayley, along with high-level officials and international partners. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the measurable impact of the Takaful programme, which links cash assistance to school attendance and regular health checkups. Since 2018, school attendance among beneficiaries has increased by 8%, and child vaccination rates have risen by 12%, according to official monitoring data. Meanwhile, the Karama programme has extended unconditional financial support to more than 1.39 million families, primarily targeting the elderly and persons with disabilities. 'This is a national declaration that no one in Egypt will be left behind,' Abdel Ghaffar affirmed. Together, Takaful and Karama now serve over 2.5 million families—benefiting more than 21 million citizens—making it one of the largest and most accurately targeted cash transfer programmes in the region, and arguably the most comprehensive in Egypt's modern history. The Minister also emphasized a strategic shift from protection to empowerment, and from welfare to productivity, with the goal of enabling beneficiaries to achieve greater self-reliance. He outlined the Health Ministry's contribution to improving outcomes among recipient families, noting a drop in under-five child mortality from 27.5 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 22.3 in 2021, and a decrease in maternal mortality from 52 to 43 per 100,000 live births over the same period. He called for sustained cooperation among government ministries, the World Bank, and civil society to further integrate social protection with health care and economic opportunity—leveraging technology and community trust to drive sustainable transformation. These efforts, he added, align with Egypt's Vision 2030 and its long-term focus on human capital development. The event drew broad participation, including Stefan G. G. Jembert, World Bank Country Director for Egypt and Yemen; members of Egypt's Parliament and Senate; representatives from the National Alliance for Civil Development Work; NGOs; foreign entities operating in Egypt; and prominent public figures.
