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Al-Ahram Weekly
2 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:
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt's exports rise 19.8 percent in April, trade deficit narrows to $3.42 billion
Basant Ahmed Egypt's trade deficit narrowed by 9.5% in April 2025 to $3.42bn, compared with $3.78bn in the same month a year earlier, as the value of exports surged. The value of exports increased by 19.8% to reach $4.10bn in April, up from $3.43bn in the same month of the previous year, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). This surge was largely driven by a 74.3 percent increase in exports of petroleum products, a 24.7 percent increase in ready-made clothes and an 18.4 percent increase in fertilizer exports. The strong export figures come amid a government push to incentivize industrial production and attract foreign investment through the National Industrial Development Strategy, which aims to advance Egyptian industry, enhance competitiveness and increase exports. This strategy forms part of the urgent industrial development plan, which is a practical, executable step towards localizing industry, deepening domestic manufacturing, transforming Egypt into a regional industrial hub, transitioning to a green economy, and increasing the industrial sector's contribution to GDP and exports, while raising the quality of Egyptian products to the highest standards and improving human resource efficiency. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Daily News Egypt
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Addressing population challenge requires holistic planning, youth empowerment: Health Minister
Egypt's Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has stressed that addressing the country's population challenges demands more than demographic data—it requires a comprehensive approach centered on education, employment, and youth engagement. Speaking during a panel discussion organized by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) to mark World Population Day, Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that Egypt records approximately 5,378 births each day—nearly one every second. 'The human being is the icon of development,' he said, emphasizing that human development lies at the core of Egypt's national priorities. He also pointed to the government's ongoing collaboration with UN agencies to advance population and health initiatives. The panel featured senior officials including CAPMAS head General Khairat Barakat, UNFPA Representative in Egypt Yves Sassenrath, and UN Resident Coordinator Elena Panova. General Barakat underlined the critical role of accurate data in achieving sustainable development, announcing that Egypt's population reached 107.85 million as of mid-2025. While acknowledging some signs of progress, he noted that birth rates remain high in Upper Egypt. Barakat also presented key findings from the 2025 Egyptian Family Survey, conducted under the 'Bedaya' (Beginning) initiative in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. The survey offers in-depth insights into reproductive health, family planning, and unplanned pregnancies—data that will support more targeted and effective population policies. UNFPA's Yves Sassenrath commended Egypt's commitment to population and development goals, citing a decline in fertility rates as a positive sign. He praised the 'Bedaya' initiative for its contribution to improving healthcare services and stressed that empowering youth is central to achieving long-term sustainability. UN Resident Coordinator Elena Panova echoed this view, noting that Egypt has responded proactively to demographic challenges with innovative governance reforms and effective public programs. 'Youth remain the most vital partner in shaping Egypt's future,' she said..
Al-Ahram Weekly
5 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Gov't to build 60,000 housing units for Alexandria residents of near-collapse buildings - Society
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly directed Alexandria Governor Ahmed Khaled to build 60,000 housing units for residents living in buildings at risk of collapse in the Mediterranean city and offer affordable financial facilities. PM Madbouly gave these directions during his meeting on Monday with Governor Khaled, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Sherif El-Sherbiny, and other senior officials. During the meeting, Madbouly also directed that the project start immediately, describing the move as a life-saving measure for Alexandria's residents living in hundreds of near-collapse buildings. Khaled said the governorate has developed a database for all buildings with standing demolition orders. Located on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is the second largest city in the country after Cairo. The city's population has reached nearly 5.6 million as of 2024, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). In recent years, Alexandria has witnessed a sharp increase in building collapses, resulting in a tragic loss of lives. The causes are often linked to illegal construction, structural violations, and a long-standing failure to enforce demolition orders. The latest incident on Sunday, when a residential building collapsed in the Al-Attarin area, killing two people and injuring four others, has underscored the urgency of addressing the problem. In December 2024, the governorate formed 15 committees under the Public Prosecution's directives to inspect ageing buildings and initiate legal action where necessary. Buildings at risk In May, the crisis was highlighted during a parliament session, when Governor Khaled revealed that 24,108 buildings in Alexandria are at risk of collapse. Of these, 8,000 buildings already have demolition orders — some full, others partial. Khaled noted that the governorate has compiled a comprehensive database of these buildings and is intensifying law enforcement and monitoring efforts. These efforts include removing encroachments on state-owned and agricultural lands, cracking down on unlicensed constructions, conducting regular inspections, and enforcing immediate removal of new violations. Earlier, Alexandrian MP Mohamed Gaber Gibriel submitted a parliamentary inquiry to Parliament Speaker Hanafy El-Gebaly calling for urgent action to confront the growing crisis of unsafe and illegal construction. Gibriel stated that the most affected areas include Karmouz, El-Labban, Minyat Al-Basal, Moharam Bek, and the Western District, where many buildings are either leaning or structurally compromised. "Some of these unstable buildings are only 10 to 15 years old," he said. West Alexandria District alone has approximately 7,000 old buildings — around 90 years old — that have demolition orders, he added. However, local authorities have largely failed to enforce complete demolitions. They often remove the hazardous structural elements only, leaving the rest of the buildings intact, he concluded. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt–AU members trade exchange rises to $9.8bn in 2024
The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) reported that trade between Egypt and African Union (AU) countries reached $9.8bn in 2024, marking a 6.5% increase from $9.2bn in 2023. The figures coincided with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's participation in the African Union's 7th Mid-Year Coordination Summit. According to CAPMAS, Egypt's exports to AU countries rose by 4.7%, reaching $7.7bn in 2024 compared to $7.4bn the previous year. Libya remained the top importer of Egyptian goods within the AU, with imports valued at $2bn in 2024. It was followed by Morocco at $1bn, Algeria at $996m, Sudan at $866.2m, Tunisia at $372m, Kenya at $307m, Côte d'Ivoire at $251m, Ghana at $239m, Nigeria at $151m, and Madagascar at $132m. Among Egypt's main exports to AU countries in 2024 were cement, gypsum, and table salt worth $694.4m; plastics and plastic products worth $590.5m; milled products worth $397m; electrical machinery and equipment worth $357.8m; iron and steel worth $289.4m; and various stone and cement products worth $279.2m. On the import side, Egypt imported goods worth $2.1bn from AU countries in 2024, up 14.5% from $1.8bn in 2023. The Democratic Republic of Congo led AU exporters to Egypt with $661.9m, followed by Sudan with $292.4m, Kenya with $260.1m, Nigeria with $165.5m, South Africa with $154.3m, Zambia with $64m, Libya with $56.4m, and Tunisia with $49.9m. Top imports included copper and copper products valued at $741.5m; coffee and tea worth $286.6m; mineral fuels and oils at $203.7m; live animals at $147.6m; oil seeds and oleaginous fruits at $109.4m; cars and tractors at $85.3m; cotton at $80.9m; and iron and steel worth $73.6m. CAPMAS also reported that remittances from Egyptians working in AU countries reached $115.8m in FY 2023/2024, down slightly from $122m the previous fiscal year. Nigeria topped the list with $9.3m, followed by Kenya with $9.2m, Morocco with $7.3m, Tanzania with $6.7m, Mauritius with $6.2m, South Africa with $5.8m, and Tunisia with $5.1m. Conversely, remittances sent by workers from AU countries residing in Egypt amounted to $23.6m, compared to $28.8m in FY 2022/2023. South Africa led with $6m, followed by Nigeria with $2.9m, Morocco with $2.2m, Tunisia with $1.8m, Kenya with $1.2m, Congo with $1.19m, and Zambia with $1.16m. Regarding investment, AU countries invested $831.2m in Egypt during FY 2023/2024, down from $1.6bn in FY 2022/2023. Meanwhile, Egyptian investments in AU countries reached $499.1m, a slight decrease from $504.6m in the previous year.
