ExxonMobil Egypt and Save the Children launch Ishraq program

The extension of the Ishraq Program in Menia, Beni Sweif and Assiout governorates in Upper Egypt gives a second chance at education to those girls who missed the opportunity of going to school.

The primary target age of the initiative is 12 to 17 year-old girls in the Upper Egyptian governorates, where girls' enrollment in education is lower than in other parts of the country.

Ishraq is not only about illiteracy, but the program also offers means and tools for girls to make a living after graduating. The program also offers social sessions to the girls' family members to help them understand the importance of encouraging their daughters, sisters or even wives to continue their education. At the end of this third phase 1000 girls will get the chance to join preparatory schools.

ExxonMobil has offices and operations in more than 120 countries worldwide, and makes a continuous effort to make positive and lasting contributions to the communities where it operates.

"For these young people, their success in education, employment, health and other areas will have a tremendous and genuine impact on the course of their lives. By providing the necessary facilities to improve education and increase opportunities, we can make a difference in their future today," said Tom Walter, Chairman & Managing Director—Fuels Marketing ExxonMobil-Egypt.

In 2006, ExxonMobil worldwide contributions totaled more than $138m covering a wide range of areas including education, healthcare, environmental preservation, and the arts.

Like many aspects of ExxonMobil business, community-based efforts are reliant on partnerships. Through these partnerships and cultivated relationships ExxonMobil seeks to do more than make one-time contributions.

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Delivering results for children in Egypt since 1982, Save the Children Federation is one of 28 members of the International Save the Children Alliance, with programs in over 100 countries worldwide.

Recognizing the developmental value of girls' education, Save the Children and its partners the Population Council, CEDPA and Caritas Egypt have been implementing the Ishraq program with local NGOs and youth clubs since 2000. Says Patrick Crump, Save the Children's Egypt Country Director, "When you educate a girl, you educate a future mother, and her whole family benefits. But in conservative societies, how can education be offered in a culturally acceptable way? By offering literacy, life skills and sports in "safe spaces" and at convenient times, Ishraq provides new life opportunities for girls while also respecting parents' and communities' values."

Having this alliance between the Ministry of youth, ExxonMobil Egypt and Save the children organization gives more weight and credence to the program.