Women in Aswan Feel Empowered

The ECD voluntary center is a model center designed by UNICEF, funded by H&MF and in partnership with Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS). It aims at providing young children with play-based learning opportunities, promoting engagement of youth and local communities in child care. The model is directly aligned with Ministry of Social Solidarity’s (MoSS) national plan for scaling up nurseries, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ vision to transform youth centers into community centers. 

The ECD voluntary centers, established inside youth centers, target children age 2-4 years old, youth volunteers, parents and caregivers in some of the most deprived communities.

The initial target is to establish 25 centers in three governorates; Cairo, Alexandria and Aswan. The centers provide ECD services through a structured play-based program for children aged 2-4 years following MOSS national curriculum, awareness programs for parents and caregivers, and a professional network with surrounding nurseries to enhance peer learning. 

Facilitators and youth volunteers are carefully selected, trained and mentored by youth centers in partnership with the Central Association for KG Supervisors League (CAKSL). In the training, they are introduced to child development stages, play-based methodology, and importance of parents and community engagement. They develop basic skills for  communication with young children, creating safe and stimulating learning environments, and conducting community awareness sessions on ECD.

This photo essay depicts five ambitious females from Aswan who have contributed in the ECD voluntary center in Aswan governorate as facilitators or volunteers. They share their dreams and state how the voluntary center has benefited them on personal and career levels.