Egyptian Government Launches Digital Empowerment Initiative for Children with iSchool and ILO
The Egyptian government has launched a new initiative with iSchool and the International Labour Organization to equip children with digital skills, programming, and AI education while supporting efforts to combat child labor.
The Egyptian government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at empowering children through digital education and technology skills development, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Egyptian edtech company iSchool. The Ministry of Social Solidarity is also participating in the program as part of the country's broader strategy to combat child labor and prepare young generations for the digital economy.
The initiative was announced during the iSchool Future Digital Forum held in Cairo, attended by Minister of Labour Hassan Raddad, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity Margret Sarofim, ILO Cairo Office Director Eric Oechslan, alongside representatives from international organizations, private-sector companies, and development partners.
Government Focus on Digital Skills
Minister of Labour Hassan Raddad said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to strengthening cooperation between public institutions, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to invest in human capital from an early age.
He added that, under the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Egypt is working to provide children with opportunities to acquire programming, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology skills that can expand their future career prospects.
Raddad emphasized that protecting children remains a national priority, noting that Egypt's Labour Law No. 14 of 2025 prohibits employing children under the age of 15 while regulating vocational training in a way that does not interfere with education or healthy development, in line with international labor standards.
He described the initiative as part of a broader strategy of "proactive empowerment," offering safe educational and training pathways that enable children to learn, grow, and participate in the digital economy legally and responsibly.
Building Skills for Future Careers
Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity Margret Sarofim highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying genuine child empowerment goes beyond protection by creating opportunities for lifelong learning and economic inclusion, particularly for vulnerable groups.
She explained that the ministry supported the pilot phase by providing logistical assistance and working with partners to deliver an integrated learning experience combining digital education with career preparation.
International Support
Eric Oechslan, Director of the ILO Office in Cairo, stressed that investing in children—especially those most vulnerable to child labor—is essential for protecting their rights and strengthening community resilience.
He said the initiative seeks to expand access to quality education while equipping young people with skills aligned with the future of work.
iSchool Training Program
Mohamed Gawish, Co-founder and CEO of iSchool, announced the launch of the joint project, explaining that it targets children and young people at risk of child labor by providing technology education and digital skills training.
The program begins with foundational courses in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and life skills before progressing to specialized training in programming and artificial intelligence.
Participants will also receive guidance on freelancing through digital platforms in a safe and legally compliant manner.
Gawish said the initiative aims to redirect children from early labor toward education and long-term economic empowerment while supporting Egypt's sustainable development goals. He added that the program is designed to be scalable across the country.