Background Info

By now you may be wondering about these acronyms that I am writing about: PPIC-Work, MEDA, EACID, etc., and if we haven’t been in touch in a while (I apologize) you may be wondering why I am here in Egypt. Currently, I am working as a ‘Child Rights Research Associate’ through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) IYIP internships (http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/internships) and the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA, www.meda.org). ‘On the ground’ I am working primarily with the Egyptian Association for Community Initiative and Development (EACID), on a project called PPIC-Work (Promoting and Protecting the Interests of Children Who Work). I was attracted to this position for many reasons, but most of all for its emphasis on microfinance and child rights, particularly child participation. Briefly, the objectives of PPIC-Work are to improve the working conditions and the learning opportunities available to children who work. I believe PPIC-Work is taking an innovative and progressive approach to child labour issues by integrating child rights, private sector development and the participation of all affected parties to ensure children’s best interests are recognized. More to come. . . Much more to come. . .