We were happy to welcome the Canadian Ambassador to Egypt, H.E. Philip MacKinnon, (a fellow Islander nonetheless:) to the PPIC-Work field office a few weeks ago. In order to be there to brief the Ambassador on the PPIC-Work project during the drive to our office, I was also able to visit the ELMSR project, a CIDA-funded employment agency project. ELMSR is using/developing innovative technology, and is experiencing success in making a difference in the employment sector in Egypt. Canadians and Egyptians are working together to create positive change,. . . which leads directly into the PPIC-Work visit. Many of the working children involved in the PPIC-Work interventions, as well as PPIC-Work/EACID/PTE staff, were well prepared for us as we arrived at the Keema PPIC-Work field office. Children and staff facilitated an interesting and informative visit concerning the PPIC-Work project, its interventions, intentions and effects. The session included a puppet show, children’s photograph and art display, computer demonstration, and personal feedback from the children and staff. The Ambassador asked many thoughtful questions to staff and children, and shared words of wisdom about the importance of people-focused development, and the value in developing a love/appreciation of life-long learning. It made me remember how fortunate I am to be where I am. Everyone here in Aswan looks forward to welcoming Ambassador MacKinnon back to the PPIC-Work project in the future.

Here is H.E. Philip MacKinnon, Canadian Ambassador to Egypt, accepting a gift from Hind, one of the children involved in the PPIC-Work project. Hind works as a bookkeeper in her father’s furniture shop, and participates in many of the PPIC-Work activities.

Shamaa speaks about her experience with PPIC-Work, the activities she has been involved in, the difference it has made to her work in a sewing workshop, and the new ideas about rights and gender equality that she has been exposed to through her participation. Shamaa is surrounded by other working children, while Richard, PPIC-Work’s Canadian Project Director, smiles in the background.