EGYPT: MEPI SMALL GRANT REPORTING

UNCLAS CAIRO 006889 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/PI (MMOSER) TUNIS FOR MEPI (MULREAN) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM KDEM EG SUBJECT: EGYPT: MEPI SMALL GRANT REPORTING REF: STATE 151114 ¶1. Summary: In response to reftel, post is pleased to report on the following 2005 MEPI-funded Small Grants, all of which were awarded to NGOs based in Alexandria: -- "Decentralization of Educational Tools towards Youth Participation in Decision Making Process," implemented by Sustainable Development Association (SDA). -- "Awareness Campaign Against Private Lessons, the Major Obstacles in the Educational Reform Process," implemented by Egyptian Cognitive Center (ECC). -- "Generating Women Leaders and Re-vitalizing their Role in Society," implemented by the Future Businesswomen Association. End summary. ¶2. "Decentralization of Educational Tools towards the Youth Participation in Decision Making," completed in March 2006, achieved the following results: three seminars, including a Model United Nations for youth participants from MENA countries, reaching a total of 527 students. One of the sessions was organized as a simulation of the 2005 Egyptian Presidential Elections to enhance youth participation in the political process. This particular activity was not mentioned in the original project proposal. Grantee was effective in attracting media coverage for its activities; however, they did not stress that it was MEPI-funded, due, they claimed, to "political sensitivities." Flyers used to announce the activities were distributed on Alexandria University Campus and succeeded in attracting a large number of university students to the events. This program directly supports the MPP Strategic Goal of Democracy and Human Rights. ¶3. Grantee implemented all planned activities in a timely manner. However, the association was also the beneficiary of a US Embassy Institutions of Democracy Working Group (IDWG) grant for activities similar to the project funded by MEPI. The Secretary General of the association emphasized to US Embassy officers in Alexandria that the two activities were distinct and not duplicative. ¶4. Grantee is a highly-motivated and generally well-organized association with demonstrated ability to connect with young, politically astute Egyptians. New funding should be considered for innovative programs, but we should coordinate with other possible donors before further funding. The group is attracting funds from EU-based funding �0A;organizations and may be saturated for funds, measured by current capacity. ¶5. The "Awareness Campaign against Private Lessons Program," completed in June 2006, achieved the following results: media attention focused on the practice of teachers requiring students to pay tutorial fees for "optional" teaching sessions that are held outside of class hours. Media groups learned about the problem and ways to counter the phenomenon at a conference that also addressed the media's role in raising the awareness of the public about the economic, educational, and social implications of the policy. The grantee held six "listening" sessions with groups of primary school teachers, parents, and Ministry of Education (MOE) officials as the issue became a topic of public debate. A final round of six workshops taught parents how to take a more active role in their child's education. Parents learned how to assess the cognitive level of their child, manage behavior problems, and use stimulating teaching methods to assist their children with their lessons at home. In addition, over 300 students joined the discussion by participating in an art contest focused on the theme of students compelled to take private lessons in order to receive passing grades. A closing conference included officials of MOE, university professors, education officials, members of the Alexandria Local Council, and editors of national newspapers. Because of the success of this project, the chairperson of the association was chosen to be a member of the civil activities committee at the MOE, working to give NGOs additional space to work freely in schools. ¶6. Grantee implemented all planned activities in a timely manner and has the skills and capacity needed to implement larger MEPI projects. We recommend considering additional funding for the grantee, possibly to implement one of the conference recommendations, to expand the participation of parent committee groups in the basic education support process. Post believes that could be an important project to further the role of civil society and community involvement in the education system. ¶7. As a result of the project, education authorities in Alexandria now place greater value on the participation of community and civil society groups in finding a solution to the challenge of private lessons. This program directly supported the MPP Strategic Goal of Education Reform. ¶8. The "Generating Women Leaders and Re-vitalizing their Role in Society," project, completed in June 2006, resulted in: issuance of national ID cards to 2,800 underprivileged women enabling them to establish a business, receive government health and education benefits, etc.; voter registration of 2,996 women; advanced leadership training for 25 women; and workshops for 767 women to raise their awareness of their political and social rights guaranteed under the law. Due to the efficiency in implementing the project, the National Council for Women in Cairo chose women leaders trained in this project to continue their training in the "Women's Political Rehabilitation" project administered by the Council. This program directly supported the MPP Strategic Goal of Democracy and Human Rights/Building Civil Society. ¶9. Post is satisfied with the reporting provided by the grantee, which included the success stories of two of the women leaders trained in the project who intend to run in local elections. ¶10. Grantee requested a one-month extension of the project to follow-up on the training opportunities granted by the National Council for Women to a number of women leaders that originally benefited from the project. The grantee used an excess amount of approximately USD 600 for this additional activity. This sum includes an amount of approximately USD 350, from the USD 3000 allocated by MEPI for conference and travel expenses. The grantee believes that they still need formal approval from MEPI Tunis for this request. The grantee wishes to use the remaining funds from the USD 3000 assigned for conference and travel activities for additional activities to conduct three final training workshops for administrators of election campaigns. ¶11. Post greatly appreciates the assistance of MEPI Tunis with administering these grants. RICCIARDONE