Until 2016, I was teaching the theory of car engineering. At first, I doubted my ability to teach the mechanical technology behind cars, but I invested in myself. The VTC administration believed in me. Through self-study and patience, I learned everything about hydraulics and how cars operate”.
“I had no choice but to improve my skills, I taught myself everything and eventually became the head of the car workshop, overseeing both theoretical and practical education at the Center
Project: Funded by the European Union Trust Fund North of Africa, the Multi-Educational Programme for Employment Promotion in Migration-affected Areas (MEPEP) is a project implemented by the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation (AICS). It aims to enhance economic and equal opportunities, in particular for vulnerable groups, by improving the quality of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in Egypt. The project is implemented in the Sharkeya governorate, one of the governorates that boast the largest number of Egyptian youths wishing to leave Egypt and illegally migrate to other countries, and especially in the 10th of Ramadan City, which has a presence of a dynamic Egyptian and non-Egyptian industrial force.
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Mohamed graduated from the Technical Education Institute, followed by the Faculty of Technical Education in 2006. After completing his military service, he worked in the private sector before pursuing a career in education.
In 2011, Mohamed began working at the PVTD Vocational Training Center in the 10th of Ramadan, Sharkeya Governorate. He explained: “Until 2016, I was teaching the theory of car engineering. At first, I doubted my ability to teach the mechanical technology behind cars, but I invested in myself. The VTC administration believed in me. Through self-study and patience, I learned everything about hydraulics and how cars operate”.
Three years ago, most of the teachers and trainers in the car sector at the VTC left for overseas opportunities. Mohamed had to step in. “I had no choice but to improve my skills, I taught myself everything and eventually became the head of the car workshop, overseeing both theoretical and practical education at the Center,” he continued.
The Head of the 10th of Ramadan Institute has informed Mohamed that the MEPEP Training of Trainers (ToT), funded by the EU, would be held at the Don Bosco Institute. This was the opportunity Mohamed had been looking for, a chance to further enhance his skills through specialized training.
“My dream is to sell a final product at the VTC. In Sharkeya, we have great potential, with modern supplies and machinery at our disposal. I dream of opening a service centre affiliated with the PVTD where students can learn, work and earn money”, Mohamed shared.
He believes that every student should empower themselves through education, build a career and find a way to contribute to their community. “I tell my students not to fall for the promises of migration and instead look at the opportunities in the country, where car mechanics and Technical Vocational Education and Training Centres represent the future.”
Mohamed`s story is not the only one. It is one of many stories where MEPEP, with the support of the EU, has played a role in people's academic, technical and personal lives. It is one of many stories of success, patience and hope. Hope for a future without illegal immigration and educated Egyptian youth.