Projects in Action

The Gerhart Center, in collaboration with the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits Business School and various African researchers and institutions, is leading a project funded by the Mastercard Foundation. The project explores the economic contributions of the non-profit sector to youth employment in selected African countries, focusing on creating meaningful job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 35. Aligned with the Mastercard Foundation's Young Africa Works strategy, it aims to identify how the non-profit sector drives youth employability and contributes to national economies.

Name of Donor: The Mastercard Foundation

Finance plays a crucial role in supporting activities that can either benefit or harm society and the environment. Even before the global COVID crisis, many countries, particularly less developed ones, were struggling to close the financing gap for achieving the SDGs and meeting the 2030 agenda. With the onset of COVID-19, this gap has widened, exacerbating global inequality. In the MENA region, there is a significant lack of knowledge about the various financing methods for social impact projects. To address this, the Gerhart Center is launching a project aimed at filling this knowledge gap. The project will establish a regional platform to serve as a knowledge hub, exploring the current landscape of finance for social impact. It will connect ecosystem players, study available financial tools in the region (starting with Egypt) and explore global instruments that could be adapted and localized for the region.

Name of Donor: Ford Foundation

The Gerhart Center launched the Social Entrepreneurship Incubation Program in January 2023 in Ras Gharib, the second-largest city in the Red Sea governorate and a key hub for Egypt's oil production. This program is carefully crafted to empower the youth of Ras Gharib by creating a supportive ecosystem that offers the resources and knowledge necessary for launching sustainable businesses and projects. It provides participants with a unique opportunity to learn from field experts and develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive as social entrepreneurs.

Name of Donor: United Energy Egypt

The Gerhart Center launched the Social Entrepreneurship Mobilization in Egypt Program - Income Generation in El Gamaliya (a city in the Dakahlia Governorate) in March 2022. The program addresses the critical issues of rising unemployment, underemployment and poor-quality employment prospects in emerging economies. The first phase of the program began with a needs assessment to identify the most in-demand crafts and skills in the area. Following this, a call for participants was issued, selecting 45 participants, most of whom were housewives. These participants received vocational training in sewing, alongside capacity-building workshops on management, marketing, sales and finance. The training aimed to equip them with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to secure employment or become self-employed. The second phase, launched in March 2023, provided all 45 participants from the first phase with the necessary equipment, including sewing machines and workspaces, as well as the skills to start their own businesses.

Name of Donor: Danagas

The Young Leaders Development Program is designed to empower and equip young individuals with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become effective leaders in their communities and beyond. Through a combination of leadership training, mentorship and hands-on experience, the program focuses on developing critical skills such as communication, decision-making, problem-solving and strategic thinking. Participants will engage in interactive workshops, team-building exercises and community-based projects that promote active citizenship and social responsibility. The program aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders to take on significant roles in shaping a better future, fostering positive social change and addressing pressing issues within their communities. By connecting young leaders with experienced mentors and a network of like-minded individuals, the program creates a platform for growth, collaboration and the sharing of ideas to drive meaningful impact.

Name of Donor: Americana Foods

The Lazord Fellowship Program is designed to equip recent graduates with professional and civic skills through year-long job placements, mentoring and training. Fellows are placed in local organizations working on projects for the common good, gaining hands-on experience. The program also emphasizes continuous learning, offering a comprehensive understanding of essential topics for success in the change-making industry. Additionally, fellows receive monthly mentoring from experienced professionals, helping them realize their potential and grow both personally and professionally.

Name of Donor: The Lazord Foundation, New York

Since 2019, we have successfully trained over 1,000 development professionals on a wide range of topics, including project management, monitoring and evaluation, social research, proposal writing and others. Our participants have come from various local and international NGOs, government agencies and organizations dedicated to development. Notable partners include Misr El Kheir Foundation, Life Makers Foundation, Red Crescent, St. Andrews, the Ministry of Migration, the National Population Council, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, Wataneya, the National Council for Women, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, Cairo Demographic Center, and the Ministry of Health and Population.