Over the past decade, the Population Awareness Clubs (PACs) Program has empowered and trained thousands of young people, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to their communities. On the 30th of September, we gathered to celebrate this significant milestone, reflecting on the program’s successes and the lasting impact it has had on youth across Egypt.
The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including His Excellency Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports; Mr. Ulric Shannon, Ambassador of Canada to Egypt; Ms. Kjersti Lindoe, Head of Development Cooperation at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo; Ms. Manal Gamal, Director of the Central Administration for Youth Empowerment; Dr. Yves Sassenrath, UNFPA Representative in Egypt; and Dr. Hisham El Rouby, Founder and Chairperson of Etijah. Each of these esteemed figures shared inspiring remarks, reflecting on the program’s achievements over the past ten years and reinforcing their commitment to youth empowerment in Egypt.
Adding to the significance of the event, Major General Ismail Al-Far, Assistant Minister for Youth and Government Relations, along with several high-ranking officials, honored the ceremony with their attendance. Among them were Ms. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development; Mr. Ibrahim Saber, Governor of Cairo; Engineer Adel Saeed El-Naggar, Governor of Giza; and Engineer Ayman Attia, Governor of Qalyubia. Representatives from various governmental bodies and United Nations-affiliated organizations also attended, underscoring the importance of collaboration in achieving the program’s goals.
Since its establishment in 2015, the PACs program has operated with the goal of raising awareness among youth on crucial issues such as reproductive health, family planning, early marriage, gender-based violence, and harmful practices against girls. Through creative methods—such as interactive theater, music, film production, and sports activities—the program has ensured youth engagement and fostered meaningful dialogue on these topics. With UNFPA’s strategic support and in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Etijah, the program has achieved remarkable outreach through youth centers across the country.
Over the past decade, the program has not only equipped young people with knowledge but also empowered them to become advocates for change within their own communities. Teams of volunteers were formed, including 17 theater groups and 17 musical ensembles (Shamandouraشمندورة ,), spreading messages through artistic performances in cities, towns, and villages across Egypt. These initiatives have given young people a voice, creating a platform for dialogue and positive change.
Reflecting on the journey, Dr. Hisham El Rouby emphasized the value of partnerships and the importance of youth-led development:
_”Our journey has been marked by both challenges and achievements, but our commitment remains unwavering. Together, we have empowered a generation to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”_
The event was a celebration not only of past successes but also of the partnerships that made those successes possible. UNFPA’s continuous financial and strategic support, Etijah’s expertise in youth development, and the backing of the Ministry of Youth and Sports ensured the program’s long-term sustainability. As Dr. Yves Sassenrath noted in his remarks, this collaboration has built a model of youth engagement that can inspire future initiatives.
The PACs program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, youth empowerment, and community-driven change. As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding the program’s reach, ensuring its sustainability, and empowering even more young people to become agents of positive transformation.