As part of her ongoing commitment to supporting youth participation and empowerment, MP Dr. Naglaa Bakhoum, Chairperson of Ana Masry Association for Development and Training in Qena, followed up on the activities of the Youth Advisory Group under the “From Skill to Profit” project. Dr. Bakhoum emphasized that the participation of young people in this group goes beyond being mere beneficiaries of the project — they are true partners in driving change. She affirmed the Association’s belief in the importance of redistributing power within development projects in a fair and transparent way, ensuring that young people have the opportunity to express themselves, take initiative, influence decisions, and ultimately lead. A Charter of Operations has been developed for the Youth Advisory Group to ensure meaningful youth participation — starting from consultation and expression, and extending to leadership, empowerment, and decision-making. Under the leadership of MP Dr. Naglaa Bakhoum, Ana Masry Association continues to diversify its activities across several key areas, including enhancing community participation and volunteerism, raising awareness of women’s issues, promoting inclusion for people with disabilities, and fostering a culture of dialogue and critical thinking. Through the “From Skill to Profit” project, the Association works to train and equip young people while providing them with the necessary support to launch their own income-generating small enterprises. The Youth Advisory Group serves as a participatory framework that represents the voice of young people throughout the project’s planning, implementation, and evaluation phases. Its objectives include: Creating a safe space for dialogue and self-expression. Supporting planning and monitoring processes. Building young people’s capacities and strengthening their leadership skills. Since its formation, the group has held several meetings and workshops — beginning with its founding session on July 1, 2025, attended by 12 youth members, during which the Charter of Operations was discussed and an initial action plan was developed. Subsequent meetings addressed the challenges facing youth and the project, leading to practical recommendations for improvement. The participating youth expressed their enthusiasm and strong sense of belonging, viewing the group as their genuine voice within the project and as a platform that empowers them to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
