Plan International Egypt “Hope Together”


Seven years into the Syrian conflict, Syrian refugees in Egypt are in a critical situation. Similar to their vulnerable host communities, they are unable to meet their basic needs. Through this intervention, Syrian refugees and host communities in Alexandria and Damietta become economically empowered, their self-reliance improved and social cohesion strengthened. Due to its experience, Switzerland is in a unique position to provide skills development, income generating activities and facilitated access to microfinance.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Egypt
Migration
Education
Migration generally (development aspects and partnerships)
Basic life skills
01.10.2018 - 30.09.2021
CHF 1'025'426
Background
  • Syrians are the largest refugees’ population in Egypt, representing 57% of all registered refugees.
  • The living conditions of Syrian refugee populations are precarious: 94% of Syrian refugees lack the resources to meet their basic needs. The situation is compounded by depleted savings and a lack of livelihood opportunities.
  • The majority of Syrian female headed households are at a disadvantage in accessing the labor market due to their lack of resources and mobility, resulting in being more vulnerable than male headed household.
  • The Egyptian host communities also experience challenges related to livelihoods and well-being. 30% of Egyptians live below the poverty line (UNICEF, 2017).
Objectives To improve the economic self-reliance and social cohesion of 2000 Syrian refugees and vulnerable host community members in Damietta and Alexandria.
Target groups

The project will directly benefit a total of 2000 Syrian refugees (1500 aged 18-45 out of which 750 women and 500 aged 15-17 out of which 250 girls). 

Indirectly it will reach 8,000 individuals, 30% of the beneficiaries are anticipated to be vulnerable Egyptians from the host community, the rest 70% will be Syrian refugees.

Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Syrian refugees and Egyptian host community members aged (18-45) out of which 50% women, improve their economic self-reliance.

Outcome 2: Social cohesion established between Syrian refugees and Egyptian youth (aged 15 to 17) out of which 50% girls.

Outcome 3: Further programming and policy dialogue is supported by evidence based knowledge produced from the intervention with PIE and documented in the Strategic Steering Committee.

Results

Expected results:  

Output 1.1 1350 individuals aged 18 to 45 are trained on technical and life skills for self-employment.

Output 1.2 700 Syrian refugees and vulnerable host community members aged 18 to 45 receive cash grants to establish sustainable businesses.

Output 1.3 150 individuals from the previous HA funded intervention receive business development training and technical mentoring in order to expand their businesses.

Output 2.1 500 Syrian refugees and Egyptian youth aged 15 to 17 receive trainings on social cohesion initiatives.

Output 2.2 500 Syrian and Egyptian youth aged 15 to 17 establish clubs that serve as platforms to advocate for inclusive work environment and social cohesion in their communities.

Output 3.1 PIE shares project outcomes and lessons learnt in the steering committee with other SDC partners and external stakeholders.


Results from previous phases:  

  • 350 (out of a 400 target) micro-businesses (such as baby clothes or catering) were established.
  • The 3-month period for follow-up on beneficiaries’ income generating activities was not long enough to ensure sustainability of the businesses (market cycle).
  • The end of project report recommends to expand the number of female headed households due to their severe vulnerability.
  • A mid-term developmental approach is needed to address issues faced by both host communities and Syrian refugees, like unemployment and social cohesion.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
  • Other international or foreign NGO North


Other partners
Plan International Switzerland (PIS)
Coordination with other projects and actors
  • Caritas in Alexandria and Damietta funded by UNHCR
  • National Council of Women, National Council of Childhood and Motherhood
  • SDC Regional Eastern Migration Route project
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF   1'025'426 Swiss disbursement to date CHF   898'903
Project phases Phase 1 01.10.2018 - 30.09.2021   (Current phase)