Though the reality of global market dynamics and individual initiative are dominant, they have to be reconciled to the needs of the community. Inspired to Community Service Egypt is rediscovering the role of the private sector. Within the framework of the structural reform and liberalization program, the private sector has been allowed not only to purchase public sector entities in an attempt to improve their performance, but has also been given the chance to participate in establishing infrastructure projects, an area which, until recently, had been monopolized by the government. Now both local and international private companies are being asked to play a greater role in serving the community. Since 1997, education and the environment have been the focus of he Partnership s economic development activities.
Education is the basis for good business in the future.
Governments worldwide are investing in education because businesses can be competitive only to the extent that they have a well-trained work force. The system is enabling students to acquire the skills which will contribute to a better educated work-force in Egypt. While the Egyptian private sector may be new to community development, they have certainly seen the wisdom of such a strategy. An increasing number of Egyptian businessmen are pitching in, supporting the Ministry of Education in different ways, by building schools, donating computers, Internet connections and telephone lines, as well as offering internships and apprenticeships for young workers as a means of work-force development. The subcommittee has forged strong linkages between educationalists, businessmen, environmentalists, technology specialists and economic development organizations.