The first phase of the “New Hope” Initiative was launched today in Menoufia Governorate, implementing an economic empowerment project in the poultry production sector. The initiative is a partnership between the National Alliance for Civil and Development Work, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the Abou El-Enein Foundation for Social and Cultural Development, Misr El-Kheir Foundation, and Haya Karima Initiative, in line with the directives of the Egyptian political leadership to promote rural development and improve the living standards of low-income families.
In its first phase, the initiative aims to empower 100 families from the villages of Sabk Al-Ahad and Saqiyat Abu Shaara in Ashmoun Center, starting with 10,000 chicks — 50 chicks per family — in addition to providing feed, veterinary care, and hands-on training on poultry farming to ensure sustainable income generation.
The launch ceremony was attended by Ambassador Liao Liqiang, the Chinese Ambassador to Cairo; Ambassador Nabila Makram, Head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance; Dr. Marguerite Sarofim, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity; Mrs. Somaya Abou El-Enein, Vice Chairperson of the Abou El-Enein Foundation; Dr. Ahood Wafi, Chairperson of the Haya Karima Foundation; and Dr. Mohamed Rifai, CEO of Misr El-Kheir Foundation, along with senior officials from Menoufia Governorate and representatives of the partner organizations.
In his remarks, Ambassador Liao Liqiang highlighted the depth of the strategic relations between Egypt and China, noting that the initiative embodies the “spirit of solidarity and joint action” between the two countries. He added that it represents a natural extension of their multi-sectoral cooperation and provides tangible support for social development efforts within the framework of international partnerships.
Ambassador Nabila Makram reaffirmed the commitment of the National Alliance to advancing community development through the empowerment of vulnerable groups, stressing that the initiative is part of the Alliance’s strategy to achieve sustainable economic and social impact in rural Egypt.
Mrs. Somaya Abou El-Enein stated: “For over 43 years, the Abou El-Enein Foundation has operated on the principle of economic empowerment. The ‘New Hope’ Initiative marks a true shift toward production and self-reliance. Today, with great pride and joy, I announce that the Abou El-Enein Foundation will purchase the products of the women who succeed in this project — as a genuine act of support and empowerment for their families.”
Major General Abdallah El-Deeb, Secretary-General of Menoufia Governorate, expressed the governorate’s appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing that economic empowerment is a cornerstone of progress and self-sufficiency, and confirming the full support of the governorate for community projects that promote local development.
The event concluded with the official handover of the poultry projects to the beneficiary families, amid joyful celebrations and ululations from the women participating in the initiative.
