Ashraf Sabkha, a 2015 graduate of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate Program from the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), recently became the first Libyan Knight-Hennesy Scholar at Stanford University. Under the Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarship, Sabkha received leadership training and support, graduating summa cum laude from the American University in Cairo with a …
Read More»
By jarbuz | 19 September, 2022 | Topics: Alumni, Business, Economic Affairs, Economic Issues, Education, Environment, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, Study in the U.S., Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Business, economic growth, Entrepreneurship, fellowship, leadership, Libya, MENA, Middle East, North Africa, Success Stories, Tomorrow's Leaders
For many alumni of the MEPI exchange programs, their experience itself was fulfilling on the academic or civic level and it also helped them unlock a fortune of opportunities in the years that followed. Mondher Tounsi from Tunisia says that the Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarship allowed him to explore his passion for politics while helping him …
Read More»
By jarbuz | 16 August, 2022 | Topics: Alumni, Art & Culture, Business, Economic Affairs, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, Study in the U.S., Success Stories
With assistance from a MEPI Leaders Grant, Nora Chaynane, a 2019 alumna of the MEPI Student Leaders Program (SLP), successfully trained 50 participants from 10 different regions of Morocco to leverage technology and innovation in rapidly changing environments. Through her Shine Space Smart Sustainable Solutions (S.5 Project) initiative, Nora received a small grant from the …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 16 June, 2022 | Topics: Alumni, Business, Culture, Economic Affairs, Education, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S., Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: advocacy, alumni, assistance, Business, economic growth, Entrepreneurship, Morocco, Success Stories, Youth
Mohammad Aljilani participated in the MEPI Student Leaders Program (SLP) at Portland State University in the summer of 2019 where he studied conflict resolution, leadership, democracy, and U.S institutions. Mohammad believes in the power of diversity and describes the lessons learned with the Student Leaders Program as “a new lifestyle”. He shares that, “I have …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 25 February, 2021 | Topics: Agriculture, Alumni, Business, Culture, Economic Issues, Featured Event, Government Offices, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories | Tags: AI, alumni, climate, Green, Jordan, Leaders, leadership, MENA, Middle East, Student Leaders, Success Stories, Sustainability
The Al-Rawabet project promotes the growth of high-potential companies and invests in the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Safi-Marrakech region, with funding from the United States Department of State Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). A new public private partnership (PPP) in Safi, Morocco started through Al-Rawabet is providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs to …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 29 December, 2020 | Topics: Agriculture, Business, Culture, Doing Business in the U.S., Economic Affairs, Economic Issues, Events, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Science & Tech, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, assistance, Business, Commerce, economic growth, Employment, Entrepreneurship, MENA, MEPI, Middle East, Morocco, Near East Foundation, news, Success Stories
In the Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco, many resources are available to entrepreneurs, but they weren’t working together or coordinating to influence policy. The Al-Rawabet project, funded by the United States Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), takes an entirely new approach to the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. Through Al-Rawabet, …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 29 December, 2020 | Topics: Agriculture, Alumni, Business, Culture, Economic Affairs, Economic Issues, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, Science & Tech, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Business, Commerce, economic growth, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Environment, MENA, MEPI, Morocco, Near East Foundation, Start-up, Sustainability
In the Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco, many resources are available to entrepreneurs, but businesses weren’t working together or coordinating to influence policy. The Al-Rawabet project, funded by the United States Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), takes an entirely new approach to the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. Through Al-Rawabet, …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 8 December, 2020 | Topics: Agriculture, Alumni, Business, Culture, Economic Affairs, Economic Issues, Education, Events, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories | Tags: Business, civil society, Commerce, economic growth, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Funding Opportunity, Job Growth, MENA, MEPI, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Success Stories, technology
Omar Itani, MEPI Student Leaders 2016 alumnus, began his entrepreneurial career in the startup world. With his schoolmates, he established his first startup, VISIO, an initiative specialized in waste management and recycling. VISIO won the 2012 INJAZ company program and the Best Social Impact Award in the Regional Competition for Arab Young Entrepreneurs in Doha-Qatar. …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 10 November, 2020 | Topics: Agriculture, Alumni, Economic Affairs, Economic Issues, Education, Events, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S., Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: advocacy, alumni, Civic Engagement, economic growth, Entrepreneurship, Environment, Lebanon, MEPI, Student Leaders, Success Stories, Youth
The MEPI-TL scholarship program helps to cultivate academic and leadership skills to underserved students in the MENA region. These students then use the knowledge and skills they gain to take leading roles in serving their community on many fronts, including academia, economy, civil society, policy, healthcare, research among others. One example of an inspiring TL …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 21 October, 2020 | Topics: Alumni, Featured Event, Health Issues, Near East & North Africa, News, Policy, Public Affairs, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S., U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Cancer Research, Civic Engagement, civil society, Entrepreneurship, fellowship, Georgetown, Health, Leaders, leadership, Lebanon, MENA, MEPI, Middle East, Policy, Scholarships, Success Stories, Tomorrow's Leaders
As young as eighteen years old, Danya Arayssi (SLP 2018, Lebanon) recognized many of her community’s challenges. Through accounts she heard about women being silenced by cultural norms, traditions, and values, Danya knew that her passion lied in empowering women. Danya explains, “They are silenced to denounce a continuous yet traumatic daily abuse and human …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 8 October, 2020 | Topics: Alumni, Culture, Education, Featured Event, Gender Issues, History, Human Rights, Near East & North Africa, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: advocacy, alumni, Arab media, civil society, economic growth, Entrepreneurship, fellowship, Georgetown, leadership, Lebanon, MENA, Mental Health, MEPI, Middle East, Student Leaders, Success Stories, Youth
MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders program has recently launched, for the first time, the “My TL story” contest across the top three leading universities in the Middle East; the Lebanese American University, The American University of Beirut and the American University of Cairo. The contest invited current TL undergraduate students to share their experiences during the TL …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 22 September, 2020 | Topics: Alumni, Art & Culture, Education, Events, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, Study in the U.S., Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Entrepreneurship, LAU, Leaders, leadership, Lebanon, MENA, MEPI, Middle East, North Africa, Scholarships, Tomorrow's Leaders, Youth
Ghufran Ashor, a MEPI’s Tomorrow’s Leaders LAU alumna from Libya, graduated in Spring 2019 and began her search for the right post-graduation job. She sought a role that would serve purpose and allow her to make a difference. After an excessive job search, Ashor landed a job that matched her skills and aspirations perfectly. In …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 3 September, 2020 | Topics: Alumni, Culture, Featured Event, Fundamental Freedoms, Gender Issues, Health Issues, Near East & North Africa, News, Scholarships and Exchanges | Tags: alumni, Arab media, BBC, civil society, COVID, COVID-19, Employment, LAU, Leaders, leadership, Libya, media, MENA, MEPI, Minorities, Tomorrow's Leaders, women
Salaam Halila, Tunisian MEPI TL Alumna from LAU, excelled as a communication major during the program and used the skills she acquired to create two successful awareness campaigns surrounding mental health and promoting cultural differences in Arab society. In March 2019, while in her junior year, Salaam launched “Bil Hawa Sawa” (We are all in …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 19 August, 2020 | Topics: Alumni, Culture, Education, Featured Event, Health Issues, Near East & North Africa, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Campaign, LAU, Mental Health, MEPI, Middle East, North Africa, Stereotypes, Success Stories, Tunisia, women
Censorship and the spread of fake news remain two of the main challenges that media and journalism face in Tunisia. Tunisian journalists are continuously working to alleviate these challenges and improve the sector. To help solve these challenges, MEPI’s Leadership Development Fellowship (LDF) program Alumna Ahed Jamaoui created Media Impact +, a project for training local …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 13 August, 2020 | Topics: Alumni, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, civil society, journalism, LDF, media, MEPI, North Africa, Success Stories, Tunisia, TV
After participating in MEPI’s Student Leaders Program Mohammed Taoufik, felt compelled to find a solution to the high crime and drug rates that he saw in the youth in his community in Casablanca. He created a public awareness and support campaign to showcase the positive impact building a youth soccer field would have on the …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 24 June, 2020 | Topics: Alumni, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, civil society, drugs, Leaders, leadership, MENA, MEPI, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Student Leaders, Success Stories
MEPI Jordanian Local grantee “AYA for Consultancy and Development” successfully continues to provide opportunities for youth to engage in skills empowerment, business training, and micro-grants for starting business initiatives that will assist them to connect with their communities and create economic benefits. An ongoing success story is the “Growing Mushrooms” micro grant. The idea is …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 21 January, 2020 | Topics: Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: assistance, Business, Entrepreneurship, Funding Opportunity, Grants, Jordan, MEPI, Success Stories, Youth
Cenacle de La Lumière (CDLL) completed their two-year MEPI funded project “Back into Community (BiC)” focusing on improving the lives and economic prospects of 125 women and youth in Lebanon, specifically in Keserwan, Jbeil and Metn. Working with local companies, CDLL succeeded in empowering and strengthening 125 vulnerable women and youth through extensive trainings and …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 15 May, 2019 | Topics: Events, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Lebanon, MENA, MEPI
It’s not every day that young people have the opportunity to talk with global leaders about critical issues. But on October 2, a group of young professionals from across the Middle East and North Africa met with Lebanese President General Michel Aoun and other Lebanese officials to discuss political, social, and economic issues affecting the …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 31 October, 2018 | Topics: Events, Featured Event, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Lebanon, MENA, MEPI, Middle East, Youth
This video summarizes the program MEPI-funded “Demand-Driven Skills Training for Youth Employment in Morocco” implemented by EFE-Maroc in the Fes-Meknes region. Under the project, EFE-Maroc trained more than 600 youth in job search techniques and demand-driven soft skills and placed 135 youth in jobs.
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 24 October, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MEPI, Morocco, Success Stories
Ahead of Tunisia’s municipal elections on May 6th, MEPI partnered with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) to build a mobile radio station dedicated to impartial, accurate, and equitable elections reporting as an effective way to provide voters with the information needed to make informed choices at the ballot box. In alignment with one …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 24 July, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: IFES, MEPI, Success Stories
The Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), a program within the Bureau of Near East Affairs Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC), announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for projects designed to advance U.S. economic interests in the MENA region while bolstering the nascent eSports industry. This initiative will advance and promote …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 13 July, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: eSports, MEPI, NOFO
On July 9th, Ambassador David Freidman hosted the closing ceremony for the “Diversity Works” project – a joint initiative led by the itworks nonprofit organization and supported by the U.S. Embassy’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). Diversity Works contributed to a dramatic 150% increase in employment diversity in the 47 participating companies by integrating various …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 11 July, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, Job Opportunities, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Israel, MENA, MEPI, Success Stories
During his participation in the MEPI Student Leaders program at Portland State University in 2016, Safwen Karoui became inspired by the principles and ideas behind conflict resolution. He wanted to take the professional skills that he gained from the program and apply them to work with local associations and civil society organizations in his home …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 9 July, 2018 | Topics: Alumni, Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, MENA, MEPI, Success Stories, Tunisia
Following four years of coordinated donor technical assistance, the government of Tunisia recently announced the implementation of a new legal framework for investment. The implementation of several key changes will improve efficiency and productivity through the development of investments in innovative and high value-added sectors that will improve the competitiveness of the national economy and …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 9 July, 2018 | Topics: Economic Issues, Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: CLDP, MENA, MEPI, Tunisia
When Houssam Askar first saw the announcement for the MEPI Student Leaders program, he was so excited that he stayed awake all night thinking about what to write for his application. His dream came true when he was accepted into the program at Georgetown University in June, 2015. Through Student Leaders, Houssam is better prepared …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 9 July, 2018 | Topics: Alumni, Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Lebanon, MEPI, Success Stories
Reham El-Saidi experienced major changes in her life after participating in the Leaders for Democracy (LDF) Program. The program increased Reham’s knowledge of civic engagement, leadership skills and introduced her to new cultures and ideas, which allowed her to see things from different perspectives and reflect on her role within her community back home. During …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 3 July, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Gaza, LDF, MENA, MEPI, Success Stories, West Bank
The Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), which provides direct government-to-government technical assistance worked with legislative drafters, judges, and private sector stakeholders to deliver updated insolvency laws that will reduce the rate of business failure in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The passage of the laws earlier this year is a major achievement for …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 25 June, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Bahrain, CLDP, MEPI, Saudi Arabia, Success Stories
As many LDF Fellows, Michel El Daccache described the Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF) program as a turning point in his life. The LDF experience was a milestone for multiple and enriching opportunities that helped shape his growing career. The program allowed him to develop his civic action plan and transform it into a manual …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 19 June, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Lebanon, MENA, MEPI, Success Stories
At just 24 years old, Haythem Srihi is a member of the Hack4Democracy (H4D) finale’s winning team and a newly elected municipal councilor from the city of Jammel in Tunisia. Haythem’s success in both the H4D competition and in the May 6 municipal elections serves as a prime example of what Tunisian youth can achieve …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 19 June, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: H4D, MENA, MEPI, Success Stories, Tunisia
Awsam believes that the LDF program was a turning point in his professional career. The program provided an opportunity for him to write and publish his first book on the Media Public Service Broadcasting Network (PBN) in Iraq. This book is a part of Awsam’s CAP project in which he aims to engage the broadcasting …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 18 June, 2018 | Topics: Alumni, Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Iraq, LDF, MEPI, Success Stories
Youth unemployment is a perennial challenge across North Africa, including in Algeria, where rates typically approach 30%. Since its launch in September 2015, the MEPI-funded Youth Employment Project has established nine career centers across Algeria, helping young job-seekers to gain new skills tailored to local market demand. From Algeria’s largest ports to smaller trading hubs …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 15 June, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Algeria, alumni, Employment, Success Stories, World Learning
President Jabbra, Vice President Salem, Ambassador Richard, distinguished guests, MEPI administration, fellow TLers and most importantly the class of 2018, we have made it! On this very special day, I would like to thank all of those who without them we would have not been here. A special gratitude goes to the previous MEPI administrations, …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 4 June, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Graduation Speech, LAU, MEPI, Success Stories, Tomorrow's Leaders
On April 26, The Kingdom of Morocco joined the Open Government Partnership (OGP) , an international initiative that secures commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. Through a partnership with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, MEPI supported the Moroccan government’s initiative to establish and implement a National Action …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 21 May, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MENA, Morocco, Success Stories
As a dedicated advocate for peace building and conflict resolution, Hicham El Hadad is actively working to build the bridge of communication between youth and local officials in his community to address and find solutions to problems affecting youth in Northern Morocco. Since he returned from the Student Leaders program funded by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) in 2014, Hicham has used …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 30 March, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Morocco, Success Stories
After working for 18 years in the medical field, Bouchra Laouani Mansour started thinking about launching her own business. Ambitious, independent and dynamic, she began marketing a brand of organic cosmetics, working from home and relying on her personal network. This experience made her want to go further and become her own boss. Drawing on …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 9 February, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, Success Stories | Tags: Entrepreneurship, Success Stories
One of our most dynamic MEPI Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF) alumna, Nacira Amari, was elected on December 3, 2017 to her local city council in the western city of Saida, near Oran. A high school math teacher, Amari was a tenacious candidate, winning despite divisions within her local party apparatus. She certainly offers a …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 26 January, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event | Tags: alumni, MENA, MEPI, Success Stories
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) has now recognized Saudi Arabia as a jurisdiction that has adopted an arbitration law based on the 2006 UNCITRAL Model Arbitration Law. During a December MEPI-funded regional arbitration conference run by CLDP, a delegation of Saudi judges presented case law on the interpretation of Sharia in …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 18 January, 2018 | Topics: Featured Event, Success Stories | Tags: Success Stories
Unleash Tunisia was a one-year advocacy project promoting entrepreneurship, business skills and a “startup mentality” all around Tunisia. MEPI partnered with a nascent organization “Young Leaders Entrepreneurs” to realize the following outcomes : During 5 tours, trained 150 participants with diverse backgrounds and gender. Created 40+ partnerships with local NGOs, universities, accelerators and coworking spaces. …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 8 November, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MEPI, Success Stories, Tunisia, Youth
JERUSALEM – October 25th marked the successful completion of a U.S. Consulate General-sponsored workshop to build a better ecosystem for innovation in the West Bank. Co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the workshop convened American experts and Palestinian entrepreneurs, academics, business leaders, and government stakeholders to identify policy and regulatory reforms that will help …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 26 October, 2017 | Topics: Events, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: CLDP, MENA, MEPI, Success Stories
MEPI Alum Abbas Sibai (Leaders for Democracy (LDF) U.S. Program, 2013) has launched “Live Love Volunteer,” which leverages the popular Live Love social media accounts to promote volunteerism in Lebanon. Live Love Volunteer’s next activity is a trash clean up day at Lebanon’s Kfarhelda waterfalls on September 16. Abbas co-founded the “Live Love Beirut” social …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 26 October, 2017 | Topics: Alumni, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Leaders, MENA, Success Stories
The U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) program seeks nominations for potential participants in the MEPI Student Leaders Program scheduled to take place in summer 2018. The program will last from June 25 – August 4, 2018. The Student Leaders program is an intensive 5-week training program in four U.S.-based universities for …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 26 October, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MEPI, Middle East, North Africa, Scholarships
Good morning everyone, I am delighted to be here to participate in this very special occasion. I want to take a moment to thank Minister Ben Gharbia Minister for Relations with Constitutional Bodies, Civil Society and Human Rights, our local partners from around the country, our guests from Morocco, and all of you for taking …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 24 October, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Job Opportunities, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: economic growth, Grants, MEPI, news, Tunisia, US Embassy
Over 260 youth applied to participate in the DreamUp competition in El Jadida and Safi. Forty selected youth participated in training and coaching events organized by the Machrou3i incubators, a project funded by MEPI that provides support and coaching to youth entrepreneurs, to develop their business plans. In the final competition, the top ten selected youth presented their innovative projects …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 16 October, 2017 | Topics: Events, Featured Event, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, Entrepreneurship, MEPI, Morocco, Success Stories
FSVC and the Tunisian Association of Public Auditors (ATCP) recently launched an electronic platform to monitor public infrastructure projects in Tunisia. The platform, known as “Cabrane” (a slang Tunisian word used to define a foreman), can be viewed at www.cabrane.com. The first of its kind at the national level, this platform maps out meaningful data …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 30 August, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MENA, MEPI, Success Stories, Tunisia
On August 30, a group of Tunisian State Department exchange program alumni were joined by Ambassador Rubinstein and embassy staff in a meeting with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi and his Youth and Diplomacy Advisors at the Presidential Palace. During this meeting, alumni shared the results of their experiences in the United States on a …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 30 August, 2017 | Topics: Alumni, Events, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, ambassador, news, Student Leaders, Success Stories, Tunisia
On July 12, Education for Employment concluded its MEPI funded project entitled “Supporting Civic Responsibility and Private Sector Job Creation in Tunisia” with its 10th graduation ceremony to celebrate the graduation of 288 Tunisians who were placed in jobs in seven enterprises. CDA Benjamin Moeling had the opportunity to meet with some of the graduates and …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 17 July, 2017 | Topics: Alumni, Economic Issues, Events, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Success Stories
Les Grandes Ecoles de Communication (GEC) held the closing ceremony of the “Improve Tourism Etiquette” #MEPI funded project on June 29. The project aims to improve customer service, communication soft skills, and tourism work etiquette in 100 degree-holding candidates seeking employment from 5 different cities (Tunis, Hammamet, Sousse, Jerba, and Tozeur). The project also included …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 11 July, 2017 | Topics: Economic Issues, Events, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MEPI, Success Stories, Tunisia
While still in its early development stage, Morocco’s startup ecosystem has the potential to reinvigorate the small business environment and reduce the 40 percent youth unemployment rate. In 2013, Start Up Your Life, a non-profit organization with the mission of helping early and seed startups grow and turn into high-potential businesses, operates at the “seed” …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 6 July, 2017 | Topics: Economic Issues, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: economic growth, MEPI, Morocco, Success Stories
The Libya media landscape continues to experience polarization, lack of press freedom, and insufficient employment opportunities for new graduates. The Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR)’s MEPI-funded Media Lab within the University of Tripoli has worked to tackle these issues by providing practical media skills training to over 1,200 journalism students, including more than 300 …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 5 July, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Libya, media, MEPI
Press Release 23 June 2017 Lebanese Culinary Consortium Builds U.S. Trade Ties Fair Trade Lebanon (FTL), a U.S.-funded consortium of hundreds of agro-producers and farmers from marginalized communities in Lebanon, made its American debut at a June 22 event showcasing authentic Lebanese food products for U.S. vendors. Supported through a $2.9 million grant funded by …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 23 June, 2017 | Topics: Events, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Success Stories
Yasmina Zaz is a twenty-years-old from Safi, deaf and only able to communicate through sign, Yasmina nevertheless did not give up and continued vocational training as a beautician. But despite her diploma and experience, she was unable to find a job and earn an income. “For a long time, I felt that opening my own business was an unrealistic dream,” Yasmina said. “But …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 21 June, 2017 | Topics: Economic Issues, Featured Event, Gender Issues, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Success Stories
Malika, a widow and a mother of six, is a beneficiary of the EYEM project from Moulay Abdellah. She is a proactive woman, driven by her strong will and self-confidence, which allowed her to capitalize on her five years of experience as a cook to create her own snack-bar. “The EYEM grant helped me to buy the necessary …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 21 June, 2017 | Topics: Economic Issues, Featured Event, Gender Issues, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Success Stories
Yassine Khalfaoui, a 32-year-old nurse from Safi, dreamed of opening his own pharmaceutical shop to provide high quality services in Safi. Yassine graduated from the Canadian school, Diana of the Polyvalent Nurse in Safi in 2010. He then undertook various internships at Mohamed 5 Hospital, the Nour Clinics surgical unit, and at different clinicsthat helped him gain skills. Through the Scouts Association of …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 26 May, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Success Stories
On April 11, 2017, The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) grantee L’Heure Joyeuse hosted a roundtable event on the theme “Insertion and Entrepreneurship for Youth in Difficult Situations: Issues and Prospects,” in which EconOff Okocha spoke on the promising collaboration between the two entities. The panel included L’Heure Joyeuse members, entrepreneurs, and enablers in entrepreneurship. …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 25 May, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MEPI, Morocco
Buoyed by unseasonably cool weather and overcast skies, MEPI partner Fair Trade Lebanon held its sixth annual “World Fair Trade Day” on May 21 at the St. George’s Convent in Roumieh, Lebanon. Several hundred food fans feasted on offerings provided by members of the 22 women-led cooperatives and small businesses that are the beneficiaries of …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 24 May, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Events, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: ambassador, Lebanon, MEPI, trade
In February 2017, Abolish Article 153 organized successful training on “Gender violence training for youth and live theater production workshop in Kuwait”, 13 participants under the age of 21 (2 males and 11 females) benefited from the training. The organization plans to conduct series of trainings target young Kuwaiti activists and leaders to educate them …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 23 May, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Gender Issues, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI
In your opinion, what is the most powerful tool that can be used in the 21st century to overcome the challenges that humanity is facing today and to help nations grow? Let me tell you that the answer is education, sciences, and arts, but more important it is the digital and communication technologies. In Tunisia, where we are …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 28 April, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Success Stories
My name is Safa Yahia and I am a 27 year old engineering graduate from Gabes. My story began on January when I applied for the “I Have a Project” Program. I was selected as one of the 25 finalists which allowed me to participate in the program. Because of my participation in the program, I gained a special …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 28 April, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News | Tags: MEPI, Success Stories
My name is Yosra Abidi, 25 years old, and I am from the beautiful region of Kef. I study at the Higher Institute for Languages of Tunis (ISLT). I am currently on my third and final year studying English Language, Literature and Civilization. I am very active in my society. I am a member in a variety of …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 28 April, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MEPI, Success Stories
I am Rafiaa Boujbel, IT consultant with Tim Consulting and a Ph.D. candidate in Telecommunication Networks at Munich University of Applied Sciences. I would like to share my Education for Employment (EFE) experience with you. This experience started with an online application that I became aware of through the EFE website. After the selection process, I became a finalist …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 28 April, 2017 | Topics: Alumni, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, MEPI, Success Stories, Tunisia
In Bahrain, CLDP has worked closely with government officials and stakeholders to promote commercial legal reforms and address key areas of economic development through public and private sector input. Following a CLDP-sponsored program in Singapore on March 14-17, 2017, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) presented a framework of the Bahraini draft insolvency law …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 11 April, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Bahrain, CLDP, MEPI, Success Stories
The advent of the Tunisian revolution has brought about renewed interest among citizens about how they can play a greater role in holding their government accountable. They often lack the knowledge, however, about the tools and resources at their disposal to do so. The Tunisian Association of Public Auditors (Association Tunisienne des Contrôleurs Publics, or …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 7 April, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MEPI, Success Stories, Tunisia
Khadija Elhammal, a 35-year-old hairstylist and makeup artist from Safi, Morocco, knew launching her own salon would come with its challenges. But with her determination and support from the Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship in Morocco (EYEM) team, Khadija successfully opened her own salon. Khadija received a diploma in hairstyling and aesthetics from the National Initiative …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 6 April, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Job Opportunities, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Entrepreneurship, MEPI, Morocco, Success Stories
Kamal Riad a 31-year-old doctor from Casablanca, dreamed of opening his own medical center and providing high quality services—particularly in underserved rural areas—while in medical school. After graduating from the University of Casablanca’s Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2012, Kamal held positions with La Samir Company in Mohammedia and OCP Group in El Jadida providing …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 6 April, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MEPI, Morocco
Hajar Addani grew up in Khouribga City and El Jadida, Morocco where she studied computer science in college and excelled in her program. In 2015, Hajar was accepted to the US Diversity Visa Lottery Program—a program that grants eligible candidates a chance to legally immigrate to the United States to live and work. Hajar believed that the opportunity would be life changing …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 4 April, 2017 | Topics: Economic Issues, Featured Event, Gender Issues, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Entrepreneurship, MEPI, Morocco, Success Stories, women
Farah Souimtou is an expert tailor who for years dreamed of opening her own business. After earning a diploma in tailoring from a private tailoring school in Safi in 2004, she remained on as a trainer for 12 more years. Now at age 32 and the mother of a four year old son, Farah wants to build something on her …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 4 April, 2017 | Topics: Economic Issues, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Entrepreneurship, MEPI, Morocco, Success Stories, women
Said Grilou from Safi, Morroco, worked in several different technology companies after receiving a degree in computer science from the Specialized Institute of Applied Technology (ISTA) in 2012. In an effort to put all he had learned at ISTA into practice and truly utilize his degree, 29-year-old Said decided to start his own business repairing and selling computers and other similar …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 3 April, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Entrepreneurship, MEPI, Morocco, Success Stories
Imad Elmarkchi immigrated to Libya to work as a laborer in construction and landscaping, hopeful to provide better economic opportunities for his family. With the revolution in Libya, he had to return to his family in Morocco still in a difficult financial situation and in search of a better way of life. After his experience in Libya, Imad wanted to …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 3 April, 2017 | Topics: Economic Issues, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MEPI, Morocco, Success Stories
Hayat Bachak is a 26-year-old kinesiotherapist from El Jadida, Morocco—and now also an entrepreneur, running her own clinic to help patients of all ages manage pain, facilitate recovery, and prevent disease. The youngest of seven children, Hayat graduated with a degree in Kinesiotherapy from the Institute of Technology and Auxiliary and Multi-Purpose Nurses (ITIAP) in El Jadida in 2013. While in school, Hayat …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 3 April, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Gender Issues, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: MEPI, Morocco, Success Stories, women
Exchange alumni in Saudi Arabia have successfully increased alumni engagement and expanded the Saudi alumni network through a series of events known as the Entrepreneurship Diwaniya. Traditionally, a Diwaniya is a relaxed place where people gather to discuss significant issues of the day. The Entrepreneurship Diwaniya is a series of networking and educational events connecting …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 30 March, 2017 | Topics: Alumni, Featured Event, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, MEPI, Saudi, Success Stories
The Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations Customized Assistance Program (CBACAP), funded by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and implemented by Deloitte Consulting LLP, has made strides in building the capacities of eight Tunisian Chambers of Commerce (CoCs) and three youth entrepreneurship organizations over the past three years. The mission of the program is to drive inclusive economic development through increased competitiveness, business …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 30 March, 2017 | Topics: Economic Affairs, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News
Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) – Expanding Franchising Opportunities in Tunisia ($2,400,000): MEPI continues to partner with CLDP as it engages government, public sector and private sector stakeholders in Tunisia to encourage legal and regulatory reforms and market connections to facilitate the growth of franchises in Tunisia. This program provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a ready-made …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 28 March, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event | Tags: CLDP, Success Stories
After the Arab Spring, Tunisians have expressed a desire for increased government accountability and budget transparency. In response, the government has implemented a number of reforms, including providing municipalities with greater control over their local budgets. To help municipalities with this new responsibility, the Federation of Tunisian Municipalities (Fédération Tunisienne des Villes Tunisiennes, FNVT) requested FSVC’s assistance in training municipalities on …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 21 March, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Success Stories | Tags: MEPI, Success Stories, Tunisia
After the Arab Spring, Tunisians have expressed a desire for increased government accountability and budget transparency. In response, civil society organizations (CSOs) are expanding their advocacy work on these issues and are developing their capacity to advocate for policy changes. CSOs lack the technical capacity to advocate, however, and require new tools and processes to advocate proactively for greater transparency …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 21 March, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Success Stories | Tags: Success Stories
To increase transparency and accountability, the Government of Tunisia is seeking to ensure that citizens and businesses have a simpler, quicker and more cost-effective access to public services via the Internet. The result of this modernization is a move from a paper-based system to a paperless system, which will alter the way public auditors can assess the validity and …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 21 March, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Success Stories | Tags: MEPI, Success Stories, TUNIS
To conclude her keynote address at the February 4 closing ceremony of MEPI LAA’s “NGOs are Stronger Together Project,” U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard urged the 190 attendees to rally their fellow citizens and vote in the May 2017 parliamentary elections – Lebanon’s first parliamentary elections in eight years. She asked that civil society mobilize, in particular, …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 17 March, 2017 | Topics: Events, Featured Event, Key Officials, Near East & North Africa, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Lebanon, MEPI, NGO, US Embassy
The February-May 2017 MEPI-funded Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF) Arabic Program was officially launched on February 20. Implemented in Lebanon by World Learning in collaboration with the American University of Beirut (AUB), this year’s program attracted 22 Fellows from nine MENA countries. Dr. Hassan Diab, AUB Vice President of the Regional External Programs, welcomed the 22 Fellows to the AUB …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 17 March, 2017 | Topics: Events, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Scholarships and Exchanges | Tags: exchange, fellowship, MEPI
Thank you Bedis for the warm welcome and introduction; My thanks as well to the GOT officials who are here, Majdouline Cherni Minister of Youth and Sports, and Saida Ounissi, Secretary of State in charge of Vocational Training and Entrepreneurship And to the facilitators, mentors, university partners and Georgetown for coordinating this event; Good afternoon …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 13 March, 2017 | Topics: Alumni, Embassy, Events, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, Scholarships and Exchanges, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: alumni, MEPI
On February 2, MEPI attended advocacy training in Ramallah as part of the MEPI-funded Internews Network project, Supporting Civic Engagement and National Dialogue through Independent Palestinian Media. The project works with local civil society organizations, journalists and media to establish strong, independent media that includes a diversity of voices, supports inclusive political processes, and incorporates …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 1 March, 2017 | Topics: Events, Featured Event, Near East & North Africa, News, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Civic Engagement, civil society, dialogue, drugs, journalism, media, MENA, MEPI, Middle East, North Africa, women
Learning from the PeaceCorps model, CorpsAfrica launched a new model for Moroccan volunteers to help their own communities – particularly challenging when the culture of volunteerism is not that pervasive. MEPI has been a key partner to helping CorpsAfrica get started and established. Now in its third year of operations, CorpsAfrica’s project “Volunteerism and Community …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 21 February, 2017 | Topics: Events, Featured Event, Job Opportunities, Near East & North Africa, Success Stories, Trade, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Entrepreneurship, MENA, MEPI, MEPI LAA, Middle East, Success Stories, Youth
Dr. Alanoud al-Sharekh, a member of Abolish 153 was admitted into the Republic of France’s National Order of Merit for her work advocating for women’s rights in Kuwait and the GCC. The order was conferred on February 8 at a ceremony at the French Embassy. Abolish 153 project aims to educate and train Kuwaiti women …
Read More»
By The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) | 13 February, 2017 | Topics: Featured Event, Gender Issues, Human Rights, News, Success Stories, U.S. & MEPI | Tags: Success Stories