Small Construction and Engineering Businesses in Morocco Receive Support from MEPI and NEF

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 ...
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MEPI and NEF Help to Make Start-up Ideas Come to Life in Morocco

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, ...
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Hub Créatif and MEPI’s Support for Al-Rawabet in Morocco

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, ...
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Blending Academia and Grassroots Advocacy Efforts: How a MEPI Alumna is Helping Empower Thousands of Women in Lebanon

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 ...
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The Debut of the “My TL Story” Contest

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 ...
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MEPI Alumnus Uses Psychology to Help Diabetes Patients

Nasser al-Tooblani graduated from MEPI’s Tomorrow’s Leaders program at LAU in the spring of 2020 with a BA in Psychology and received High Distinction. Suffering from diabetes since he was two years old, Nasser has consistently struggled with diabetes self-management throughout his life. In his capstone project « Bloom », Nasser came up with the ...
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MEPI Alumna Leading the COVID-19 Response in Libya

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 ...
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MEPI Alumna Creates Campaigns Promoting Mental Health and Cultural Differences in Arab society

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 ...
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MEPI Alumna Works To Counter Fake News and Promote Transparent Media in Tunisia

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 ...
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MEPI Alumnus Creates a Safe Space for Hundreds of Youth in His Hometown in Casablanca, Morocco.

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 ...
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MEPI grantee Lebanese Center for Active Citizenship empowers local women

MEPI Local grantee Lebanese Center for Active Citizenship (LCAC) successfully empowered and trained 100 refugee and Lebanese women to produce and sell high quality fishing nets.  The program also trained the women on how to market their product and cut out middle men, further empowering these women economically in their communities.  The women have been able to ...
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MEPI Jordanian Grantee Successfully Provides Youth With Skills to Start Their Businesses

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 ...
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MEPI Project Helps Employ About 100 Participants

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 ...
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LDF Fellows Meet With Lebanese President to Discuss Critical Regional Issues

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 ...
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MEPI-funded Project Places Hundreds of Youth in Jobs in Morocco

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.
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Recruitment for 2019 MEPI Student Leaders Program Is Now Open

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 2019. The program will last from June 26 – July 31, 2019. This program is open to university students between the ages of 20 and 24. We seek ...
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MEPI Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program Kicks Off at Duke University

Duke University has welcomed 21 participants of the Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF), a leadership development program organized through the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative of the U.S. State Department. The program provides early- and mid-career professionals from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with the opportunity to gain academic and practical experience ...
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MEPI-Funded Initiative Engages Half a Million Tunisian Voters During Municipal Elections

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 ...
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MEPI Announces a Funding Opportunity to Advance U.S. Economic Interests in the MENA Region While Bolstering the Nascent eSports Industry

  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 ...
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Amb. Freidman Commends MEPI for Increasing Employment Diversity in Israel by 150% Through “Diversity Works” Initiative

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 ...
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MEPI Alumni Venture Fund Application Information

The MEPI Alumni Venture Fund (AVF) aims to collaboratively utilize the leadership skills that alumni have developed through their various MEPI program experiences in the Middle East and North Africa. The AVF supports alumni to work together on innovative solutions to economic and/or community needs. The small grants provide seed funding for innovative ideas to develop new partnerships, foster sustainable collaboration ...
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MEPI Alum Launches Center of Civil Society for Governance and Local Development in Kalaat el-Andalous, Tunisia.

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 ...
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New Legal and Institutional Framework for Investment in 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 ...
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MEPI Alum Gives Back to Community as President of the Lebanese Association of Dental Students

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 ...
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MEPI Alumna Implements “My City” Project to Support Youth and Start-Up Businesses in Gaza.

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 ...
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MEPI-Funded CLDP Engagement Results in New Insolvency Laws in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

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 ...
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MEPI Alum Develops an Educational Manual on Voting in Lebanon

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 ...
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Participant in the MEPI Funded Hack4Democracy Initiative Becomes a Municipal Councilor in Tunisia

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 ...
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MEPI Alum Publishes a Book on the Media Public Service Broadcasting Network (PBN) in Iraq

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 ...
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Valedictorian MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Alumna Gives an Impressive Speech at LAU’s Graduation Ceremony

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, ...
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MEPI Supports ‘City for All’ to Advance Gender Equality in Akko, Israel

Itach-Maaki’s “City for All” MEPI- supported project was introduced to the Akko public at a large May 14 event in the mixed Arab and Jewish coastal city, launching a public process of integrating gender equality into the municipal structure and processes. Shimon Lankri, the city’s mayor, addressed some 100 residents and city officials who came ...
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Sikkuy’s MEPI Project Strengthens 922 Decision for Arab Cities in Israel

Sikkuy, The Association for the Advancement of Civic Equality, launched its new guidebook for Arab local authorities May 8 on the mapping and identification of the needs of citizens in the field of transportation. With support from the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), this Sikkuy initiative aims to improve implementation of the Israeli government decision ...
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MEPI Project Opens Job Market for Arab Village Artisans

Jesser Azarka is an Arab village just north of the wealthy resort town of Caesarea .  With 14,000 residents, 60% of whom are living below poverty line, Jesser faces rising violence, but the community is committed to making things better.  Via a MEPI-supported project led by Tel Aviv University (TAU), several groups of women in the ...
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MEPI Program Promotes Integration of Ethiopian Israelis into Workforce

Some 35 participants of the program “Employment, Empowerment, and Leadership for Excelling Ethiopian Israeli and Veteran Israeli University Graduates” celebrated the completion of a 10-month MEPI-funded course held May 4 simultaneously in Haifa and Jerusalem.  Run by Olim Beyahad (Immigrating Together), the program assists outstanding Ethiopian Israeli University graduates seeking suitable employment in Israel’s workforce. ...
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Calling all MEPI Alumni! Please Complete the Needs Assessment Survey By May 11, 2017

Calling all MEPI Alumni!  We here at MEPI are excited to add to their number by engaging with you to further your personal and professional development… but we need your help!  A few weeks ago, you received an email from our colleagues at IREX on behalf of the MEPI Alumni Connection Program, requesting that you ...
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Over 100 Young Leaders from the MENA Region to Discuss Pressing Regional Challenges in Tunisia

On April 4-6, in Hammamet Tunisia, the 2018 Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders Capstone Seminar brought together more than 100 students from across the Middle East and North Africa who have completed an intensive six-week leadership training program in the United States.  The hands-on sessions are designed to build the knowledge and skills of the young participants in three ...
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Regional Campaign Schools Programs Mobilize Thousands Across the Middle East and North Africa

With the support of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the National Democratic Institute (NDI) Campaign Schools program tailored its global practices to the post-Arab Spring context in the Middle East and North Africa to help potential election campaign managers and candidates build strategies using tested techniques. From 2012 to 2017, NDI trained 430 potential ...
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Voter Education for the Municipal Elections Started in Mahdia, Tunisia, Thanks to the TIDD MEPI Funded Project

In the framework of its Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) funded project, the Tunisian Institute for Democracy and Development (TIDD) conducted its first voter outreach campaign in Mahdia on March 22.  The event gathered volunteers from the governorates of Beja, Kef, Seliana, Jendouba, Bizerte and Mahdia in Tunisia.  The activity took place in the medina ...
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We Youth Launched its MEPI Voter Education Campaign in Sfax, Tunisia

Thank you to the WeYouth team for their great work in launching the voter education campaign on March 21 in Sfax, Tunisia.  Through its Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) funded project, We Youth organized a field outreach activity in the Medina of Sfax to raise citizens’ awareness of the importance of participation in the upcoming ...
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Insolvency Reform On Track in Bahrain

One of the principal insolvency law drafters at Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (MOICT) and a member of the Bahraini Parliament’s Finance Committee, discussed Bahrain’s draft law with CLDP.  The officials confirmed that the draft insolvency law, which was recently approved by the Bahraini Cabinet, introduces a reorganization process for failing businesses and ...
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MEPI Alumna Elected to City Council in Algeria

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 ...
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2018 MEPI Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF) Program

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) is pleased to announce the 2018 Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF) program. Since 2007, the program has provided early and mid-career professionals from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with the opportunity to complete training in leadership, ...
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Young Leaders Entrepreneurs “Unleash Tunisia” Project Selected for the Intercultural Innovation Award

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. ...
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Successful Completion of U.S. Workshop to Help Palestinian Entrepreneurs Flourish

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 ...
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Recruitment for 2018 MEPI Student Leaders Program Is Now Open

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 ...
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Remarks by Ambassador Rubinstein at MEPI Local Grants Kick-Off Ceremony

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 ...
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MEPI Announces Call for Proposals for Its Regional Assistance Program 2 (RAP 2)

RAP 2 is a grants and technical assistance mechanism to strengthen civil society organizations and support civil society actors working towards social and political engagement in the Middle East and North Africa. RAP 2 is funded by the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and is being implemented by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX). ...
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Moroccan Youth Awarded Small Business Grants in the Highly Competitive Machrou3i DreamUp Competition

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 ...
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MEPI-funded Program Launches Electronic Platform to Monitor Public Projects in Tunisia

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 ...
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Building the Business Leadership of Jordan’s Women Farmers

MEPI grantee Specific Union for Women Farmers (SUWF) initiated the “Building the Business Leadership of Jordan’s Women Farmers” project by conducting a needs assessment to identify the training needs of 500 female farmers who own businesses. SUWF then selected 120 female participants and contacted a consultant to prepare the training material, which will be delivered ...
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Pre-Departure Orientation with the next generation of MEPI Student Leaders

After their pre-departure orientation in Tunis, the group of young Libyans who were selected to participate in the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders Program traveled to the United States. After orientation in Washington, DC, they were placed at various universities in the United States to participate in the program on leadership development and ...
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Improve Tourism Etiquette MEPI-funded Project Concluded with 49 Jobseekers Hired

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 ...
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NOFO: Alumni Engagement

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) announces a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at promoting social and private entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by partnering with its Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) alumni. Alumni networks can be effective social networks that generate both a ...
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We Asked, They Answered! This Is Why These Advisors Work With MEPI Exchange Students

Georgetown University Christopher Shirley, Project Director, has been working on the program 13 years, and every year he feels a profound sense of having his heart touched by 120 students working so hard at making the world better. Chantal Santalices, Director of the Center for Intercultural Education and Development, finds joy working with the international ...
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Morocco’s Entrepreneurship Startup Ecosystem Blossoms

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” ...
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MEPI Media Training Programs Lead Libyan Students to Big Opportunities

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 ...
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Youth Entrepreneurship Advocacy- Aventures d’Entrepreneurs

In April 2017, for the third edition of Aventures d’Entrepreneurs, Reseau Entreprendre Tunisie (RET) conducted a survey of over 160 Tunisian women entrepreneurs to highlight the real challenges and pitfalls faced by women entrepreneurs across the country. A position paper summarizing key results and presenting relevant recommendations was developed. On May 17th, RET organized a panel at Cogite ...
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Immersion Training with Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Limoges, France

As part of its capacity building effort for Tunisia’s regional Chambers of Commerce, the MEPI-funded Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations Customized Assistance Program (CBACAP), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Limoges- France, organized an immersion training for Tunisian Chambers’ managers within the Chamber of Limoges premises. Sixteen export assistance and support services managers from eight Tunisian Chambers of ...
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MEPI Supports Chambers of Commerce and Youth Entrepreneurship Organizations

The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) – funded Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations Customized Assistance Program (CBACAP), implemented by Deloitte Consulting LLP, has made strides in building the capacities of eight Tunisian Chambers of Commerce and three youth economic organizations over the past four years. The mission of the program is to drive inclusive, ...
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Entrepreneurship and Employment Day For Youth

As part of the Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship in Morocco (EYEM) project, funded by the US Department of State / Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the Near East Foundation (NEF) cosponsored a day on “Entrepreneurship and Employment for Youth: A Common Challenge” on February 15, 2017 at the National School for Applied Sciences (ENSA) in Safi. Similar to the ...
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MEPI Grantee Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Entrepreneurial Struggles

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. ...
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Fair Trade Lebanon (FTL) Fabulous Food Feast

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 ...
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Closing Ceremony of the MEPI Funded Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program at AUB

The 2017 Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF) Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Program and implemented in Lebanon by World Learning in collaboration with the American University of Beirut (AUB), held its closing ceremony on Friday, May 19, 2017 from 11:00am until 1:00pm. The closing ceremony took place ...
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MEPI Student Leaders Alumni Met with the Tunisian Ministry of Youth and Sports Representatives

A group of the 2016 MEPI Student Leaders alumni participated today in a meeting with the Chief of Staff and Directors Generals at the Tunisian Ministry of Youth and Sports. Following the MEPI Capstone conference organized in Tunis last March 2017, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ms. Majdouline Cherni, offered her Ministry’s support for the ...
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The Story of a Finalist-Safa Yahia

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 ...
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The Story of a Finalist-Yosra Abidi

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 ...
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The Story of a Finalist-Rafiaa Boujbel

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 ...
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CLDP Promotes Commercial Legal Reforms in Bahrain

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 ...
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Tunisia: Raising Awareness in the Regions About Open Government Issues

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 ...
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MEPI Helps Entrepreneur Overcome Challenges to Grow Successful Salon

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 ...
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MEPI Beneficiary Launches Medical Center to Improve Healthcare in Morocco

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 ...
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With MEPI’s Help, Young Entrepreneur Overcomes the Odds and Launches Sewing Business

Malika was born and brought up in Midelt, a small town in the high plains of central Morocco. Without access to a school after her primary years, Malika was unable to continue her education and began studying sewing, as it did not require fluency in French. After a year of professional training in sewing in Tangier, Malika undertook an internship and ...
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Young Woman’s Successful Business Helps Her Return to School

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 ...
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With MEPI’s Help, Farah Realizes Her Dream and Opens Her Own Tailoring Shop

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 ...
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Said Takes Computer Repair into His Own Hands

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 ...
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Returned from Libya, an Artist Finds Success at Home Thanks to MEPI

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 ...
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Moroccan Youth Launches Kinesiotherapy Clinic in El Jadida

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 ...
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MEPI Supports Women Entrepreneurs in West Bank

On March 22, 2017 the MEPI Administrator attended the training session which was conducted by Nisaa FM in cooperation with Bank of Palestine and funded by MEPI through a local grant entitled “Aswaq “on marketing skills. Several Women Entrepreneurs from all over West Bank participated and were able to present their small business ideas and ...
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MEPI Supports Civic Youth Engagement in Bethlehem and Jericho

On March 2, 2017 the MEPI Officer participated in a Bethlehem Town Hall Meeting which focused on education issues in the Palestinian school system. The town hall was part of a MEPI-funded grant with Arab World Democracy and Electoral Monitor (Al-Marsad) entitled “Civic Youth Engagement.” The goal of the project is for Al-Marsad to empower ...
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Saudi MEPI Alumni Engage and Network Through Entrepreneurship Diwaniya

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 ...
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Soliciting Citizen Input on Budget Planning in Tunisia

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 ...
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Improving E-Government Audits in Tunisia

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 ...
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U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard Encourages Civic Activism.

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, ...
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MEPI Launches 2017 Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program

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 ...
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Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein’s Remarks at MEPI Student Leaders Regional Conference

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 ...
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BBC Media Action Started Filming

The MEPI team visited the BBC Media Action office in Ramallah on February 9 to visit the staff and screen a few episodes of the MEPI-funded project, Khaleena Nitfaham (‘Let’s Get Along’). The project spans over 20 months and aims to design, develop and distribute an innovative, inclusive and participatory TV social drama. Created by ...
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MEPI Supports Youth Entrepreneurship in Jerusalem

During January 2017 “JEST for Entrepreneurship and Development “a MEPI Local Grantee started a series of Leadership and Entrepreneurship workshops as part of the MEPI funded project entitled “Jerusalem Organic Youth (JOY) “. This project aims to inspire the new generation in East Jerusalem about leadership, entrepreneurship and coding, which are topics not tackled in ...
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MEPI Supports Long-term Economic Growth in Morocco

Espace Al Hayat Pour l’Insertion Sociale is a Rabat based NGO that works on social development and economic inclusion. MEPI helped  Al Hayat set up a computer lab, sewing classrooms, and equipped the center with gardening and electricity tools. They also trained 100 youth in gardening, plumbing, electricity skills and in computer science and are currently ...
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CorpsAfrica/Maroc, a MEPI Success Story

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 ...
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Entrepreneurship & Employment Day For Youth

As part of the Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship in Morocco (EYEM) project, funded by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the Near East Foundation (NEF) cosponsored a day on “Entrepreneurship and Employment for Youth: A Common Challenge” on February 15, 2017 at the National School for Applied Sciences (ENSA) in Safi. Similar to the event ...
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