Al-Gad Foundation for Development and Relief , in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), organized an awareness meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. at the October . The meeting was delivered by Ms. Mona Al-Maraawi, manager of the Social Research and case study Department at Al-Gad Foundation, and was attended by 30 participants. We appreciate all who volunteered and contributed to this meeting's success.

Al-Gad Foundation organized a workshop entitled “Parenting is Participation” for Sudanese women, under the supervision of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood and the Ministry of Social Solidarity. The workshop was presented by Ms. Mona Al-Maarawi Social Research Department Manager for Syria Al-Gad Foundation , with the aim of providing the necessary positive practices and mechanisms for proper care and value-based upbringing of their children. It also guided them on integrating children with disabilities and refugee children into society to serve the best interests of the child and provide them with mental health and moral support, highlighting the importance of adopting positive parenting principles in raising children diverse groups within society.

Al-Gad Foundation organized a series of training workshops for volunteers From May 1 to May 17, 2025. 48 trainees attend the workshop، 20 trainees participated at Al - Obour office, 15 at Dokki office, and 13 at October office. The workshops covered a diverse range of topics including the fundamentals of volunteering, effective communication, teamwork, leadership, Modes of Thought, problem-solving, and decision-making. In addition, they focused on essential practical skills for personal development, life management, and building strong communication tools that are key to success in any field. These workshops were not just about training they were inspiring spaces filled with learning, fun, and positive energy. We don’t just cultivate skills we cultivate hope, and shape the future leaders, starting from today.

In a special celebration at the Steigenberger El-Lissan Hotel in Ras El Bar, the Al-Gad Foundation, in partnership with and supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and under the sponsorship of the Italian organization MAIS, celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of participants in the Professional Apprenticeship Program under the PROSPECTS project. The program provided free, specialized training to youth from Damietta in highly demanded fields in the labor market, such as programming, digital marketing, graphic design, and other skills aligned with modern technological advancements. Its goal was to build the capacities of young people, prepare them for the local and international labor market, and open new professional opportunities. The celebration included the distribution of certificates to the graduates and the honoring of private companies that contributed to the success of the initiative. It also featured the official presence of civil and executive community leaders from Damietta, including the Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity, the President of the Investors Association, the President of the Community Development Association in Kafr El-Batikh, the President of Manar Al-Sabeel Association, and the Director of the Caritas Office in Damietta. The event concluded with a recreational Nile boat trip for the graduates and their families, adding an atmosphere of joy, pride, and celebration of their achievement. This initiative represents a successful model of partnership between international and local organizations in serving the community, empowering youth, supporting refugees, and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The event took place on Monday, April 28, 2025.

MeWe International Inc., MedGlobal, and the University of Illinois-Chicago are hosting the capacity-building training at Syria al-Gad Foundation in Egypt for local and regional practitioners and volunteers working in community mental health and psychosocial support activities for Palestinians in Egypt and Gaza. 30 mental health practitioners participated in a capcity building traning from 13-16 of April to strengthening mental health and psychosocial support through Arts based storytelling and effective communication practices. The training and new MHPSS intervention, called ‘Re-Storying’, was developed by Mohsin Mohi Ud Din (Founder of MeWe International) and Dr. Steven Weine (Director of Global Health at the University of Illinois-Chicago).

Highlights from the additional information sessions for "Pathways to Self-reliance in Egypt" Project, provided as part of the partnership between Catholic Relief Services and Al-Gad Relief Foundation.

We often hear about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, and we also know that these disorders can begin in childhood and continue into adolescence and adulthood, presenting in various forms and symptoms. But do we know the different types of these disorders and their causes? When should one see a doctor? Do we understand the diagnostic methods? What are the complications and risk factors associated with these disorders? And have we considered the prevention methods and treatment approaches for this condition? These questions were addressed in a lecture held today at the Sixth of October office, organized by Doctors of the World, titled “ADHD and Hyperactivity.” Approximately 18 people attended the session, which lasted around one and a half hours.

How can I acquire a new skill in digital marketing? How can I find new methods and strategies to market my products online? And is it possible to open new markets and opportunities to showcase all my services and products? These questions were addressed today through a Google grant at the Sixth of October office, in a session titled “Digital Marketing.” The lecture lasted approximately three and a half hours, and the trainer noted that an electronic certificate from Google will be awarded to the trainees.

Translation: CRS began its first training sessions for participants in the Livelihood Support Project, holding three daily lectures on small business management for 45 trainees. The training includes: Providing the necessary skills and expertise to build a solid foundation of knowledge about small businesses, with the guidance of course facilitators and participants. Market assessment and study. Analyzing the collected information to develop a strong business plan based on Cairo’s business environment. Strengthening confidence and financial management skills to successfully launch the project. Understanding potential risks and finding ways to reduce or mitigate them to ensure project success. Creating a practical business plan to guide participants through the initial stage and beyond. These sessions were distributed over 28 training sessions during a period of one and a half months.

The Al-Gad office, in cooperation with CARE International, conducted a series of awareness and medical lectures covering topics such as early marriage, emotions, sex and gender differences, and irrational thoughts. The lectures targeted approximately 20 Syrian women aged between 18 and 45 years. We hope to contribute to building a more advanced and enlightened community.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Syria Al-Ghad Relief Foundation participated in the 2nd Regional Conference on Community Psychology in the Middle East and North Africa, held at the American University in New Cairo. Dr. Mulham Al-Khunn spoke about the foundation’s origins, how it evolved from a volunteer team into a licensed and prominent organization, and how it achieved such wide reach. He also highlighted the challenges and risks he faced during the establishment of this work. The conference was attended by the Minister of Social Solidarity, several university presidents, representatives of international organizations, and major volunteer groups.

The video editing course held in October by the foundation’s Media Department aimed to develop the staff’s skills in video editing and production.

Syria Al Gad Relief Foundation organized a series of training sessions under the title“Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Healthcare Workers Supporting Palestinian and Sudanese Communities in Cairo.” These sessions aim to equip healthcare workers with fundamental skills in mental health and psychosocial support, with a focus on self-regulation and self-awareness techniques to enhance their effectiveness and well-being while serving Palestinian and Sudanese communities in Cairo facing war-related and complex trauma. ‏The training includes strengthening nervous system regulation, body awareness, and skills that support nervous system regulation, and physical skills and tools. ‏These efforts are part of a strategic plan to support mental health and strengthen the capacities of mental health workers. ‏This training series is designed and facilitated by Pierre-Etienne Vannier, an international expert in somatic practices specializing in trauma recovery and nervous system regulation. With nearly two decades of experience, Vannier practices and teaches approaches that integrate emotional and biological models for trauma recovery. ‏Since 2014, Vannier has designed and facilitated mind-body programs for major healthcare facilities in the United States and is a certified practitioner in various trauma recovery models. He is also the founder of the “Mastering Embodied Resilience” and “Mastering Self-Mastery” programs, which aim to help practitioners and individuals excel in physical trauma therapy.

Within the Foundation's plan to empower and support women to suit the labour market, Syria Al Gad Foundation in cooperation with the "Hunna" initiative, held a baking training that included cookie and cake making in Al Haram region on September 24, 2024. The training targeted 10 women of different ages.

Some footages from children's home electricity, industrial electricity and air conditioner maintenance training sessions held by Syria Al Gad Relief Foundation within the foundation’s plan to support the livelihood of youth and to raise awareness about home's electricity among children, in 6th of October city on September 30, 2024, targeting 8 individuals of various ages.

A total of 46 women attended the session on Saturday in the areas of Obour and October. The lecture provided awareness and guidance regarding breast cancer, including proper prevention methods, early detection, and treatment options. Free medical screenings were also offered to the women. All safety measures were observed during the session.

Syria Al Gad Foundation hosted a workshop on mental health challenges in conflict zones, focusing on Sudan and Palestine. Dr. Deborah Weidner, a psychiatrist with experience in Gaza, shared her insights on supporting medical staff in trauma situations. The workshop aimed to provide tools and skills for health workers to address mental health needs effectively and explore potential procedural manuals. This event was crucial for fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among partners.

Project Overview Project Name: Girls’ Employment Project within the Reproductive Health Care Initiative Target Areas: National Housing, Youth and Future Housing, District 1, District 2, District 8 General Objective of the Project: To create employment opportunities for girls in awareness programs and home visits, contributing to increased access to maternal and child health services and improving the quality of care in the targeted communities. Specific Objectives and Implementation: Addressing Unemployment: Provide job opportunities for girls in the targeted neighborhoods by employing female guides, supervisors, and literacy teachers. Improving Access to Basic Maternal and Child Health Services: Conduct home visits and raise awareness among families about the importance of health care and follow-up, in addition to organizing health education seminars. Raising Health Awareness in Target Communities: Promote maternal and child health awareness through monthly visits and education on the dangers of neglecting maternal and child health, as well as seminars on the negative effects of delayed responses to illness symptoms. Enhancing Demographic Characteristics in Target Areas: Open literacy classes and train guides and supervisors on how to provide effective awareness, alongside organizing health, cultural, and social seminars to address multiple community issues.

Within the Foundation’s plan to support the livelihoods of women and train them to compete the labour market, and in completion to the activities in psychological support through art for women, Syria Algad Foundation held two workshops in cooperation with “Hunna” initiative, on the design of natural leather wallets and bags, which lasted for four sessions during the third week of September. Targeting 14 women of different nationalities, ranging in age between 15 to 30.

Syria Al-Ghad Foundation has organized a series of free training session at Al-haram region during the month of September, In collaboration with Menna Allah Foundation. This initiative was a part of the Empowerment, Safety, and Protection Project for Refugees and the Host Community. The sessions targeted parents of various nationalities and ages, ranging from 25 to 40 years old. Working on addressing critical societal issues, including early marriage, female genital mutilation, positive parenthood training, and social empowerment training. Conducted a total of 12 training sessions, with 225 participants from diverse backgrounds.

As part of a humanitarian arts initiative, Syria Algad Foundation launched two art workshops in Al Haram, in collaboration with the "Hunna" initiative. The workshops targeted 40 women aged 18-35 from various nationalities, providing them with an opportunity to express themselves through painting and embroidery on canvas as part of an art-based psychological support program.

Syria Algad Foundation organized a cultural day in collaboration with the "Defe" Initiative, as a part of its efforts to enhance social cohesion and provide psychological support to the elderly. The wonderful day brought together over 70 elderly individuals and representatives from partner organizations. This cultural day included a tour of the bazaar and diverse cultural booths featuring foods and traditions from the participating nationalities, including Eritrean, Sudanese, Syrian, Egyptian, Yemeni, and Palestinian. The program also featured a psychological support session, a cultural competition, Sudanese and Syrian coffee-making rituals, and Henna painting.

In collaboration with Plan International and the ongoing projects, the organization conducted a training titled “Health Awareness” for a number of the foundation’s staff and volunteers. This training proved to be highly valuable in terms of the topics covered and the information presented. All necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus were taken during the training, which was conducted over seven sessions.

Syria Algad Relief Foundation held two psychological support sessions for the elderly in the city of October, on Sunday, 8/4/2024 and in cooperation with the “Defe” Initiative. The sessions were attended by 32 elderly individuals of different nationalities: Syrian, Sudanese, Yemeni and Eritrean, and they included psychological support, starting with the question “How can I support myself” for this age group, and various activities such as coloring and pulling papers containing daily advice.

The most prominent things discussed in the artificial intelligence training dedicated to build the capabilities of workers in the humanitarian field and civil society: Within the framework of the Youth Unlimited initiative and the Young Civil Society Leadership Program (YSCLP), presented by the Anna Lindh Foundation and funded by the European Union within the Med Dialogue project, in cooperation with DAI Global, Syria Algad Foundation organized specialized training aimed at strengthening the capacities of refugee-led organizations. Participants contributed in preparing and drafting a recommendation paper on the uses of artificial intelligence and how to invest and integrate it into the work of refugee-led organizations. Adapting to artificial intelligence is the only way to benefit from this technology in its best form. The participants also participated in a two-day training on artificial intelligence, during which the latest tools and technologies related to artificial intelligence were presented.

Al-Gad Foundation for Development and Relief organized a series of training sessions under the title“Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Healthcare Workers Supporting Palestinian and Sudanese Communities in Cairo.” These sessions aim to equip healthcare workers with fundamental skills in mental health and psychosocial support, with a focus on self-regulation and self-awareness techniques to enhance their effectiveness and well-being while serving Palestinian and Sudanese communities in Cairo facing war-related and complex trauma. ‏The training includes strengthening nervous system regulation, body awareness, and skills that support nervous system regulation, and physical skills and tools. ‏These efforts are part of a strategic plan to support mental health and strengthen the capacities of mental health workers. ‏This training series is designed and facilitated by Pierre-Etienne Vannier, an international expert in somatic practices specializing in trauma recovery and nervous system regulation. With nearly two decades of experience, Vannier practices and teaches approaches that integrate emotional and biological models for trauma recovery. ‏Since 2014, Vannier has designed and facilitated mind-body programs for major healthcare facilities in the United States and is a certified practitioner in various trauma recovery models. He is also the founder of the “Mastering Embodied Resilience” and “Mastering Self-Mastery” programs, which aim to help practitioners and individuals excel in physical trauma therapy.