On Thursday, 19 March, H.E. Ambassador Beresford-Hill met with Ms. Elaria Essak and Ms Yasmina Fouad of Coptic Orphans to discuss the Valuable Girl Project, an initiative dedicated to empowering young women in Egypt through education and mentorship.

The discussion focused on the project’s impactful approach to supporting girls and young women in staying in school, delaying early marriage, and developing the confidence and skills needed to become active contributors to their communities. Through its “Big Sister–Little Sister” mentorship model, the initiative fosters academic achievement, personal development, and social cohesion across communities.

The Coptic Orphans team highlighted the project’s scale and long-term impact. Now in its 22nd year, the programme operates across 214 sites in 13 governorates throughout Egypt and has reached more than 19,600 girls and young women. The initiative has demonstrated strong results, with participating girls consistently remaining in school and progressing successfully to higher levels of education.

The programme also contributes to broader development priorities, including advancing gender equality and promoting inclusive, quality education. By investing in girls’ education, the project creates a ripple effect that benefits families and communities across generations.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange views on ongoing efforts to support youth and expand opportunities for women and girls in Egypt.