Activities of Previous Councils
Today's programs build on the work of earlier councils of the Egypt–U.S. Exchange Alumni Council. This page honours the workshops, community initiatives and alumni-led projects they delivered across Egypt — and the people who made them happen.
Learning Together, Giving Back
Highlights from the workshops, gatherings and community initiatives organised by previous councils.
“Give It Back” Grant Information Session
A practical walkthrough of the Give It Back grant: writing a strong application, the role of partners, generating ideas from community needs, and building a sound budget.
With Dr. Mai Mowafy (Council President), Joseph Makkar and Fadia Aboud
Career Development Workshop
For early- and mid-career professionals from Upper Egypt: self-assessment, goal setting, skill building, professional networks, career exploration and work-life balance.
Led by Dr. Ahmed Mehran, personal development & coaching expert
Successful Women Role Models in Empowering Women
A Women's Month and Mother's Day celebration with inspiring stories from three leaders in women's empowerment, sustainability and economic development.
With Maha Hassan, Reem Sayam and Azza Saad Alywa
Healthy Eating Habits
Common dietary mistakes and how to avoid them, with practical tips and plans for maintaining good health and an ideal weight.
Presented by Dr. Nancy Gamil Boulos, therapeutic nutrition specialist
Alumni Sports Day
One day, three cities: racket games and horse riding on Doaiah Beach in Port Said, Kung Fu training with Captain Gerges Nasry in Luxor, and trampoline fun at Trampoline Home in Benha.
Open to alumni, families and the community
Alexandria Trip & “How to Start Your Business”
An entrepreneurship session followed by a visit to the Greco-Roman Museum and a sunset gathering by the sea — a day of learning and connection.
Session by Dr. Ayman El-Nahas, Head of Entrepreneurship Development, AASTMT
Iftar for the Fasting
With Misr El Kheir Foundation, for the second year running, volunteers distributed iftar meals in Cairo, Gharbia, Luxor, Qena and Port Said — registration closed early due to overwhelming demand.
Coordinated by Ehab Rady, Head of the Projects Committee
English Conversation Club
An afternoon of conversation and cultural exchange, giving alumni and language enthusiasts space to practise English, share experiences and reconnect.
In collaboration with Capsules Conversation Club
Ideas That Became Impact
Community projects designed and delivered by exchange alumni in governorates across Egypt.
El-Ferka
Celebrating and preserving El-Ferka, a hand-woven silk textile from Naqada with roots in the Pharaonic era, still made on traditional ground looms — a heritage craft now practised on fewer than 250 looms.
Heritage & handicrafts
Green Steps
Climate awareness for 100 children, women and youth in rural Assiut — awareness sessions, recycling workshops and exhibitions, tree-planting campaigns and an invitation to the World Tourism Day exhibition.
Team: Shaimaa Hussein, Eman Tharwat, Faten Elyan
Sports for the Soul
The village's first sports training for girls, at the local youth center, in three different sports — still running, with trainees winning medals for their excellence.
Supervisors: Ahmed El-Sherbiny, Samar Adel, Azza Saad
Heal It
Improving family communication through art, drama and play therapy and storytelling — around 33 participants per location, hosted at AMIDEAST Alexandria and with Khair and Baraka Association in Al-Asmarat.
Founder & project manager: Dr. Mona Lamloum
Together is Better
Building a more inclusive community for people with disabilities through accessibility, awareness, employment opportunities, support networks and advocacy.
Team: Demiana Khalil, Fadia Aboud, Mohamed Monier
Skill Your Future
Equipping underprivileged youth aged 18–25 in Greater Cairo with job-market skills, awareness of the SDGs and climate change, and strong personal brands on LinkedIn. Sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and implemented by AMIDEAST.
Team: Maha Hassan, Mohamed Hamdi, Shrouk Taha
The Professional Business Mentor Program
At the end of 2021, Fathia El-Dakhakhny presented a project, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, to train and qualify experts in career mentoring. Because mentorship was still a new field with few training manuals, the team built its own content — work that grew into the “Professional Mentorship” book and program.
The Council officially launched the program in its fifth session to prepare experienced professionals from many fields to mentor exchange alumni and pass on their expertise to those starting out.
Thanks to the people behind the program
Fathia El-Dakhakhny
Master Mentor · Management & business leadership expert · Initiated the program
Joseph N. Makkar
Master Mentor · Co-author of the “Professional Mentorship” book
Dr. Mai Mowafy
Master Mentor · President of the Alumni Council
We are grateful to everyone who trained, mentored and volunteered — your work continues to shape our community.
Built by every council
Meet the boards whose leadership made these activities possible, or see what the Council is doing today.