Egyptian jewelry designer Azza Fahmy surrounded by her daughters and young designers.

AMIDEAST will join forces with Egyptian jewelry designer Azza Fahmy and Cairo-based Townhouse Gallery to create an innovative arts program that will enable underprivileged youth with artistic inclination and talent to enter the burgeoning creative workforce in Egypt.

This exciting initiative, called “Design for Life,” will introduce adolescents in their first year of college or vocational school to the art and practical experience of design and craftsmanship, while providing them with crucial life and employability skills centered around three artistic design professions: jewelry design, graphic design, and industrial/product design.

The intensive, 16-month program will also improve their English language skills, expose them to design concepts, and develop practical skills and craftsmanship in their chosen field of design. Toward the end, they will be placed in internships and apprenticeships with different designers where they will work on a final project.

Design for Life builds on AMIDEAST's expertise in empowering disadvantaged youth through training in English language, life skills, and critical thinking skills. Townhouse Gallery, located in downtown Cairo, brings over 10 years of experience and expertise in running art and creative skills workshops for a variety of underprivileged communities.

The program will be funded through the sale of a specially designed line of jewelry by Azza Fahmy. Stay tuned for more information about how you can support this worthwhile initiative!