Egyptian Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Wali announced on Monday that Egypt has established an investment fund worth EGP 100 million aimed at empowering people with special needs. The minister made the announcement during the 'Differently Abled' event held in Cairo in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which was attended by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. Wali said the board of directors of Nasser Social Bank agreed on the establishment of the fund in cooperation with companies and private banks; with the banks aiming to raise EGP 100 million to be used for services for persons with disabilities. The minister highlighted the government's recent efforts to empower and integrate people with disabilities, noting a newly passed law and the training of 400 disabled people for jobs in tourism. According to Wali, Egypt provides financial support worth EGP 4.2 billion to 900,000 people with disabilities, as well as educational scholarships and jobs for 1,900 people in the private sector in 2018. The 'Differently Abled' event was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, a number of celebrities, ministers and officials, and a large number of persons with disabilities and their families.
