Microsoft and Silatech announced that they have launched MasrWorks.com, an online employability portal for Egypt. Microsoft partnered with Silatech, a social enterprise organization, to develop the national website, helping Egyptian youth and jobs seekers to make a successful transition into the world of work. MasrWorks is available in both Arabic and English, and provides resources ranging from online career guidance, employability and entrepreneurship training, to specific work experience and job opportunities. MasrWorks represents the first stage of collaboration between Microsoft and Silatech, and is the pilot for the upcoming launch of an online regional employability portal. The expansion of the portal into other countries is part of a greater Arab youth employability initiative for the region. Microsoft and Silatech have also joined forces to collaborate on other programs, supporting the mutual objectives of both organizations to harness technology in support of regional workforce development and youth employability. Jo Aggarwal, Director of Skills and Employment Programs from Silatech, is excited about the launch and says, "We need to give the youth of tomorrow the best opportunities, as they are the ones who will help shape the transformation of Egypt and the Arab World. We see MasrWorks as a friend in the youth journey towards meaningful employment and career success, supporting young Egyptians through guidance, encouragement, and connections to opportunities for growth and work." "Recent events have encouraged young people across the Arab World to demand change and a future filled with more jobs, opportunities and hope. MasrWorks was developed to respond to this call, in collaboration with partners and social enterprise organizations which have a long-standing dedication towards supporting youth employability," says Ayman Abdellatif the General Manager of Microsoft Egypt. Abdellatif added "There are many resources available for young Egyptians; and few know where to find them. MasrWorks brings these resources together under one entity, ensuring access to rich Arabic e-content and exposing the youth to the various learning and training organizations that can help them realize their opportunities." To be mentioned that unemployment rate in Egypt has risen to 12.4% in January 2012, up from 8.9% a year earlier, and 90% of the country's unemployed are under the age of thirty. MasrWorks helps support the youth who were the driving force behind the revolution, and supports workforce development, as AMEinfo stated. The website provides career planning resources that can help visitors identify what kind of career path they want to follow, and offers extensive training options for different skills, customized to specific target groups and jobs. Visitors can also identify the jobs available; and the website helps them prepare their applications.
