ExxonMobil Egypt sponsored MECA's annual closing ceremony, where the three winning teams of the MECA Academy 2.0 (SML-Global Oils-Innolub) were announced. Present at the ceremony was a number of faculty members of Ain Shams University along with ExxonMobil Egypt's project participants, participating student teams and their families, and MECA organizing team. ExxonMobil Egypt has supported MECA, a student initiative introduced by the Faculty of Engineering-Ain Shams University, with a vision to bridge the gap between academia and work life. ExxonMobil Egypt was the first to support those vigor students in pursuing their goals. 21 enthusiastic volunteers from ExxonMobil Egypt have generously been contributing their time to run technical and interpersonal skills sessions and workshops that provide students with the opportunity to gain an insight into what business market is all about while still studying. Ms. Nihad Shelbaya, External Affairs Manager in ExxonMobil Egypt, highlighted the considerable support ExxonMobil provides to such initiatives. “As we firmly believe that development stems from the human factor and new generations of high caliber, we devote special attention to education and development initiatives." Ms. Shelbaya also expressed her grateful thanks to ExxonMobil Egypt team of volunteers who “provided a model of dedication, cooperation, punctuality and commitment." ExxonMobil's support to MECA began 3 years ago with a series of effective, hands-on lectures in a variety of areas including Time Management, Industrial Safety, Supply chain and Business Ethics, just to name a few. Among ExxonMobil Egypt enthusiastic facilitators was .Mr Amr Fawzy, ExxonMobil Business Development Advisor in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. “I was highly impressed with the standards, process and professionalism that the MECA team put together to turn my participation to a remarkable success, needless to mention the caliber & enthusiasm of attendees," he said “Standards and processes of MECA team, from selection to evaluation and organizational capabilities, along with qualified attendees, have all proven to me that it all resides on people" Ms. Gilan Fahmy, ExxonMobil Customer Service Operation and Control Specialist, expressed her pleasure to be part of this activity, stressing that she would spare no effort to provide every possible support to impart her experience to students. “I am so thrilled that my company has been part of such an enlightening program. The wide acclaim we received from the students coupled with their eagerness to get the most of the program has motivated me to even extend time of lectures for maximum benefits to students" Mr. Mohamed al-Keiiy echoed Ms. Fahmy's admiration to the determination and enthusiasm students showed along with their hankering after education. “Their eagerness for learning has made me even more dedicated to the program. I am still in touch with them to provide any technical assistance they might need" Students stressed that getting the chance to be directly exposed to that vast range of expertise of ExxonMobil's team has been a great opportunity that further consolidates ExxonMobil Egypt's support to them that has lasted for years. “By contributing to the MECA Academy program, ExxonMobil Egypt has built up its longtime support to us," said Amir Ayman, one of MECA members. Receiving a certificate from a business giant like ExxonMobil Egypt will undoubtedly reinforce students' qualification, grooming graduates with a special combination of academic study and hands-on experience, Ayman added. Ahmed Medhat, an engineering freshman, said: “I have benefited a lot from a series of free-of-charge lectures and courses that my colleagues recommended me, namely a Supply Chain lecture, where ExxonMobil Egypt team provided us a real-life simulation in a simple and appealing fashion."
