Egypt launches training programme for infromal workers in waste management system

The Egyptian Ministry of Environment has launched on November 19 a novel training programme to formalise the employment status of waste management workers across various governorates.

Yasmin Fouad, Minister of Environment, made the announcement regarding the programme’s initial phase, which will culminate in the issuance of professional cards to adequately trained workers.

The programme’s main goal is to make employment policies more eco friendly, which will help the workers have both economic and social stability.

According to Minister Fouad, the training is done by the Waste Management Organisation, and it has a dual purpose: it makes informal work more official and it gives workers the appropriate insurance for their work with waste management companies.

She further stated that the environmental, labour, and social solidarity ministries are working together to strengthen the social protection mechanisms for the informal workers in waste management.

The training programme will help about 700 workers at first, and more will be supported by the companies that work with the law No. 202 of 2020.

The programme starts in the governorates of Dakahlia, Qalyubia, Kafr El-Sheikh, Gharbia, Menofia, Giza, and Cairo, and it plans to grow into other regions.

This achievement signifies a big step towards improving the waste management practices and protecting the welfare of the workforce, which is critical to this important sector.