iSchool Launches Strategic Partnership with ILO and Egyptian Ministries to Combat Child Labour Through Digital Skills Training

iSchool today announced the launch of a strategic partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Egypt's Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Social Solidarity, in a major initiative aimed at empowering children and young people at risk of child labour through technology education and digital skills development.

The initiative is designed to redirect vulnerable youth toward structured learning pathways in technology, artificial intelligence, and digital skills, supporting national and international efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labour in Egypt and promote long-term economic empowerment.

The programme is integrated within the ILO's ongoing initiatives in Egypt, particularly the Empowerment through Education and Learning (ETEL) and ACCEL Egypt programmes, which support the National Plan to Combat the Worst Forms of Child Labour and Support Families (2018–2025). These efforts provide social and economic assistance to approximately 6,500 vulnerable households across multiple governorates.

The initiative originated from a multi-stakeholder roundtable discussion held one year ago, which explored how technology could be leveraged as a tool to protect at-risk children and transform their trajectories through education and economic inclusion. That discussion has since evolved into a fully operational programme currently being implemented on the ground.

Each partner plays a clearly defined role in the initiative. The ILO is responsible for selecting and nominating participating children from the Asmarat district through its Supporting Children's Rights through Education, Arts, and Media (SCREAM) programme. The Ministry of Labour delivers awareness sessions on labour law and children's rights, while the Ministry of Social Solidarity provides the physical venue for programme implementation within the Asmarat district.

iSchool is responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive training curriculum that begins with foundational STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and life skills, before progressing into advanced technical training in programming and artificial intelligence.

The curriculum also includes a dedicated freelance readiness track, equipping participants with practical knowledge of remote work platforms, client communication, and digital portfolio development, enabling them to access future opportunities in the digital economy.

The programme is structured around strict legal and ethical guidelines. Participants under the age of 16 receive foundational and technical training focused exclusively on learning and skill development, with no involvement in income-generating activities. Participants aged 16 and above receive the full programme, including structured training and supervised practical experience, with pathways toward safe and legal freelance or part-time opportunities once they reach the legal working age.

Top-performing participants will also be eligible for a three-month paid internship programme, alongside structured support to connect graduates with local technology companies. This ensures a clear transition from education to employment and the creation of sustainable income pathways.

The initiative is being launched as a pilot programme, targeting an initial cohort of participants with the potential for expansion. It has been designed from the outset as a scalable national model, intended to be replicated across Egypt to support sustainable economic empowerment, strengthen educational continuity, and address the root causes of child labour through digital skills development.

"Technology education is no longer optional — it is a necessity. Providing safe and legal pathways for these children is a shared responsibility," said a representative from iSchool.

Through this initiative, iSchool reinforces its commitment to using education as a tool for social impact, demonstrating how cross-sector collaboration between the private sector, government, and international organizations can create scalable and sustainable change.