The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Save the Children have made an agreement to grant “UN Volunteers Associate” (UNVA) status to over 130 employees from private sector companies such as BP, Barclays, Procter and Gamble, Pepsi and Shell. These UNVAs will volunteer in Egyptian governmental preparatory schools teaching entrepreneurial skills to children between the ages of 10 and 13 and providing career advice.

Through this programme, called INJAZ (“achievement” in Arabic), private sector volunteers give 10 hours of their time to reach out and inspire a class of students.  Courses are based on a participatory learning approach which fosters creative thinking, critical problem solving and interpersonal communication skills. 

The structure of the project reinforces the commitment of corporate volunteers and empowers individuals by fostering solidarity and encouraging participation in a credible and neutral organization. The UNV Associate status also integrates corporate volunteers into the UN family in Egypt, giving them access to a worldwide network of volunteer organizations