As part of its strong commitment to social responsibility and inclusive employment, Ghabbour Foundation for Development launched an initiative in 2024, in collaboration with the Special Education Department at the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, to train and prepare students with hearing impairments from different schools affiliated with the Special Education Department, equipping them with the skills needed to pursue real employment opportunities in Egypt’s automotive painting sector. As part of the initiative, Ghabbour Applied Technology schools welcomed these students during mid-year and summer vacations, providing them with specialized technical and practical training in automotive painting. The program was designed to provide students with a comprehensive preparation for entering the workforce.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities From the beginning, the team faced a number of challenges, as the initiative was a new and unconventional experience. However, these challenges did not stand in the way of implementation. Instead, a practical approach was adopted by breaking down the challenges into smaller steps and addressing them gradually. To ensure an inclusive training environment built on effective communication, and as part of the collaboration between Ghabbour Foundation for Development and the Special Education Administration, a qualified sign language supervisor was assigned to support students with hearing impairments throughout the training program. This played a key role in facilitating effective communication between the students of hearing impairments and the trainers at Ghabbour Applied Technology Schools. Students from Ghabbour Applied Technology Schools also played a pivotal role in the success of the initiative by supporting and assisting their peers with hearing impairments throughout the training activities. This experience reflected the values of collaboration, solidarity, and inclusion that Ghabbour Schools strive to instill in their students. The positive impact of the initiative extended beyond the hearing-impaired students themselves. Trainers and participating students from Ghabbour Applied Technology Schools also benefited by gaining practical skills and hands-on experience in communicating and interacting with persons with disabilities, helping to create a genuine model of inclusion within the training environment. Furthermore, the initiative strengthened a culture of inclusion and equal opportunities, demonstrating how the right support and effective collaboration among different stakeholders can create more equitable and impactful learning opportunities. It also highlighted the importance of investing in inclusive programs, given their lasting positive impact on individuals, institutions, and society as a whole.

We are proud of the tangible results achieved through the initiative. A number of program graduates have been employed at service centers operated by GB Corp companies after completing their training and preparation for the workplace. Employees at the service centers were also trained on effective communication methods when working with graduates with hearing impairments. In addition, the workshops were equipped with the necessary safety measures to provide a safe and suitable working environment. The graduates demonstrated their ability to transition from training to actual employment, highlighting the importance of specialized training programs that combine technical and soft skills development, workplace preparation, and access to genuine employment opportunities. An Ongoing Program for Greater Inclusion The efforts of Ghabbour Foundation for Development do not stop at what has been achieved so far. The program continues as part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to promote the vocational inclusion of persons with disabilities, with plans to further develop and expand training and employment opportunities in the coming period. The Foundation is working to provide more training and employment opportunities for students and graduates with disabilities, while building on the experience gained through this initiative to develop more inclusive and sustainable programs. At Ghabbour Foundation for Development, we believe that vocational inclusion goes beyond providing training or employment. It starts with creating a workplace that embraces differences and provides every individual with the tools and support they need to realize their potential and participate effectively in the workforce. We hope this experience will encourage more companies and organizations across Egypt to adopt similar initiatives, expand opportunities for vocational inclusion, and create fair and sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities—contributing to a more inclusive workforce and opening new pathways for their future.