ASEC signs training programme initiative with Minya University, Egypt

ASEC Minya and ASEC Ready Mix, two subsidiaries of ASEC Cement have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Minya University to help prepare students with the skills they need to seek meaningful employment in their fields. 

The Governor of Minya, D. Mostafa Eissa, Minya University President, Dr Mohammed Sherif and ASEC Cement Chairman and CEO Giorgio Bodo were in attendance at the signing ceremony. 

The MoU, the first of its kind in the governorate of Minya, aims to promote the exchange of scientific and technical knowledge, in addition to improving student skills by offering training programmes to students enrolled in the chemistry and geology departments at the University's Faculty of Science.

The memorandum also stipulates that ASEC Minya and ASEC Ready Mix will sponsor training workshops and seminars to discuss issues relevant to the construction materials sector. The agreement will allow the two companies to benefit from the vast knowledge and experience of the university's staff.

During the signing ceremony Eissa praised the agreement, stressing the importance of cooperation between the private sector and institutions of higher education, as a necessary means of honing and developing the technical skills of students. Furthermore, he added that "community development initiatives of this nature are a good way to capture synergies between commercial organisations and educational institutions."

"We welcome the participation of ASEC Cement and consider them a true partner in our research and development programmes," said Sherif. "We praise the company's commitment towards the betterment of our student body," he added.

"Despite the challenges arising from these tumultuous times, the private sector remains committed to the development of Upper Egypt," said Bodo. 

"We are honored and proud to say that our team is up to meeting the challenges in service of this noble goal."

The initiative comes just one month after ASEC Cement donated EGP2m to support the UN's World Food Program (WFP) to provide healthy school lunchesand take-home rationsto over 3,000 children attending 133 one-classroom community schools in Minya. The program includes financial aid and support for 13,000 people hailing from the most impoverished regions of the governorate.