Before moving to Pittsburgh to begin graduate school in 2002, Abdou saw the problems in Egypt – unemployment, unrest, and uninvolved young Egyptians - as opportunities. He made the most of his time at GSPIA, even laying the foundation of the organization he now leads, Nahdet El Mahrousa.
On October 24, 2007, Ehaab Abdou returned to GSPIA to discuss how he has used his education to improve his native country by starting this organization. Abdou's presentation focused on his efforts to improve his country through development and social entrepreneurship. His organization, Nahdet El Mahrousa, allows him to affect change and reconnect young Egyptian professionals with their heritage and homeland.
Nahdet El Mahrousa has grown to an organization with over 400 members and a $1 million budget. The organization funds projects that seek to improve business education and increase awareness about social problems, such as hepatitis C and other diseases. Nahdet El Mahrousa has also provided financial support for a career development office at Cairo University’s School of Engineering to help students improve and develop marketable skills for the workforce-one of Abdou’s most important goals. During his presentation, he discussed at great length Egypt’s need for a better trained and more innovative workforce. Abdou’s organization has also provided young Egyptian professionals with networking opportunities so they can share strategies to ensure a positive future for their country.
After hearing Abdou’s discussion, Aurica Balmus (MID’08) said that “it was inspiring to see someone with an international development degree make a real contribution and apply the skills he learned at GSPIA.” Mary Carroll, an undergraduate linguistics major, added “after having studied in Cairo for a semester, it’s really encouraging to see young professionals taking an interest in and attempting to change Egypt’s business culture."
During a short interview after his presentation, Abdou praised GSPIA for providing him with an “in-depth understanding of development policies” and encouraging students to cultivate “fresh ideas and fresh perspectives” in this crucial field. In particular, he cited Professor Kevin Kearns’ influence on his studies because it was in one of Dr. Kearns’ classes where he created the idea for Nahdet El Mahrousa.
Abdou’s advice to current students is to “have clear visions for themselves” so they can work to achieve their goals. His own method of personal encouragement was displaying a large sign in his apartment. On that sign he wrote what he wanted to accomplish by the time he finished his degree, and it was a constant reminder to stay true to his vision.
Abdou is also co-founder of Fat'het Kheir, Egypt’s first nonprofit organization offering micro-credit loans to low-income households. Fat’het Kheir was founded in 1999. Additionally, in 2004 Abdou was named an Ashoka Fellow, a prestigious international honor that allows him to focus entirely on his work with Nahdet El Mahrousa.
For more information on Nahdet El Mahrousa, please click here.
To learn more about Fat'het Kheir, please click here.
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