Rewan and Omar at the Cairo International Book Fair
UNICEF partners with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to boost youth empowerment through the “I Volunteer” initiative
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With beaming smiles, Rewan and Omar warmly welcome visitors, skillfully guiding them to their designated spots. They actively participate in diverse tasks, contributing to the seamless orchestration of one of the biggest annual cultural and literary extravaganzas in the region — the 55th Cairo International Book Fair.
Working alongside 300 fellow volunteers, they are part of the UNICEF-supported programme "I Volunteer," led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and organized by the Ministry of Culture for this year. Their responsibilities include organizing public entry for more than 6 million visitors, assisting them throughout the day across various halls, and guiding attendees to different publishing houses and media documentation areas.
Join Rewan and Omar as they share glimpses and insights into their daily roles at the fair, sharing behind-the-scenes aspects of their volunteering journey:
Volunteering for a Cause:
At just 16 years old, Omar Al Amin is the youngest volunteer in 2024's edition. He says,” I joined “I Volunteer” inspired by my sister, who was a member in the previous year’s round.” Rewan Hany, a 20-year-old Cairo Mass Communication University student, adds, “I learned about the programme through one of my friends, who also participated in last year's session.”
"I Volunteer - انا متطوع" Programme, a voluntary initiative established in 2018, focuses on selecting, training, and managing approximately 300 young volunteers annually to serve and assist the roughly four million visitors to the Cairo International Book Fair.
From the Gates to the Pavilions:
They explain, “Volunteers are spread across three areas: the gates, information desks inside the reception halls, and within the halls themselves. Gate volunteers are responsible for ensuring that each visitor presents their ticket or invitation to enter, managing the entry process and queues to avoid crowding. After that, they direct guests to the halls, and those at the reception handle public inquiries. Inside the halls, we organize, monitor and prevent violations, and assist the public when facing any issues.”
They add, “The media documentation committee is divided into two parts: the first is related to graphic design and social media, and the second is related to video and photo shooting and montage.” Impact of Volunteerism:
The Book Fair provides an excellent opportunity for young volunteers like Rewan and Omar to gain hands-on experience in teamwork, communication, leadership, presentation, and more. Such soft skills are crucial in today’s job market and critical in a young person’s transition from learning to earning. Rewan and Oman add that the experience has been transformative and boosted their self-esteem, efficacy, and confidence.
Reflecting on her volunteer journey, Rewan notes, "One of the most significant aspects I've gained is continuous learning, particularly in areas like discipline, communication, and effectively managing tasks under pressure. It was a challenging yet enriching experience that built our social intelligence. The exposure and the cumulative knowledge gained during the past few days are invaluable. I will cherish every moment of this experience.”
For Omar, volunteer experience extends beyond skill enhancement. He shares, "Exploring diverse cultures stands out as a valuable takeaway. The Book Fair attracts visitors from various nationalities worldwide, creating a unique opportunity to connect with different perspectives in one place."
Aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030:
UNICEF collaborates closely with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, advocating for youth empowerment and active engagement through volunteerism. This strategic approach aims not only to inspire a sense of community service but also to foster a generation of socially conscious and actively engaged young individuals.
“The power of young people’s active engagement and participation cannot be overstated. It is a transformative experience that not only shapes their prospects but can also have a very positive impact in the communities from which they hail,” said Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative for Egypt, at the panel discussion.
