Suzanne Mubarak highlights role of non-governmental organizations in social development

Egyt's First Lady Suzanne Mubarak said that voluntary work has witnessed a boom last year embodied in a new law for regulating the work of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This will allow NGOs to implement their programmes and achieve their aims.

Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak yesterday addressed the first meeting of the Federation for Private Institutions and Societies after she had opened the new premises of the Federation in Heliopolis.

She described the national dialogue which has accompanied the different stages of formulating the law as sincere expression by members at these institutions to undertake their social responsibilities.

She added that all the members of Egyptian society should practice their activities within the framework of legality to maintain its financial resilience. First Lady Mubarak pointed out that the Federation would boost the part played by institutions, especially small and new ones.

Mrs. Mubarak on Saturday opened a number of productive projects in Siwa Oasis as part of the government's effort to provide required services for remote areas.

The idea of establishing the community center was initiated by Mrs. Mubarak during her last visit to Siwa Oasis 16 months ago, an official statement said. During her inspection visit to Siwa Oasis, Mrs. Mubarak inaugurated a community service center which includes a hall for conferences and a health clinic, as well as space for literacy classes for women. The community center, built by the Armed Forces at a total cost of LE 4 million, will help improve the status of women and children in the remote Oasis.

First Lady Mubarak had a lengthy conversation with women trainees at Siwa center to familiarize herself with the various services now offered. She inspected the cottage industries center where the needlework and carpeting reflected the Siwan style, and visited the computer-equipped library.