Sawiris Foundation and Harvard Business School Team Up for Real-World Impact in Egypt

The Sawiris Foundation recently hosted a team of six Harvard Business School students for a week in Cairo. This visit was part of an essential course called 'FIELD Global Capstone,' and the Foundation was one of 156 global project partners spread across 14 cities in 14 countries. Together, these partners hosted over 900 Harvard Business School students worldwide. The 'FIELD Global Capstone' program aims to boost and develop students' abilities to manage and work effectively in diverse business environments. Sawiris Foundation leaders worked remotely with the team in the months leading up to their arrival in Cairo, focusing on the Foundation's project to build the capacities of civil society organizations in Egypt. During their stay, the students presented their ideas to the Foundation's team, conducted field research with project beneficiaries, and then shared their final recommendations with the management. Laila Hosny, the Executive Director of the Sawiris Foundation, and Mays Abu Hajab, the Deputy Executive Director, attended the final presentation phase, where they directly discussed the students' recommendations and project outcomes. This interactive program also aims to give students a 'learning by doing' opportunity. They get to develop a new product, service, or customer experience for the partner organization. This also helps them strengthen their skills in understanding local contexts and working collaboratively in unfamiliar environments while delivering real value. This partnership truly shows the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development's ongoing commitment to promoting experiential learning, sharing knowledge globally, and supporting the capabilities of civil society organizations in Egypt. It also extends the Foundation's efforts within its NGO capacity-building program in Egypt. This program has included key milestones like establishing five specialized training centers for civil work and launching the "First Forum for Egyptian Civil Society" last April, under the patronage of the Ministry of Social Solidarity. Additionally, it has trained 2,203 development workers, 62% of whom are women, enhancing their technical skills and increasing their active participation in community development efforts. In this context, Laila Hosny, Executive Director of the Sawiris Foundation, stated: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Harvard Business School through the 'FIELD Global Capstone' program. It provides a genuine space for knowledge exchange and shared learning between students and organizations working on the ground. For us, the importance of this experience isn't just academic; it also opens up a broader dialogue about local development challenges and how to tackle them with practical, implementable solutions." She added, "This collaboration stems from the Sawiris Foundation's belief in the importance of investing in human capabilities and supporting civil society organizations, as these are fundamental pillars for achieving sustainable development and maximizing developmental impact." Harvard Business School emphasized that this important educational experience wouldn't have been possible without the participating partner organizations. Professor Joe Fuller, Faculty Chair for the 'FIELD Global Capstone' program, commented: "We are incredibly grateful to the Sawiris Foundation and all the partners who contribute to the success of this program for our students. Students benefit immensely from this experience, and we hope it also brings benefits to the partner organizations." This strategic investment in Egyptian human and institutional capital reflects the Foundation's belief that empowering individuals and strengthening civil society organizations are essential for achieving sustainable and effective change. Building on a legacy of over 25 years, the Sawiris Foundation continues its commitment to supporting initiatives that foster resilience, inclusivity, and long-term social impact across various Egyptian communities.