Helm & Qaderoon B’ekhtelaf Sign Five-Year Inclusion Partnership

Helm, an Egyptian social enterprise focused on accessibility and inclusion, has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with the Egypt National Disability Fund, Qaderoon B’ekhtelaf, to expand employment and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities across the country.

The agreement was announced during the sixth edition of Khatwa 2026, described as Egypt’s largest inclusive employment forum, which brought together government ministries, persons with disabilities, and local and multinational companies involved in recruitment.

Under the partnership, the two organisations will work across Egypt’s governorates to expand training and workforce readiness programmes, strengthen disability support centres within universities and technical education institutions, and encourage wider adoption of assistive technologies and digital solutions.

The collaboration will also seek to promote more inclusive workplace practices and support entrepreneurship, sports, cultural initiatives and community engagement programmes aimed at increasing economic and social participation among persons with disabilities.

During the event, composer and producer Hesham Kharma, a board member of Helm, offered an audition opportunity to talented persons with disabilities, opening the door to future creative opportunities.

Founded in 2014, Helm works to remove environmental, technological and social barriers affecting persons with disabilities.

Over the past decade, the organisation has expanded its activities to include accessibility, employment, training and advisory services for both public and private sector organisations.

Its programmes include the SEED vocational training initiative, the STARS Scholarship Programme in partnership with The American University in Cairo, and a range of education-to-employment and international youth exchange initiatives.

Helm has also developed accessibility and inclusion frameworks for organisations and government entities, providing services ranging from accessibility assessments and inclusion strategies to recruitment, onboarding and career development support.

According to the organisation, more than 15,000 persons with disabilities have participated in its programmes, while over 500 companies, institutions and government entities have received support in developing more inclusive environments.

Among its projects, Helm has helped establish and renovate 27 disability support centres at Egyptian universities in partnership with Amideast and with funding from USAID.

The organisation has also contributed to accessibility initiatives at national heritage sites, including the Grand Egyptian Museum and Karnak Temples, and has received five Zero Project Awards presented annually at the United Nations Office in Vienna.