Media-Arts for Development (MADEV), marked the closing of its flagship “Two = One” youth empowerment project. The event was attended by Dr. Magdy Helmy, Advisor to the Minister of Social Solidarity in Egypt; representatives of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit )GIZ(, the National Council for Women, alongside local and international partners, donors, civil society organizations, media stakeholders, and the creative industries sector.
The project was implemented within the framework of cooperation between the Ministry of Social Solidarity and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) implementing on behalf of the German Government with co-funding from the European Union through the Equal Opportunities & Social Development Project.
This milestone marks the culmination of over eighteen months of continuous work across nine districts in Greater Cairo, reaching more than 500 young men and women, including persons with disabilities. Through a variety of activities—ranging from caricature and graffiti workshops, interactive theatre, sports initiatives, and youth filmmaking camps—the project promoted gender equality and empowered youth to express themselves creatively.
The closing ceremony featured a vibrant program, beginning with a live musical performance by Keytar artist Akram Atef, followed by a promotional film showcasing project achievements and the premiere of a youth-produced animation film. The segment “Youth Voices: The Heart of the Story” highlighted powerful testimonies from young participants of Ard El Fan and Sout Shabab Masr NGOs, along with the screening of a short film developed during the Youth Filmmaking Camp. The program also included a theatre performance, “Creativity Meets Change,” by the Zeitoun’s Virgin Foundation (ZVF) team, in addition to a reflection by The Egyptian Association for Economic and Social Rights (EAESR) on Caricature and Graffiti Initiative, illustrating how art can drive equality and social inclusion.
In his remarks, Dr. Magdy Helmy, Advisor to the Minister of Social Solidarity in Egypt, emphasized that youth are at the core of Egypt’s development vision, noting: “Two = One exemplifies how art can be transformed into a powerful tool for real change—anchoring values of equality and social inclusion. The Ministry views such projects as strategic partnerships that expand opportunities for youth participation and creativity. Our collaboration with MADEV and GIZ reflects the state’s commitment to people-centered development, and these experiences stand as inspiring models for future expansion across all governorates.”
Dr. Cherry Ramsis, Executive Director of MADEV commented: “For over 20 years, MADEV has believed that art is not a luxury—it is an essential tool for building individuals who think critically, create fearlessly, and engage meaningfully in their communities. ‘Two = One’ reaffirmed that when young people are given support and safe spaces, they create inspiring stories of change that ripple far beyond themselves. The project’s achievements are not an end but a step forward in our ongoing journey to advance equality and social justice through art and creativity.”
“What set ‘Two = One’ apart is that it wasn’t just a set of artistic activities—it was a real space for learning, experimentation, and building self-confidence. Over 500 youth were not mere beneficiaries, but many grew into leaders who now influence their own communities. The project demonstrated how art can empower youth to address their issues creatively, transforming challenges into opportunities for change. This is only the beginning—we aim to build on this momentum with new initiatives that deepen the impact, stated Dina Walaan, Project Manager at MADEV.
MADEV seeks to reaffirm that art will continue to be a driving force for personal and social growth, with youth at the heart of its vision. The organization believes that partnerships with international institutions such as GIZ and the European Union amplify impact and open new horizons for collaboration, embedding equality and strengthening community participation.
