By this time of the year, for more than eighty years, The Association of Upper Egypt for Education and Development was established by Father Henry Ayrout, from whom we have inherited a great responsibility represented in building the dignity of citizens in Upper Egypt villages and enabling them to be well educated and healthy. It is worth noting that the development of Upper Egypt people was ignored by development plans during the last decades and they still need more support. we are committed to continuing efforts started by Father Henry.

The Association endured more challenges this year, but it overcame most of them. One of such significant challenges is the continuation of COVID disease and the economic burdens on some families who were not able to pay education expenses. The Association was keen to continue the role of supporting and assisting children to get their right to good education. The Association encourages economically affected families to be listed in the education fees exemption system. Due to fear of some parents delaying schools one more time this year, the Association faced transferring requests from schools. AUEED set a system to be applied regularly on a full-time basis in schools through re-investment of human resources and places to open schools 5 days a week for all students and to maintain applying all preventive measures and a system when education is suspended. By this plan, the parents feel confident about their children's safety.

AUEED accomplished more sustainable success stories as follows:

• The necessary procedures were taken to regulate AUEED according to NGO's new law in Egypt.
• AUEED has started a new phase of Literate village project in 160 communities in Menya, after the work success in 500 communities in Assiut and Sohag.
• Increase the microfinance portfolio through a new partnership with Banque Misr, by expanding the partnership with the National Bank of Egypt, so that the portfolio amount became approximately 33 million pounds, and by starting to apply the electronic payment system.
• Activate Child Protection policies and procedures to provide a safe environment for children and protect them from harm, abuse, and taking advantage of them while they are in the Association.
• carry out an exhibition of paintings and art products of Akhmim Center in Canada, based on an initiative of our friends.

The report shows in detail the accomplishments made by the Association teamwork and employees, by the support of our partners inside and outside Egypt, and by the support of all concerned agencies.

Eventually, AUEED always seeks further development and expansion to ensure the sustainability of its programs in the local communities. We will be able to achieve this progress by working together for a better life for the poor of Upper Egypt.

Wahid Naguib
President of the Board