This year, Lekela Egypt has sponsored a sewing and embroidery programme for the women in the Ras Ghareb area, where our 252MW West Bakr wind farm is located. The programme forms part of Lekela’s community investment programme in Egypt, working with local people to implement initiatives to improve enterprise, education and the environment.

Twenty-five trainees attended the eight-week sewing and embroidery course, which worked to upskill them so that they can make and repair clothing and other items. The course was run in partnership with a local NGO and the Social Affairs Department of Ras Ghareb City Council. The funding from West Bakr Wind provided the training, equipment and instructors for the course.

As part of the programme, Lekela has also donated sewing machines to local women, and several have set up their own embroidery businesses following the programme. Going forward, Lekela Egypt is sponsoring the establishment of a tailoring workshop in Ras Ghareb, which will support the employment of 15 trainees. This workshop will be established under the Local Women’s Association for Family Welfare. Our plan is to start the establishment this quarter.