Dr. Ehab Aboueladab (PhD in Biochemistry): Program Coordinator at Misr El Kheir Foundation (MEK).

الأربعاء، أبريل 03، 2013

Program Coordinator at Misr El Kheir Foundation (MEK).

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope this e-mail finds you well. I am Sarah Awaad, Program Coordinator at Misr El Kheir Foundation (MEK). MEK is a non-profitable organization that was established in 2007, and that works on 4 main sectors - Health, Social Solidarity, Life Aspects, and Knowledge (Education and Scientific Research). In the light of MEK’s continual support in developing education and scientific research in Egypt, under the Knowledge Sector, it has designed a program named “The Qualifying Program” for graduates of National Egyptian Universities, who aspire to obtain a postgraduate degree from universities abroad. The purpose of the program is to qualify candidates to be able to apply for international universities and secure international scholarships. The qualifying process consists of four phases: the first phase is a training program at The Faculty and Leadership development Center at Cairo University; the second phase is TOEFL and GRE courses and tests at AMIDEAST; the third phase is providing advisory services by Alumni of international programs on how to search and get accepted in international graduate and scholarship programs; and the fourth phase is offering financial contribution by MEK to cover the cost of university application fees, all required pre-requisite tests, and visa fees and travel tickets to the accepted students in international scholarship programs. Kindly find attached the Qualifying program description for further information about the program.

The advisors play an important role in the implementation of the Qualifying Program. Thus, I am writing to you to ask you to take part in this initiative through your participation as focal points or/and advisors. The first iteration of the program started in May 2012 and we are currently in the phase of scheduling GRE and TOEFL tests for first iteration candidates, and linking them with advisors to guide them through the application process to International Universities. As for the second iteration of the program, we are currently announcing for it.

Below are the roles and responsibilities of the Advisors and Focal Points:

Ø The Advisors’ involvement and responsibilities can include any or all of the following:

- Selection of candidates, which entails participating in the interview panel.

- Advising for nominees, which entails

§ Guiding them through the application process to international universities

§ Giving them tips on how to write a personal statement and who to ask for recommendation letters and how to present a professional research to be submitted to potential host university

§ Teaching them how to search, apply, and get accepted in outstanding international scholarship programs

Criteria for Advisors are as follows:

§ Received MSC., MA, or PhD from an international university

§ Advisors should have received the degree within the past 4 years; however if degree is received before that, the advisor must be in the academic field (ex. Professors at international universities, so that they are aware of the current admission system)

Ø The Focal Point’s involvement and responsibilities entail promoting the qualifying program through announcing at their place of work or circulating the announcement to their mailing list.

The advisory service is a voluntary activity. MEK offers honorarium to its esteemed advisors for the efforts done. If you are interested in participating as an Advisor or a Focal Point, you are kindly requested to fill in the attached form and send it back to us.

We would like to thank you in advance for the continuous support you provide to young Egyptians, and we look forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you

Sarah Awaad

Program Coordinator - Scholarship Management Unit