Cairo's Youth: Desperate for Work

What most young Egyptians want is a job - even if that means working in the fast food industry.

Many urban Egyptians would prefer to work in the public sector – it’s usually for life and comes with lots of benefits. Unfortunately, the government already employs almost a quarter of all Egyptians, and can barely afford to pay them as it is.

Not surprisingly, the economy tanked after the 2011 revolution. Five year of unrest – and another revolution - devastated Egypt’s all-important tourist trade.

The result is palpable frustration that is difficult to contain. Young people are the hardest hit – over 30% are unemployed, and easy targets for fundamentalists. Or they join street gangs and turn to theft.

With so few salaried jobs out there, most Egyptians have no choice but to try to go into business for themselves. Those who know a trade can do quite well. Abu Bakar makes custom gates and grills for high-end clientele.

Most young Egyptians would rather work in the fast food sector. No matter how bad the economy, people still have to eat. Shwarma – strips of lamb or chicken sliced from a vertical spit mixed with peppers, tomato, and onion, and topped with creamy garlic sauce. Or meat – straight up, served on a stick. It’s usually beef, lamb, or chicken – Muslims don’t eat pork.

But this is the ultimate Egyptian comfort food. It’s called Kushari, and it’s made with fried onions, noodles, chick peas, and lentils, with a tangy tomato sauce. Kushari fast food restaurants are always bustling, and cheap. It costs about a dollar a plate, and they’ll even bring it to your table.

If you don’t have a dollar, you can still grab a late night omelet on the street. Served with day old bread and greasy fries. Or a soupy mix of refried beans.
The music and camaraderie are free.

#Travel #Adventure #Egypt

LET’S CONNECT!

Category: Travel

[x]

That is the kind of life which I like, everything is cheap and simple.

[cantbringmedowntoday]

Fixing your ladder, while your on your ladder, is not the way to do things lol

[miku]

Egypt youth is definitely desperate for jobs, many come to my country jordan to work the most basic less than minimum wage jobs, i admire their resilience, thank you for another great video, you always portray an accurate picture of the middle east.