Eng. Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), met today with the first cohort of participants in the ITIDA–DXC Dandelion Program, comprising 11 young neurodivergent talents, marking the beginning of a training journey aimed at empowering them and preparing them to join Egypt's information technology sector.
The launch of the program in Egypt marks the first time it has been introduced in the Middle East. It is being implemented through a partnership between ITIDA and DXC Technology, with the Egyptian Association for Advancement of Persons with Disabilities and Autism (ADVANCE) serving as the program's technical advisor in Egypt.
Innovation Starts with Different Minds
During his meeting with the participants, Eng. Ahmed Elzaher expressed his enthusiasm about the launch of the program and meeting its first cohort, emphasizing that its significance goes beyond technical skills training to include identifying capabilities, building confidence, and creating genuine career pathways for neurodivergent talent.
Elzaher highlighted that innovation does not always come from conventional thinking, noting that it often emerges from minds that see things from different perspectives, challenge prevailing ideas, and seek new ways to solve problems. He stressed that different ways of thinking represent a genuine value for the technology sector.
Confidence in Capabilities
Elzaher encouraged participants to have confidence in their abilities, make the most of the experience, and not be afraid of experimentation or making mistakes. He also urged them to express their ideas, emphasizing that the way they see the world can be a genuine source of strength and distinction in the technology sector.
He also expressed his appreciation to the participants' families and parents for supporting their children and believing in their capabilities, stressing that this support is a fundamental pillar for the success of their journey.
11 Talents Begin a Journey to Empower 60 Participants
The multi-cohort program aims to train and empower 60 young men and women with neurodivergent conditions, including individuals on the autism spectrum, those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and people with dyslexia, preparing them for integration into the IT job market.
Data Analytics and Software Testing
The first cohort, comprising 11 job seekers, focuses on training in Data Analytics and Software Testing. Participants are graduates of engineering, computer science, mass communication, and commerce faculties, reflecting a diverse range of academic backgrounds and experiences.
The program provides intensive training over 9 months, combining technical training with life skills development, effective communication, workplace skills, and business management. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance participants' readiness to enter the job market and build successful career paths.
A Global Model
The Dandelion Program is a globally recognized initiative launched by DXC Technology in Australia in 2014. It has since expanded to several countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, and the Philippines, before reaching the Middle East for the first time through Egypt.
Hosting the program in Egypt reflects confidence in the capabilities of Egyptian talent and their ability to compete in the technology sector. It also underscores the importance of expanding the talent pool and leveraging diverse capabilities and ways of thinking to build a more innovative and inclusive digital economy.
A Partnership Turning Vision into Reality
Elzaher noted that launching the first cohort represents a practical step toward implementing the partnership between ITIDA and DXC Technology. He emphasized that what began as a shared vision has now become a program operating on the ground, creating new opportunities for neurodivergent talent.
He expressed his appreciation to DXC Technology, ADVANCE, and all the teams that contributed to launching and implementing the program, stressing that the initiative's success is the result of genuine partnership and integrated collaboration among all stakeholders.
The ITIDA–DXC Dandelion Program is part of ITIDA's efforts to expand Egypt's digital talent pool, promote inclusion in the information technology sector, and prepare qualified and competitive professionals, supporting the growth of the digital economy and strengthening Egypt's position as a regional hub for technology services and business process outsourcing.
