EIL Ireland Representatives Take Part in Anti-Racism Training in Egypt
At EIL Intercultural Learning Ireland, we believe that intercultural exchange has the power to create a more connected, open, and understanding world. That mission was brought to life recently when two Irish representatives travelled to Cairo, Egypt, to take part in an international training programme focused on tackling xenophobia, racism, and stereotypes.
Our Volunteer Manager, Linda O’Connell, and long-time EIL volunteer Rachel Maher represented Ireland as members of the EPOT (European Pool of Trainers) during a three-day intensive programme coordinated by AFS Intercultural Programs and European Federation for Intercultural Learning (EFIL) at the AFS Egypt office in Cairo.
The training brought together participants from across the international AFS and EFIL network to engage in meaningful discussions, workshops, and collaborative learning experiences centred on promoting inclusion and combating prejudice. A key focus of the programme was helping participants develop future volunteer training workshops while also highlighting countries within the Y-Med region, including Egypt and Morocco, as welcoming and enriching destinations for student exchange.
Reflecting on the experience, Linda described it as “an experience of a lifetime,” sharing how the programme deepened both her professional understanding and personal perspective.
“What I will carry with me most are the people. I made so many incredible friends, meaningful connections, and lifelong memories. It reminded me so strongly that we are all one, and that we can live together in peace and harmony, regardless of religion, race, or gender.”
Beyond the training sessions, both Linda and Rachel immersed themselves fully in Egyptian culture. Staying with local host families provided an invaluable opportunity to build genuine intercultural connections and experience daily life firsthand. Linda stayed with Jehan, one of the longest-serving volunteers in AFS Egypt and herself a former exchange participant from the late 1960s, while Rachel stayed with another welcoming host mum, Amany.
One of the standout moments for Linda was visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum, designed by Irish architects heneghan peng architects. She described the museum as “phenomenal,” particularly the world-renowned Tutankhamun gallery.
Food and hospitality also left a lasting impression, with Linda enjoying traditional Egyptian dishes such as koshari during her stay.
The experience reinforced the importance of international partnerships and volunteer development in fostering intercultural understanding. Both Linda and Rachel return to Ireland inspired and motivated to share what they have learned with EIL volunteers and students across the country.
As an organisation, we are incredibly proud to have had Ireland represented in such an important initiative and grateful to the incredible staff, volunteers, and host families at AFS Egypt for their warmth and hospitality throughout the programme.
Opportunities like these continue to strengthen our global connections and remind us of the power of cultural exchange to build empathy, understanding, and lasting friendships across borders.