During her speech at the launching ceremony, Makram said the coronavirus pandemic showed the importance of paying attention to the mental health of Egyptian youth abroad.

It also emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the difference between Western and Eastern cultures, in addition to the psychological issues expatriates may face, including bullying, racism, and exclusion, Makram said.

She added that young people do not talk about these problems, which exposes them to some psychological crises.

The cooperation protocol with Shezlong provides free of charge service to Egyptian youth abroad, so they can talk to psychological experts easily via an online platform and choose the psychological condition they suffer from, “bullying, exclusion, psychological support, family problems, psychological pressures,” and others.

During the ceremony, a documentary film was screened on the initiative and its goals as well as the steps to register on the online platform to receive the necessary treatment.

Founded in 2014, Shezlong helps patients connect with licensed therapists through online video calls, and uses cognitive behavioural therapy to teach individuals how to manage stress and anxiety.