Investing in Human Capital and The Social Protection: A Sociological Analysis of "Decent Life" Initiative (Haya Karima)

This study seeks to answer a pivotal question: What are the manifestations of investing in human capital within the social protection scheme in light of the "Decent Life" Initiative (Haya Karima)? The research adopts the deductive and inductive approach by applying the following research tools: The questionnaire and the measure of satisfaction with the Decent Life Initiative applied to a sample of 403 individuals; beneficiaries of the "Decent life" (Haya Karima) initiative in four villages pertaining to Nasser Center [Markaz], Beni Suef Governorate. These are Al-Harjah Village, Beni Khalifa Village, Manshiet Hadib Village, and Al-Hamam Village. An interview guide applied to a sample of 14 individuals from officials, personnel, and executors of the Decent Life file in the local unit of the villages of Al-Hamam, the Social Affairs and Social Solidarity Units and community associations in Nasser Center, Beni Suef Governorate, as well as the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Local Development and the Ministry of Social Solidarity). The study drew several conclusions, most notably, that the Presidential "Decent Life" Initiative played an important role in achieving the development agenda of the UN Sustainable Development Goals; and was also able to carry out several services, educational, and health projects in study sample villages. However, educational and health projects in the village of Manshiyet Hadib are still underway. The mountainous geographical nature of the study sample area caused a longer time to complete the construction work of the initiative’s projects. Technological applications also played a major role in strengthening the role of the Decent Life Initiative in the villages.