Both politically and culturally, Egypt has always played an important role in the Middle East.
Widespread protests in 2011 eventually led to the beginning of a new era when long-term president Mubarak decided to step aside. Political unrest has continued in spite of the "Spring Revolution" and numerous problems remain. Unemployment is still high and many people suffer social exclusion and poverty.
At present there are three SOS Children’s Villages in Egypt, three SOS Youth Facilities, two SOS Kindergartens, one SOS Hermann Gmeiner School and two Social Centres. With a total population of 82 million, Egypt is one of the most populous countries in Africa and in the Middle East. Due to its ancient past, it is often referred to as the region's intellectual and cultural leader.
Please help us ensure a loving home for every child. Sponsor a child in Egypt now.
For just $36/month you can sponsor a child and help provide an orphaned or abandoned child with:
- A safe and nurturing home
- A loving SOS mother
- Quality education
- Healthcare
- Nutritious food
- Clothing and toys
- All the things necessary for a bright future
SOS Children's Villages in Egypt
SOS Children's Villages has been supporting Egyptian children since the 1970s. The first SOS Children's Village programme was initiated in Nasr City at the end of 1976. Only one year later, the Egyptian Society for SOS Children's Villages was officially established.
In 1994, we initiated an SOS Emergency Relief Programme to support the thousands who had lost their home as a result of massive flooding in the south of the country.
In mid-2003, a joint project was carried out together with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in order to help minors who were refugees from various different African countries at war.
In late 2004, our organisation started an SOS Family Strengthening Programme, which enables children who are at risk of losing parental care to grow up in a caring family environment. At present, SOS Children's Villages is supporting Egyptian young people and children in three different locations by providing day care, education and medical assistance. When children can no longer stay with their families, they are cared for by SOS mothers.
Some facts about Egypt
In 1952, president Gamal Abdul Nasser led the Egyptian revolution, initiating an era marked by modernisation, pan-Arab nationalism and social reforms. During his time in power, Egypt nationalised the Suez-Canal Company. In 1953, the country was declared a Republic.
Long-time president Hosni Mubarak was forced from power in 2011 following widespread popular protests. These protests were fuelled by high levels of poverty, a lack of opportunities and widespread economic inequality, particularly among the country's young people.
The country's economy is highly diversified. Apart from petroleum exports, the service sector has been playing an increasingly important role as the tourist influx from Western Europe continues to be high, particularly in the Sinai region.
High rates of unemployment and corruption continue to cripple a proud nation
Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians have not been able to benefit from the country's economic upswing before the "Spring Revolution". The situation since has not improved. According to recent national statistics, around one quarter of the population are considered poor and thus find themselves struggling on the bottom steps of the socioeconomic ladder.
The vast majority of poor people live in rural areas, particularly in the country's north, where illiteracy rates and infant mortality continue to rise. Since the year 2000, Egypt's income gap has constantly widened and inequality persists. A high number of people are struggling with unemployment and destitution. In a country globally known for its glorious cultural past, more than 30 per cent do not know how to read or write.
Children need to be protected during these times of uncertainty
Demographically speaking, Egypt is a fairly young nation as around 33 per cent of its population is less than 14 years old. Although noticeable progress has been made over recent years, millions of vulnerable children in Egypt are still deprived of their rights.
Nearly half of all children under the age of 18 live on less than two US dollars a day. Around 13 per cent of all infants are born underweight. Poor children often lack access to schooling and health facilities.
Egypt is home to 1.7 million orphaned children. Many of them engage in labour activities because their economic situation makes it necessary for them to do so. Given its informal character, child work often means long shifts and dangerous environments. For example, children harvesting cotton may have to work for 11 hours a day in 40 degrees heat.
The number of Egyptian children who live in the street has been growing. Although exact numbers are unknown, it is estimated that roughly one million children roam the streets of the country's urban centres, particularly in the cities of Cairo and Alexandria. In order to survive, most of them resort to begging or petty theft. A large number of these children experience sexual and psychological abuse by adults on a regular basis.
According to local reports, many of these children have been involved in the protest. Girls in Egypt are highly vulnerable as the practice of female genital mutilation, which dates back about 2,000 years, continues to be widespread. Around 90 per cent of women in Egypt have been cut. Although a change in attitudes concerning the practice can be observed, it remains common in vast parts of the country.
Our Impact
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The SOS Children's Village in Egypt provides loving homes to orphaned and abandoned children |
3 VILLAGES | 228 Orphaned and Abandoned Children |
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The SOS Youth Facilities in Egypt provides youth with a loving environment where they learn to transition into independent living and to expand their education |
3 YOUTH FACILITIES | 135 Youths in our Care |
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The SOS Kindergarten in Egypt are a fundamental building block for the early development needs including, intellectual and social skills for children. |
2 KINDERGARTENS | 24 Kindergarten students |
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SOS Social Centres in Egypt aim is to help families, in particular women and children, living in communities neighbouring the SOS Children's Villages to gradually escape from poverty, and to help young people become self-reliant. |
2 SOCIAL CENTRES | 1759 Beneficiaries |
Our Impact
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