Founded in 1967 after the Six-Day War, Caritas Egypt was recognised by the Egyptian Ministry of Social Affairs in the same year.

Egypt is currently going through a phase of transformation. Reconciliation of different political and social trends, revival of the economy in all its forms, education and health services will be priority issues.

Regarding Caritas actions, we are waiting for some relaxation from the official authorities regarding the terms for funding our activities, notably with our overseas partners.

Basic adult education using the “learn and free yourself” method inspired by Paulo Freire. In addition to reading and writing, the participants in this 18-month training programme also learn about healthcare and hygiene, and acquire a basic knowledge of civil rights. Over the years, peer education and economic awareness components have been added, and village libraries have also been set up. This programme essentially regards women, and involves around 10,000 new learners each year.

The SETI Centre tackles the problem of mental disability among children and adolescents. It aims to improve the quality of life of disabled people and, via a community approach, help their families to make the best use of available resources. It also deals with management training, preparation of rehabilitation programmes, creation of community rehabilitation centres and vocational training for certain adults.

Five medical and social centres in Cairo include clinics, crèches, kindergartens and vocational training centres for women. We also provide a mother and child protection service, including a component to fight malnutrition.

Street children are exposed to all kinds of influences and dangers. Via its centres in Cairo and Alexandria, Caritas aims to respond to such cases of children in difficulty by seeking to have them reintegrated within their families, and providing them with schooling or vocational training so that they can be active and independent members of society.

The microcredit programme aims to meet the needs of the unemployed. We try to help young people to find jobs, strengthen the economic role of female heads of household, and increase family incomes. This programme operates in Cairo, Alexandria, Minia, Assiout, Sohag and Quena.

The service for refugees aims to improve the social conditions of individuals and their families in accordance with the standards laid down by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Caritas is responsible for establishing a medical and social case file for those who request assistance. Once an application has been accepted, Caritas transfers financial aid to families and looks after the sick either at Caritas health centres or in hospitals via contracts.

Main partners: Caritas Germany, Misereor, Secours Catholique (Caritas France), UNHCR, Ford Foundation, Caritas Salzburg, German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association (DAHW), Plan International, Italian Raoul Follereau Association (AIFO), Codegaz, Italian Solidarity Centre, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), KindermissionWerk, National Population Council, UNDP, UNICEF, Sister Emmanuelle Association – France, and Catholic Committee Against Hunger and for Development (CCFD).