COMMUNITIES
Schools in Egypt: A project undertaken by Hans Christian Andersen abc Foundation and UNESCO
Since 2005, Hans Christian Andersen abc Foundation collaborates with UNESCO on a school project for children in difficult circumstances.
Aim
The project aims to reinsert street children into the public school system. Reintegrating these children allows them to get their lives back on track and to look towards a better future.
The Children
Most of the participating children come from broken and violent families. Many have been excluded from the education system due to absenteeism or lack of finances. These children are normally the first to enter into under-age labour and the first to become street children or victims of trafficking, or suffer other forms of exploitation, discrimination or abuse.
Evolution
Since April 2005, twenty-two Friendly Schools have been established in Egypt, of which 10 are financed by the Hans Christian Andersen abc Foundation. The project has brought hope for a better future to street children throughout the country, and similar activities are now planned for Yemen, Sudan, Jordan and Lebanon.
Details of the Program
Classes follow a specially elaborated curriculum and use teaching methods adapted to the needs and problems of these groups of children – they complement government efforts to reinsert the children into the school system. The children are also given lunch and clean clothes, further encouraging school attendance.
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