Shams el Birr
Where are they?
What do they do?
Who benefits?
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6 October City
Provide children and adults with disabilities the opportunity of an education and the chance to lead independent lives.
60 children and adults who are blind or have other disabilities. |
More Infomation:
Founded: 1989
Director: Dr Morcos Boulos
Beginnings:
Dr Morcos realised there was a lack of services for blind people in Egypt, particularly girls. Due to their disability, they could not attend school and were unable to find employment. In addition, it was difficult for them to marry as their disability was seen as a burden. In response, he founded Shams el Birr (‘Sun of Righteousness’) in a small flat for five blind girls. Within a few years, there were almost 50 residents in 10 flats and in 2001 the Centre outgrew its buildings and moved to a purpose-built centre where there are now 60 residents, both children and young adults.
Activities:
Education
Blind children attend a local special school and then return to the Centre to do their homework and participate in other activities. The Centre provides an education for children who are prevented from going to mainstream schools because of their disability.
Young adults are offered an education and can also receive vocational training in skills such as knitting, sewing, weaving and shoe making. The items made in workshops are sold to provide students with an income.
The students also learn valuable life skills through self-care programmes such as cooking, cleaning, sewing and ironing. The Centre has its own music room where students of all ages make music together.
Health
The Centre works with families to help them overcome the negative attitude towards disabled people that is prevalent in Egypt. It also runs Community Based Rehabilitation programmes.
Click here for a printable factsheet on Shams el Birr
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