Rotaract Changes Lives in Alexandria, Egypt
German-Egyptian Rotaract project named
"European Best Rotaract Project 2005-2006" 
"Responsible Parenthood, Skill Developoment and Micro-Loans" in the slum areas of Alexandria, Egypt is the proud project of Rotaract District 1860 (Germany) and the
Rotaract Club Alexandria Cosmopolitan, District 2450 (Egypt).And proud they should be! Said one Rotaract leader: "Let's
face it: the world population is exploding! Children are being born on and on. The majority of these children,
however, will never be able to live a life of the quality we enjoy in Europe today. This is one of the main issues our
generation will have to deal with in the future, so we need to start today to do something about it." The goal of the project was to help the poorest women
living the in slums of Alexandria, Egypt by providing financial and educational support. Beginning in 2001, this project has helped 1400 people improve their living
situation.
1st Phase - Training Programs
 Literacy classes: The women learn the basics of
reading and writing or to improve their existing skills- Vocational Assessment: The women are trained in the general and special skills they need for their future job
- Population & Development classes: These lessons combine public health education, community health, information about sexually
transmitted diseases and responsible parenthood as well as information about adequate nutrition
2nd Phase - Using these skills
 These poor women use micro-credits to
establish their own business. Businesses include: selling fruits and vegetables, carpentry, sewing, groceries, home appliances only to name a few. - Example: one micro-credit loan supports a mother as well as 5-6 relatives. Women receiving Micro-Credit loans are between 20 and 40 years old.
Project Management and Financing
 The members of the Rotaract Club Alexandria Cosmopolitan are responsible for organizing on the spot activities. Their job is to select and
support the women. They organize the lessons together with an NGO called "PLAN International" at website:
- The German Rotaracters from D 1860 were responsible for financing. First, a New Opportunity Grant for US $5,000 was obtained
from D 1860 matched by another $5,000 provided by RFPD German Section. For the second part of the project, the
Rotaractors from D 1860 themselves raised $5,000 which was again matched by
RFPD/German section for a Matching Grant of $20,000. In total, $30,000 was raised for this project - an incredible accomplishment for young Rotaracters
- The project was an excellent example of cooperation between Rotaracters from two
different countries, NGO Plan International, the UNFPA, the Rotarian Action Group for Population & Development and the Rotary Foundation
Results so far and expectations for the future
- Over 1400 people have already improved their lives
- 24 families were able to expand their businesses
- 600 cases should be closed by the end of the project year (2007-2008)
- 4,000 people in Alexandria will have directly benefitted
Rotaracters and Rotarians interested in implementing a similar project can contact Nici
Elshorst, Katrin Jorke and Kerstin Theilmann, RAC District 1860, Germany |
