Warm-hearted in Alex
John Holdsworth visits a rare beacon of hope in a troubled inner-city area
Ras al Soda is one of the poorest districts in Alexandria. It’s a place where dogs compete with goats and humans to retrieve and re-use what can be retrieved from the ubiquitous piles of other people’s rubbish. Its narrow, unmade streets are dark with foreboding. Its multi-occupancy tenements seem unwelcoming and there is a general air of menace.
In this unlikely setting, The Anglican Church in Egypt has managed a family and community development Centre for over twenty years. It is a beacon of life, safety and hope in a place full of seemingly hopeless lives.
The Centre welcomes everyone regardless of religion or circumstances. There are programmes for children which check their health and nutrition and some basic health care is available. Families are taught to value their children and especially, counter-culturally, to value their daughters.
The My Dear Daughter programme has been the entrée to the Centre for families whose once small children are returning as young adults to help as volunteers. Issues around female health are addressed, FGM is challenged and issues around abuse and safeguarding are taken very seriously.
Women and families can take advantage of micro-loans available through the Centre. One has started a street food stall; another a small business making crochet patterns on curtains; yet another has bought a tuk-tuk taxi of the kind seen all over the city. Business advice is also provided, as are on-going advice and support.
The pre-school is a burst of light and activity. Parents pay a small fee to enable them to maintain the dignity of purchasing something rather than having to rely on hand-outs.
The church cares for 250 families, a total of around 1300 people. A recent Sunday School celebration event attracted 350 children and 140 adults. The area is 60% Christian. It runs a programme specifically for couples. Its aim is to enhance relationships based on Bible teaching, and he has some 24 people involved at present.
Later, the Dean of the pro-cathedral and Area Dean of Alexandria, Fr David Aziz, tells me that many young men have left the area to make illegal crossings in small boats to Europe. You could see why that might be superficially attractive, but he wants to be able to give them a reason to stay and highlights the need for more work with these young people.
The essential ingredient for the Centre, committed enthusiastic loving Christian service, shows no sign of running out.