In the Shadow of the Pyramids

Children’s Relief Bethlehem concentrates its efforts on the Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem. Even the founder, however, Father Ernst Schnydrig, emphasized the importance of cooperating closely with local institutions and project partners. Thus, Children’s Relief Bethlehem supports the projects of other organizations in other Middle Eastern countries. Last year, a delegation from Children’s Relief Bethlehem travelled to Egypt to open a dialogue with sufferers there, and to learn more about the best ways to help the people.

Many people associate Egypt with the pyramids, a cruise on the Nile, or sunning on the Red Sea beaches. Yet only a stone’s throw from these streams of tourists, the poverty is palpable and real. It is fortunate that there are local organizations that help these people in their need. One particularly vivid memory to me is my visit to the SETI organization in Cairo and Shoubra. (SETI stands for Support, Education, Training for Inclusion.) This integrative program for the handicapped has received international support from Caritas for years. Children’s Relief Bethlehem is committed to the project as well, and a more intensive cooperation is under discussion. SETI has organized shops where youths first receive basic schooling. Later, they develop their talents in the manual trades. I was particularly happy to see that many SETI pupils have good opportunities waiting for them in the job market after they leave school. Several of them even took on the challenge of becoming their own boss by founding a small family business.

Other organizations in the region are dedicated to helping people with addictions. More and more youths in Egypt are trying to escape the stress of everyday life by taking drugs. Speaking with ex-addicts, we learned how counseling organizations and doctors can best help. Our on-site visits have shown us that we can do a considerable amount for children, mothers and women – even with our modest means.