Project description
In Cairo, the capital of Egypt, thousands of Sudanese refugees reside. Among them are many children. The refugees cannot rely on support from the Egyptian government. If medical care is needed, the means to organise it are lacking. Together with seven churches in Cairo, the Nile Valley Foundation makes medical help possible. Through these local churches, food is distributed every Sunday to the refugees who have no means of livelihood.
Why this project?
In Egypt, refugees are considered second-class citizens. And there is no health insurance at all. Sudanese who want to build a life in Egypt are therefore completely dependent on the goodwill of others. The Nile Valley project team and some local (Sudanese) churches want to make a difference in the lives of these Sudanese in need. They offer help to those who have no helper. The use of (para)medics brings healing and an improved quality of life. Also through the food distributed weekly.
Impact
Little to no differentiation in requests for help is made by the project team. Mental problems of the refugees complicate requests for help. The team knows a number of reliable doctors and thus has good advisers on medical and financial matters. The impact on the refugees treated is enormous. A (minor) medical procedure or the right medication makes a big difference. The difference between being blind and having sight, between being unemployed and having an income, between death and life.
What can we learn?
The refugees and the Muslim community around them see that 'the church' helps. Christians show that providing physical support is all about the great Healer. Are we paying attention to the total person, both their mental and physical health?
