Refuge Egypt, Cairo

Location: Cairo, Egypt
Director: Dr Nabil Morcos
Founded: 1985

How it all started
Many African refugees, mainly from Sudan, come to Cairo to flee from persecution, war or disaster in their homelands. Often the women arrive without their husbands, as the men have either had to stay behind, or are missing due to the wars in their homeland. There are no refugee camps in Egypt and therefore these displaced people have to fend for themselves in an unfamiliar and, at times, hostile culture. There is little support or assistance for them aside from what the churches can offer.

Refuge Egypt works closely with Saint Andrew's Cathedral in Cairo, which also supports these displaced Africans. Over 17,500 people are registered with the programmes at these churches.

One of the main problems that displaced people from Sudan face is that they are not legally recognised as refugees, as Egypt and Sudan have an open border. This means that they receive no benefits from the United Nations High Commissions for Refugees (UNHCR). Refuge Egypt provides care whilst their claims are being considered.

Current activities
Refuge Egypt is a ministry of the Episcopal Church. Its aims are to provide:

• A place where displaced people can feel welcome and accepted, where their concerns are taken seriously and where they can find some respite from the trouble that they face and can meet with their friends. Popular events include the 'Africa Nights', an evening of traditional African culture, including dancing, art, food, handicrafts and parades of traditional dress. Many people from the displaced communities have enjoyed the chance to share their heritage with others.
• Spiritual Encouragement in the form of leadership, lay training and the provision of resources. This is a source of strength to people who are suffering. There are many Christians among the displaced people and Sudanese make up more than half of the All Saints Cathedral's congregation. The churches run family services, theology classes, Bible studies and counselling.
• Advocacy on an individual and international level. Refuge Egypt advises those claiming asylum and assists those making applications to the UNHCR. This process can take up to two years, since the UNHCR is badly under-resourced. The process of applying for refugee status can be complicated and the waiting period is very stressful. Once their applications have been accepted, the UNHCR chooses some people for resettlement. Refuge Egypt provides an appropriate language and culture training programme specifically for those who are selected for resettlement. Refuge Egypt also involves itself in making the situation in Sudan and other countries of the region, and the claims of those who leave, known to the international community.
• Health Care is a critical need for the community. Meeting these needs is a major part of the Refuge Egypt programme. Many refugees arrive in Cairo with health problems and, due to the poor living conditions of many in the community, health is compromised further by poor nutrition. Refugees cannot access government medical services, neither can they afford private treatment. Antenatal care, family planning, general medicine, paediatric and TB clinics operate five days a week. Refuge Egypt also offers weekly food assistance to around 35 families as well as up to 100 pregnant women and 15 sick people recovering from serious illness. Clothing is also offered to over 50 adults and 60 children. The food is purchased locally and most of the clothes are donated by local people. A package of 'baby essentials', including nappies, soap, antiseptic, cotton wool, maternity pads and baby clothes, is given to women to assist them in the difficult first few weeks after birth.
• Education is another critical need for the community. Refuge Egypt recently began an Education Programme for teenagers, to give them the opportunity to learn Arabic, English and Maths. In addition to this, the local churches cooperate to run a joint summer school, teaching History, Geography, Science and English. During both of these activities, all of the children are served breakfast, giving them at least one full meal a day.

Refuge Egypt also provides training to help people generate an income for their families. By encouraging local skills and training and following internationally accepted standards, this programme has enabled many people to learn new skills to support their families. These income generating training programmes include jewellery making, sewing and the production of greetings cards. Tukul Craft, a shop in the grounds of the All Saints Cathedral, started in 1988 with a small group of displaced Sudanese refugees, struggling to make some means of living through handicraft. They began with traditional African beadwork and printing cloth, but now the shop sells a wide range of items, such as woven baskets, silk printing and also printed cards.

By caring for the physical and spiritual needs of the Sudanese people and by enabling them to solve some of the problems that they face, Refuge Egypt welcomes people into the community of the church and demonstrates God's love for all.