DEVELOPMENT SECTOR

Since its inception more than fifty years ago, CEOSS has been working to break barriers to improved quality of life in impoverished Egyptian communities.  CEOSS places special emphasis on the most marginalized groups- women, children, and the disabled.  The CEOSS goal has remained constant; however, the strategies to achieve the goal have changed over time as more effective methodologies come to light.  As a result of various internal and external studies conducted in the late 1990’s, the CEOSS Development Sector identified the following current development strategies:

• Building CSO Capacity to create effective sustainable legitimate CSO entities. 
• Promoting Local Initiatives to implement thematic development interventions towards sustainable community development. 
• Advocating on development issues of public concern.
• Networking- building models of partnership. 

These strategies have enabled CEOSS to address important issues affecting quality of life in impoverished communities.  The 2003 Development Sector report focuses on work done to break barriers to:
 

• Citizen participation in local community development.
• Healthy, economically viable agricultural practices.        
• Integration of disabled into their local communities.
• Decent affordable housing.

Governmental recognition of grassroots efforts and accomplishments
 
 
A New Reality for 143 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
Breaking barriers to citizen participation in local community development
 
During 2003, the CEOSS Development Sector moved forward with a three-year project to build the capacity of 143 CSOs through improved governance and leadership, improved planning and management skills and strengthened membership base.  Results for 2003 are as follows:

• The CSOs conducted campaigns to expand the membership of their general assemblies.  Elections to the general assemblies were monitored by committees from the communities and attended by representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
• Boards of Directors of many of the CSOs were reformulated through addition of young women and men.
•  CSO wrote bylaws which ensured their developmental mission.
•  CSOs obtained a computerized project management software package which enables them to accumulate experience and statistics and identify best practices. This enables them to exchange experiences, continuously assess their achievements, and evaluate the impact of their work.
• CSOs negotiated with governmental service institutions for services for the most marginalized members of the communities- the disabled and female household heads.
• CSOs learned how to increase financial and in-kind contributions from their communities, write proposals for donors, and obtain governmental support including land for activities and funds for projects that serve the poor.
•  CSOs learned how to involve community residents in designing programs, monitoring the quality of services, and ensuring they are serving appropriate clients. They used questionnaires to obtain feedback on beneficiaries’ level of satisfaction, and they conducted local community needs assessment through participatory rapid assessment (PRA).
•  Some of the CSOs designed websites on the internet where they expressed their identity and the achievements of their organizations.  In addition the CSOs developed relationships with the media- the press, radio and television-to advertise their services and the issues they address.
•  The CSOs organized volunteer work by appointing coordinators and developing manuals defining the work of the volunteers and helping them improve their role.
• The CSOs integrated their efforts with businessmen in specialized institutions and with governmental authorities to serve thousands of people in a variety of projects include eye treatment, rehabilitation of the disabled, addressing illiteracy, planting trees, solid waste management, paving streets, and combating child labor.
• 9 CSOs working in environmental concerns registered as a union and designed a project for solid waste management in Al Fashn, Minia.
• 12 CSOs working in the field of unemployment formed a network to develop job opportunities in Minia.
   
   
  Breaking Barriers to healthful, economically viable agricultural practices
   
  The Development Sector worked with 924 small farmers (those owning 3 acres or less) in  23 poor rural communities to find ways to increase their income from their agricultural products.  This was done by replacing expensive and potentially harmful chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers produced domestically at a lower cost, and by replacing pesticides with integrated pest management.  Results of the project included the following:
• Reduced agricultural product cost, with corresponding increased net returns.
• Preservation of soil fertility enhanced by  periodic analysis of the quality of the agricultural lands, and addition of any required nutrients.
• Optimum use of field, household and animal wastes as major ingredients in organic fertilizer.  720 different variations were modeled.
•  Trained cadres of local people capable of continuing the environmental agricultural model.
•  Establishment of a local laboratory producing bacteria required for quality organic fertilizers.

In another project, farmers in El Gazaar village in Minia redesigned their cattle stables to reduce pollution, improve home environment, and improve the  health of women.  The village also established a factory that produces a high quality organic alternative to chemical fertilizer from home and farm waste.  This is in keeping with the global direction for safe chemical-free agricultural products.  The Environmental Production Fund provided money for the project; Minia Governorate donated 2 feddans (acres) of land.  El Gazaar Local Community Development Association, in conjunction with CEOSS, is responsible for the factory.
 
 
In a third project, the Ministry of Agriculture provided a grant to establish a revolving loan fund that female household heads could use to buy chickens or milk cow, etc to contribute to their financial security.  In addition, 15 agricultural extension workers from the Ministry of Agriculture in Minia and Beni Suef were trained to train village leaders in healthful agricultural practices.

Breaking Barriers to integration of the disabled into their local communities
 
Services for the disabled in Egypt are totally inadequate and often non-existent.  CEOSS attempts to break the barriers confronting the disabled through community based rehabilitation (CBR). This approach emphasizes working with and through the community to create positive attitudes towards people with disabilities, to provide assistance to people with disabilities, and to make the necessary changes to the environment and service delivery systems.
 
In 2003, CEOSS signed an agreement of cooperation with the Ministry of Education in Cairo Governorate to develop a pilot project to main stream deaf and dumb children in five primary schools. Classrooms were equipped to meet the needs of the children, qualified teachers were hired, and through awareness-raising programs, teachers and children at the school were taught to accept and welcome the handicapped children.  The special program opened with 15 children.  By the end of 2003 it was serving 40. The children were encouraged to participate in various school sports and entertainment activities, and in environmental campaigns to beautify the schools.

• CEOSS encouraged the Association for the Deaf and Dumb in Dar El Salaam, a Cairo community, to develop its capacity to provide programs for Deaf and Dumb people.  The CEOSS capacity building program opened the minds of the CSO Board of Directors and taught them about community development.  As a result, the CSO became involved in several important projects.  Many deaf and dumb children never learned to speak, and of course they could not read.  The CSO translated primary school curriculum materials into the deaf and dumb language.  This is the first project of its kind in the Middle East and in the Arab world.  The curriculum was registered with the Egyptian government for publishing purposes. 
   
  The Association also addressed the problem that deaf people have of getting to work and school on time.  The association imported a specially designed alarm clock- it woke people by vibration and light- but because of its expense, only relatively wealthy people were able to afford it.  When a local resident designed a clock using local materials, costs were reduced by 75%. 
   
  The disabled in multiple impoverished communities in Cairo, Minia, and Beni Suef overcame many barriers that had previously circumscribed their lives.  Disabled with various disabilities were mainstreamed into local literacy classes.  32 institutions and 102 homes were modified for handicap accessibility and improved mobility.  This included work to entrances, exits, toilets, and classrooms.  More than 80 of the disabled obtained loans so they could start income generation projects that provide financial self-sufficiency. 500 disabled persons obtained membership in youth centers and sports clubs and they were involved in general activities with the rest of the members.
   
   
  Breaking Barriers to decent affordable housing
  The Media reported as follows:
•  Television and newspapers reported on pioneer models and grassroots participation in developing and improving the conditions of the poor in the Cairo communities of Zawiya el-Hamra, Basateen, Dar El Salam and Old Cairo.
• Channel 7 Egyptian Television reported on development experiences in environmental agriculture, community based rehabilitation, women’s empowerment, female genital mutilation, and women’s participation in public life.
   
  During 2003, 1298 poor families were able to obtain loans from revolving funds to improve their housing. In some instances, buildings were demolished and completely rebuilt.  In other instances, existing buildings were renovated.  Major improvements included:
•  Separating animal stables from the family’s living space
• Providing ventilation and adequate lighting.
• Replacing thatch roofs with durable, insect-free material
•  Providing clean and hygienic latrines for the houses.

The home improvement also benefited communities by creating temporary work opportunities in construction, painting, carpentry, and so on.  In addition, entrepreneurial poor started small businesses to provide the required construction materials.
 
 
Breaking Barriers to recognition by government and media of grassroots efforts and accomplishments
 
Accomplishments in grassroots communities need to be recognized and celebrated by the community, the media, and by local governmental units as an encouragement to all involved stakeholders and as a way of breaking a cycle of despair and hopelessness.  As a result, CEOSS encourages celebrations which involve participation by various target groups and stakeholders.  In addition, official bodies and authorities have taken the initiative to recognize and honor individuals and organizations involved in effective pioneer models of development activities.  In this framework, the following took place in 2003:

Public ceremonies were held to celebrate the following accomplishments: 

• Establishment of an organic fertilizer factory in Minia which recycles household, field and animal wastes.
• Achievements of 38 CSOs in Southern Cairo in the fields of health and education.  The ceremonies were attended by Dr. Abdelraheem Shehata, Governor of Cairo, political and grassroots leaders, and the media.
•  Establishment of a Local Community Development Center in Al Gazaar village on 600 square meters of land donated by the Minia General Authority for Water and Sanitation.
• New entrance to the Basateen area in Cairo developed with assistance from government, local community, and local businessmen.  The Governor of Cairo participated in the opening ceremony.
•  Launching of a Cultural Center of the Cairo Women’s Activity Organization which houses literacy classes and home economics classes. 
•  Establishment of income-generating projects in schools in Old Cairo.  These enable the schools to offer extra-curricular activities for the children.  The Governor of Cairo attended the celebration.
•  Achievements enhancing the educational process in Minia and Beni Suef.  The Head of the NGO Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Governor of Minia and a selection of volunteers visited the project.
•   The achievements of environmental campaigns conducted at 15 primary schools in Minia.  The Secretary General of Minia, the Undersecretary of Education, and a group of the grassroots and political leaders attended the celebration and recognized the participants.
•  Establishment of a Working Children’s Theatre in Old Cairo in cooperation with El Fustat Youth Center.  The theatre presents concerns related to working children, expresses their rights, and raises awareness of officials and local community members concerning Child Labor issues. The Minister of Youth attended the opening ceremony.

The Media reported as follows:

• Television and newspapers reported on pioneer models and grassroots participation in developing and improving the conditions of the poor in the Cairo communities of Zawiya el-Hamra, Basateen, Dar El Salam and Old Cairo.
•  Channel 7 Egyptian Television reported on development experiences in environmental agriculture, community based rehabilitation, women’s empowerment, female genital mutilation, and women’s participation in public life.

In addition, CEOSS signed Cooperation Agreements with the following Official Bodies:

•  Al-Ahram Institution to hold four meetings focusing on the role of CSOs in addressing unemployment, disability, education, and the environment.  The first meeting was held and attended by the Governor of Minia, the Undersecretary of Education, 120 experts in the field of education, and representatives from CSOs.
•  The Ministry of Manpower to issue official Vocational Training Certificates for new trainees, upon completion to training in specified vocations.
• The Health Directorates in Cairo, Minia and Beni Suef in the areas of reproductive health, vaccination campaigns, health and treatment caravans for malnutrition diseases.
•  The Education Departments to enhance the educational process in the schools of Cairo, Minia and Beni Suef, and addressing illiteracy of some Education Department employees.

SME AND TRAINING SECTOR

The SME and Training Sector (formerly the Development Services Division) comprises a growing micro-finance institute and the increasingly sophisticated Talaat Harb Center for Training and Consultancy.  Breaking barriers to access to credit and to effective CSO contribution to national development were the primary foci of the Sector in 2003.

SME Department: Breaking Barriers to Access to Credit
The SME department attacked the barriers to access to credit in Egypt via three main strategies.  Because female household heads are one of the most disadvantaged groups in Egyptian society- in terms of the incidence, depth and severity of poverty- a strategy to empower them economically is considered essential.  In 2003, the department began distributing group loans exclusively to impoverished women via the Solidarity Group lending methodology. 

The methodology is characterized by small loan sizes (LE 200 to LE 1000 or $33 to 167) co-guaranteed by groups of 4-6 women.  It involves a savings component, weekly repayments, and a 4-6 month loan term. Group members meet weekly with the loan officer for administrative, training and consulting purposes, which helps to maintain a very high repayment rate. Group lending offers opportunities for holistically transforming a person through economic empowerment, social interaction, and confidence building.
 
During 2003, group loans in the amount of LE 933,500 (approximately $155,580) were distributed to 2348 clients in Minia, Cairo, and Giza governorates.  Eight of the twenty loan officers on staff at the end of 2003, all women, were dedicated to group loans.
 
The department’s second strategy for breaking barriers to access to credit involves expansion into new geographical areas.  In 2003, services were made available in eight new geographical areas in two new governorates- Giza and Assuit.  Before CEOSS moves into a new area, it conducts a feasibility study to determine factors such as presence of competition, the number and size of businesses in the area, the socio-economic standard of the community, and residents’ receptivity to loans and to CEOSS. Once a neighborhood is selected, CEOSS starts in a small area and expands as demand grows.
 
CEOSS’ third strategy for breaking barriers to access to credit involved is membership in the Union for Economic Development Association, an Egyptian organization which includes 27 member NGOs working in economic development.  Through its participation, in the organization and on the Board of Directors, the CEOSS SME Department exchanges ideas and advocates for issues related to SME. 
 
Since 2000, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Trade has been involved in a process to develop policies, legislation and regulations in support of SME development.  Currently, an Egyptian entrepreneur has to follow procedures governed by at least 17 laws and 100 administrative decisions in order to register a company, a tremendous bureaucratic challenge. Clearly, streamlining procedures and providing incentives for SME development is essential to encourage growth in the SME sector. 
 
As a member of the union, CEOSS has a voice in the discussion surrounding the SME draft law submitted to the People’s Assembly and Shura Council in early 2004  The draft law provides a clear definition of what SMEs are, establishes a tax system that encourages SMEs to integrate into the mainstream economy, and addresses the issue of SMEs in government tenders and bids.

SME At a Glance 2000-2003   

2000 2001 2002 2003
Loans Disbursed 664 2852 3745 5084
Geographical Areas 4 16 25 33
Loans Portfolio in LE 2.300.000 4.000.000 6.600.000 9.500.000
Repayment Rate 88.7% 97.9% 99% 99.1%
Portfolio at Risk 11.3% 3.4% 1.5% 0.8%
 
 
Training Department:  Breaking Barriers to Effective NGO Contribution to National Development
 
During 2003 Talaat Harb Center worked to overcome NGO deficits in good governance, understanding of development concepts, and fundraising and networking skills.  To work effectively and efficiently, the NGOs need specially trained cadres- that is a nucleus of trained personnel- so they can deepen their development work and progress to sustainability.
 
NGOs are eager for additional training.  Unfortunately, without exception, they do not have funds available for personnel development.  The current economic crisis- rapid decline in the construction sector, the buffeting tourism has taken as a result of regional security crises, high levels of unemployment and under-employment, devaluation of the Egyptian pound- has exacerbated this situation.  Thanks to support from xxx, in 2003, Talaat Harb was able to subsidize training costs.
 
In 2003, Talaat Harb conducted 77 training courses for 1755 trainees representing 35 NGOs.  69 of the courses were tailored to specific NGO needs.  Topics included the following: NGO Governance, Capacity Building for SME, Communication Skills, Networking, Project Evaluation, Financial Management, and Developing Proposals.

DAR EL THAQAFA PUBLISHING HOUSE

In 2003, Dar El Thaqafa addressed barriers to dealing constructively with contemporary issues in Egyptian society.  In all societies, there are topics people are hesitant or forbidden to talk about.  Egypt is no exception.  Sexuality and relationships between men and women are difficult topics.  Children’s rights are not well understood.  Issues related to globalization and westernization are threatening to many Egyptians.  Engaging in efforts to make this world a better place is not always understood by the Christian community as a valid way of living Christianity.  Thinking outside the tradition-bound Egyptian heritage is a challenge.  These are the types of barriers DET addresses via the activities it promotes and the books it publishes.
 
Of the 25 new titles published by Dar El Thaqafa in 2003, 16 directly support the Christian community in a deeper understanding of Christianity.  Eight are oriented toward contemporary issues facing society.  Some examples of the later are
No Place for Abuse: Biblical and Practical Resources to Counteract Domestic Violence by Catherine Clark Kroeger and Nancy Nason-Clark
Building Self Esteem: A Practical Guide to Growing in Confidence by Sue Atkinson
A Theological Perspective on Power by Makram Naguib
 
For its program of panels organized to discuss and promote key publications, Dar El Thaqafa selected 2002 best seller Reality 101 by Wayne Rice and David Veerman.  The book answers 101 questions teenagers ask about life and the Bible.
During the panel, Dr. Maher El Dabea, Professor of Psychology at the American University in Cairo (AUC) and Mr. Mamdouh Zaki, Assistant Division Director for AUC Off-Campus Programs, discussed the implications of the book with an audience composed of professors, church leaders, parents and teenagers. The program included a 15 minute video, especially made by Dar El Thaqafa for the panel, of interviews with Egyptian teenagers concerning the issues raised in the book. The panelists emphasized the importance of dialogue between generations, the need to encourage teenagers to express themselves, and the necessity that teenagers deal with issues in a framework of responsible freedom.  Dr. El Dabea discussed how parents can identify the physiological and psychological changes that teenagers pass through, and how parents can help teenagers become mature and effective members in society.  Mr. Mamdouh Zaki emphasized the importance of a strong steady relationship between parents and children especially in the teenage years.

The two editions of “El Nessor” (Eagles) magazine, targeted to Christian youth, also focused on significant social issues.  The June issue featured the war in Iraq through articles such as “The Current Crisis: A Christian View”, “Churches of the World Condemn the U.S. Policy”, “A Youth’s View of the War on Iraq”, and “Literature and War”.

The December issue highlighted Christian identity through articles addressing identity and personality, misuse of religion, Christian identity crisis, and national versus religious identity.

Dar El Thaqafa addressed barriers to children’s rights and concerns via two projects.  The first was a June festival for 2000 Christian children organized in partnership with SAT 7 Christian TV. Rita Younes, the writer, producer and host of the wildly popular children's Sat7 TV show, As-Sanabel or "Ears of Wheat" was the star attraction of the festival.  The second project, “Bss Bss How” (Kitty Kitty Woof!), is a series of thirty 15-minute TV programs acted by children and designed to promote acceptance of “the Other” among children.  The name of the series is derived from one of the characters, a cat that wants to be a dog, an object lesson in self-acceptance!  The episodes will be filmed in first quarter 2004 and will be shown on national Egyptian TV during summer 2004.

Dar El Thaqafa also moved forward with its project “Encouraging Arabic Perspectives in International Discourse,” to develop a series of books and documentary films on major world issues. It identified qualified interested funders, Arabic writers, European and American publishing houses, and European and American media channels.  The first two books and documentaries are targeted for completion in 2004.

Dar El Thaqafa also took innovative steps to break barriers impacting the publishing house’s financial sustainability.  Thanks to a new Adast printing press, printing productivity doubled. As a result, Dar El Thaqafa provides improved turn around for its own publications as well as a growing number of outside organizations contracting for design and printing of book, video and CD covers, brochures, and wedding invitations. 
 
Dar El Thaqafa’s Audio Visual Center, now owner of one of the best video editing units in the Egyptian market, also received an increasing number of requests for work from outside organizations.  The most prestigious contract was with Egyptian National Television for editing a series of 33 episodes of a TV show entitled “Masaalet Mabdah” (“A Matter of Principle”).  The series, about relationships between two Egyptian families, was broadcast during Ramadan 2003 on Egyptian TV and via satellite throughout the Middle East.  Revenues generated by the Audio Visual Center totaled LE 700,000 ($116,667).
 
Revenues from book sales in 2003- LE 722,000 ($120,333)-represents a 6% increase over 2002.  Sales of Bibles through the Dar El Thaqafa Bookstores and other outlets showed a 46.5% increase over 2002.  2003 revenues from exports grew by 60% as compared to 2002  The Sales Department entered new markets in Iraq and Canada, and the publishing house participated for the second year in the Syrian International Book Fair. 

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

Through its Forum for Intercultural Dialogue, CEOSS breaks barriers to constructive interaction between segments of society- at national and international levels.  Through its Curriculum Department, CEOSS addresses barriers to quality information about community development
 
New Generation: Breaking Barriers to Constructive Interaction
In 2003, the Forum program for the New Generation of Egyptian religious leaders continued. Three sub-groups investigated in depth the concept of citizenship- in the Egyptian media, in the Egyptian public education system, and for women.  Each subgroup participated in a major conference.  For example, the “citizenship in education” group hosted a three-day conference from 16- 18 December for 110 participants.  At the conference, guest speaker Dr. Mohamed El Sayed Saeed, Vice President of El Ahram Center for Political and Social Studies, discussed the obstacles to a strengthened concept of citizenship in Egyptian education.  Dr. Kamal Naguib, Professor in Alexandria University, Faculty of Education, described the system of authority in Egyptian public schools where teachers must conform to the dictates of a powerful headmaster. As a result, the teachers assume an autocratic role with their students.  Dr. Naguib linked children’s lack of freedom in self-expression, lack of creative activities, and teacher’s use of lecture and rote memorization with selfishness, fear, passivity and cheating among students.
 
The New Generation sub-group presented papers addressing definitions of citizenship; the role of the teacher in teaching the concept of citizenship; the dynamic relationship between the students, their families, friends, media and the curriculum in enhancing citizenship; and factors encouraging a culture of citizenship. An analysis of Egyptian history, Arabic, and religion curricula indicated Coptic history and contributions of women are ignored.
 
New Generation participants have indicated that the Forum requires from them honesty, self-criticism and a type of interaction that are all new experiences for them.  Through this program, Muslims and Christians came to new understandings and new perceptions of themselves and others. Sometimes this is a painful process, but participants find the insights and self-understanding ultimately worthwhile.
 
Mrs. Salwa Fakhri Boktor
I am an engineer and  a Christian from Alexandria.  I participate in Forum programs because I appreciate the information I obtain from Forum programs about issues facing Egypt and I appreciate hearing the Muslim perspective on various issues.  I also improve my communication skills and my abilities in collective work, planning and organization.
 
Over the past ten years, I have noticed that people in Forum programs have become much more comfortable with each other.  There is still a gap in society at large, but in smaller settings there has been an impact.  I think we all feel responsible to try and make a difference whenever and wherever we can.  For example, my family is now much more open and accepting of Muslims.  I hope to apply my skills and understanding by developing a project in my church that encourages interaction with Muslims.
 
Ibrahim Mohamed Reda
I am a sheikh in Cairo, in the crowded neighborhood of Shubra.  I appreciate the special attention the Forum gives to the young generation.  I have experienced how the New Generation program has changed the religious leaders.  In the beginning, both Christians and Muslims were suspicious of each other.  Now we occupy a better place.  We want to continue and do something positive for society.

The Forum introduces ideas but change comes through the mosques and the churches into the community.  In Shubra, as a result of the Forum, we have held some joint programs for the community.  One was a program to recognize mothers who are positive role models in the community.  A sheikh gave prizes to the five Christian recipients and a pastor gave prizes to the five Muslim recipients.  The program was held in a church so Muslim families had an opportunity to visit and learn about a church.  In addition Muslims and Christians in the community learned that there are many concerns they have in common and that they can work together.  I hope that, little by little, the positive change taking place in the Forum will have a major impact on Egyptian society.
 
 
Upper Egypt Regional Group: Breaking Barriers to Tolerance
In Upper Egypt, where the possibility of conflict is ever present, Forum participants are encouraged in tolerance.  A conference entitled "Religious Thought in a Rapidly Changing World" 14- 16 October for 95 participants, is an example. Guest speaker Dr. Zeinab Radwan, Dean of Faculty of Dar El Oloum, Cairo University and a member of the Egyptian Parliament, presented a study of Egyptian women in which she identified some of the negative practices against women in Egypt and how, as they are freed from negative attitudes, they are able to play a greater role.
In the final segment of the conference, Dr. Abd-Elmenaam Said, Head of Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, and Mr. Samir Morkos, researcher in international affairs, talked about the important role religious thought plays in current events by elaborating on questions such as:

• What is the source of law - religion or man?
• Does God divide the world or unify it?
• Is religion used to support the political system or to hinder it?

Opinion Makers Round Tables:  Breaking Barriers to Analytical Grasp of the Media
Through the Round Tables, civil society leaders and other persons of influence analyze public media to identify and challenge stereotypes, debate sensitive intercultural issues and make connections to related global phenomena. The Round Table held in 2003 addressed the US invasion of Iraq.  Public discourse in the Middle East presented the war as a religious rather than political one, causing great misunderstanding and exploiting Arab anger. During the Round Table, involving 75 participants, Dr. Mustafa El Feky, Head of the Foreign Relations Committee in the Egyptian Parliament, discussed the role of religion in time of war.  He focused on predominant international events and the important role religion and the media play during crises to direct and affect public and international opinions.
 
Egyptian German Dialogue: Breaking Barriers Between West and Middle East
In 2003, the Forum introduced a new program to break barriers separating East and West. This larger Egyptian German Dialogue was begun through collaboration with the Lutheran Evangelische Akademie in Loccum, Germany.  Because the Akademie encourages open-minded discussion of fundamental issues, it is an excellent partner with CEOSS. Participants in this dialogue include a mixed group of religious leaders, Christians and Muslims, and influential intellectuals from Egypt and Germany. 
 
The first conference, held 9-12 April for 50 participants considered “Citizenship, Democracy, and Religion.”  A second conference, held 10-13 September for 65 participants, compared the situations in Germany and Egypt regarding “Cultural Interaction and Social Integration.”  Especially helpful were discussions concerning increasing political participation, applying democratic and civic cultural principles, and integrating economically and socially marginalized citizens into society.
 
The benefits realized from just two programs are clear.  Participants have been able to replace their traditional picture of each other with much clearer, more realistic understandings, and the contrasts between the two countries have strengthened self-understanding.
 
Curriculum Department
The most important curricula contribution in 2003 is a report entitled “Abandoning Female Genital Cutting,” originally published in English by the Population Reference Bureau.  The report presents data on the prevalence of and attitudes toward female genital cutting (FGC) in nine African and Middle Eastern countries. It also discusses efforts to end the practice, and presents recommendations to policymakers and program managers. In addition to translating the report into Arabic, CEOSS expanded information about CEOSS approaches to eliminating FGC in Egypt and included a case study of work done in Yemen.
 
The Curriculum Department continued to publish Risalet El Nour, a progressive monthly magazine for development practitioners.  In 2003 it addressed civil society, poverty, the role of women, the Egyptian village and rural development, NGO fundraising, war for water, drama and development, and the disabled.  An article considering gender balance was included in each issue.

SELF SUPPORTING SECTOR

In 2003, the Self Supporting Sector as a whole showed a 5% increase in total income as compared with 2002.  It opened several new geographical markets in Egypt and, for the first time, exported furniture.  Restaurant furniture was sent by customer request to France and Canada, and home furniture to New Zealand. 
 
10,000 visitors attended the March product exhibition in Assuit and the November exhibition in Cairo.  The Cairo exhibition resulted in a 200% increase over anticipated exhibition income.
 
A total of 170 employees work in the Sector as of the end of 2003.  This includes twenty new positions.  Indicators were established for each staff member for evaluation purposes.
 
Development of monthly monitoring reports for the four income-generating projects was completed.  In addition Self Supporting established a computerized data base of customers, competitors, and sources of raw materials.  These tools are an asset in decision-making.
 
In 2003, Itsa Wood Furniture celebrated its 25th anniversary.  Its roots lie in a project to produce wooden beehive boxes established in the 70’s.  In 2003, Itsa Wood produced 1244 rooms of furniture- bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and so on. Large business orders declined in 2003 as compared to 2002.  However, due to an increase in individual orders, sales remained constant.  Itsa Wood successfully experimented with adapting furniture prices according to local markets.  It resulted in an increase in net profit.
 
In 2003, Itsa Conference Center welcomed 45 organizations and 55,000 visitors. 16,072 of the visitors were overnight guests.  90,614 meals were sold.  The main entrance and gardens of the Center were improved and an area for wedding receptions and parties was established.  A decline in income was attributed to the opening to two new conference centers in the area and the expiration of a lucrative three year contract with the American University in Cairo.  Under the contract Itsa Center catered meals to participants of training programs conducted in Upper Egypt.
 
Total income of Itsa Plywood increased by 9% as compared with 2002 despite a decline in the number of plywood sheets produced.  Total 2003 income at Itsa Farm showed a 190% increase as compared to 2002.  Nearly 200,000 seedlings were sold in six governorates.  The most significant projects were landscaping for the local flying club of New Minia, three kilometers of land along the Nile in Minia, and local parks of nearby towns of Meghagha and Matai.  The Farm has also implemented a pilot project growing organic strawberries for export.

Care with Love

Care with Love, a training program for home healthcare providers continues to break barriers related to employment for educated youth and accessibility to quality health care.  It addresses the need in Egypt for an alternative to expensive in-hospital care for individuals with acute or chronic conditions and disability while providing employment opportunities for young adults.
 
In 2003, Care with Love opened an office in Ein Shams to enable service to a second geographical area of Cairo.  Care with Love also completed a feasibility study which indicated that, by directly employing 200 home healthcare providers, it could become financially self sustaining.  In July 2003 the training project was approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs as an independent non-governmental organization, giving it the right to hire and to provide insurance and other benefits to employees.  Throughout the year, Care with Love underwent a process of internal capacity building for its staff- a new director, an accountant, an office manager, a secretary, a personnel officer, 2 schedulers, 2 training coordinators, and three trainers.
 
As of January 1, 2004, Care with Love will begin to operate as an independent organization.  Plans are to implement an intensive one-year training-of-trainers program to create three or four training teams.  This will enable Care with Love to respond to requests to open additional branches of the program in new locations.  Alexandria is at the top of the list.  Out best wishes to Care with Love as it successfully moves out from under the CEOSS umbrella.