The 21

The program was named The 21 as a tribute to the 21 martyrs of Libya, who embody the fortitude, faith, and courage of the Coptic victory and pride.

Flights, accommodation, meals, admission to cultural sites, and transportation are fully covered and organized by Coptic Orphans.

You will only be required to pay for the following:

• A non-refundable $75 application fee at the time of submitting your application.
• A $500 security deposit (in your local currency), which will be reimbursed at the conclusion of the trip, provided that you participate in all aspects of the trip.
• Visa expenses if required.
• Travel medical insurance (highly recommended).
• It is also recommended that you bring US$350 – 450 to cover incidental expenses including long-distance phone calls, medicine, souvenirs, gifts, snacks, and other non-program expenses related to in-country travel.

The 21 is a trip to Egypt that is independently funded and freely gifted by Coptic Orphans to young Coptic adults between the ages of 18 and 23. The purpose of this program is to help diaspora Coptic youth discover their Coptic heritage, serve the children of Egypt, unite with their people; and in doing so, transform the future of Copts.

Our fellows return from their trip with a desire to get more involved in the Coptic community, return to Egypt, or explore other aspects of their Coptic identity. Of course, that will be up to them!

It is highly recommended that you purchase travel medical insurance in case you have any medical emergencies during your stay in Egypt.

By God’s grace, The 21 is a gift that is funded independently through various sources, including but not limited to mandatory fees paid by the fellows, and generous donors who have chosen to direct their donations towards the funding of this program. Rest assured that any donations directed to serve our precious children are not used to fund The 21.

The 21 Trip is open to all Coptic young adults who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 23*;
• One or both parents are Coptic;
• Be of Egyptian origin;
• Reside outside of Egypt;
• Participants must not have previously taken part in a Serve to Learn trip, unless they were under the age of 18 at the time of their participation;
• Must not have lived in Egypt past the age of 12.

*Fellows must be between 18 and 23 years old on the first day of the trip.

Not eligible for The 21? Apply for Serve to Learn instead!

Acceptance to The 21 is not guaranteed and is based on the following:

• Committing to attend the full length of the trip.
• Strength of your reference letter.
• Your answers on your application form.
• Demonstrating a heart to serve the vulnerable.

The quality and strength of your overall application are what matters most.

To apply for The 21, you will be required to upload the following mandatory files. Please have them prepared and saved on your local desktop before starting your application. Failure to submit any of these documents will disqualify you from being considered. Please do NOT submit an incomplete application.

Mandatory Documents:

1. A scanned colored copy of the photo page of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date. Please make sure that the picture you submit is clear or your application may not be considered;

1. A video answering a question(s) as instructed on the application form;

3. A copy of a signed fellowship agreement. The agreement is available to download on the application form. Please do not edit the formatting of this document if you choose to sign it electronically as it is a legal document;

4. *A letter of recommendation that is written, signed, and dated by a clergy member from the Coptic church (i.e. father of confession or other clergy members that knows you well);
5. Your credit card/debit card details to pay a non-refundable application fee. Due to the large number of applicants, your application will only be reviewed after your application fee is received by Coptic Orphans.

*Please note that if you have previously applied to the program, a new reference letter is required. Kindly be advised that the reference letter must differ from any previously submitted letter used in past applications.

Note: If you are unable to obtain a letter of recommendation, please email info@copticorphans.org explaining your efforts. Our team will be in touch with you.

If you choose to submit your application after 11:59 pm (EST) on the given application deadline, your application will be placed on a waiting list.

Please see the application form for further instructions.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS IF AVAILABLE – NOT MANDATORY:

Your father’s Egyptian ID or Egyptian passport or Egyptian birth certificate*
*This document can be useful when facilitating movement within Egypt, however it is not mandatory to provide, and will not affect the consideration of your application.

We will aim to inform successful applicants of the status of their applications via email within four weeks of the application deadline. Applicants placed on the waitlist will receive notification in subsequent weeks. Accepted applicants must confirm their participation by submitting a deposit within a specified timeframe to secure their spot on the trip; otherwise, the opportunity will be offered to another applicant.

It is mandatory for all fellows to attend the full duration of the trip. Due to the high demand, only fellows who are committed to the full duration of the trip and are able to participate in all aspects of the program will be selected. Please note that any deviation from the predetermined travel schedule may result in fines automatically charged to your card on file for any loss incurred by Coptic Orphans as a result of unauthorized travel alterations.

You are most welcome to submit a new application for a future trip as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

This trip involves significant physical demands, including prolonged periods of standing, climbing multiple flights of stairs, engaging in activities with children, visiting their homes, and occasionally sitting on the ground with them. Additionally, weekend outings may involve lengthy bus rides and extensive walking. Given the strenuous nature of the trip, we advise applicants to carefully consider these factors before applying.

You are not required to be fluent in Arabic. While those with a working knowledge of Arabic are more likely to have a more enriched experience within the Egyptian community, those who speak little, or no Arabic will be supported by other fellows who are fluent in Arabic, so you are highly encouraged to apply.

Due to the high demand, paying a $500 security deposit (in your local currency) is important to secure your spot on the trip once you have been notified that your application has been accepted. This security deposit will be returned to you after the successful completion of the program, and your return to your home country.

Be your true self and leave the rest in God’s hands. Know that all things work for good.

We are unable to accommodate groups on The 21, due to the nature of the program. However, groups are welcome to join Serve to Learn, provided that all participants meet the necessary requirements and are able to submit the required documents upon completing the application.

Please reach out to us at info@copticorphans.org to express your interest in bringing your church group on Serve to Learn. Please provide us with the following details:

• The name of your church
• The number of youth participants expected to attend
• The name of a clergy member or leader from your church who will accompany the group
• Any inquiries you may have

Once we receive your information, we will confirm the availability of space and discuss any specific requirements or accommodations that your church group may need.

Yes, unless you hold a valid Egyptian passport (not expired) or valid Egyptian ID. If you present either along with your international passport, you may be allowed to enter Egypt without purchasing a visa.

• Option 1: Pre-purchase a Tourist Visa (Recommended)
  Apply for a tourist visa before traveling to Egypt. This is the safest option to avoid issues, as airport regulations can change unpredictably. Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada*, and Australia can apply for e-visas online.

When applying for your visa for Egypt, you will be asked to indicate an address – please indicate your family’s address in Egypt OR the Coptic Orphans Egypt Office address: 224 Almoltaka Alaraby District, El-Nasr Rd, El-Nozha, Cairo 11775.

Please contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country on further visa instructions. Links are provided here for your reference.

• • Egyptian Embassy in Washington, DC (USA)
  • Egyptian Consulate in Sydney, Australia
  • Egyptian Embassy in Canada
  • Egyptian Embassy in the UK
• Option 2: Visa on Arrival
  Travelers with American, Canadian*, or European Union passports may purchase visas upon landing at Cairo International Airport. However, this is not guaranteed and may be subject to changes in airport policies.

* As of December 1, 2024, Canadian travelers to Egypt may obtain visas upon arrival in Egypt or purchase e-visas online.

Egypt is a conservative country, particularly regarding how individuals dress. It is crucial that Fellows respect the local customs regarding attire. It is advisable to pack clothing that is both easy to wash and difficult to ruin. Light-weight, loose-fitting, all-cotton clothes are coolest and the most comfortable in the summer. Fellows are strongly advised to bring ankle-length skirts, loose long pants, and loose blouses or shirts. Short sleeves are acceptable. Capri and crop pants are not recommended for men or women. Keep in mind that modesty is the best policy.

The following are not allowed:

Tank tops, spaghetti strap tops, low neck tops (no cleavage showing), halter tops, half or crop tops. Bare midriffs are not acceptable. T-shirts should not feature offensive displays or any slogans or artwork that includes alcohol, tobacco, or obscenities.

Fellows are not required to cook or prepare meals, as there will be a variety of food types provided by the host for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The local Diocese will make every effort to accommodate fellows with any specific dietary requirements or allergies, such as vegetarian preferences, peanut allergies, etc.

We do not recommend drinking tap water. Bottled water will be readily available for all fellows.

As a Fellow, you agree to participate in the Program’s full duration beginning with the pre-departure orientations. By committing to the trip, you understand that should you decide to miss any part of the Program or leave the Program at any point before the end of the Program period, you may be obligated to forfeit my deposit of $500 according to The 21 General Terms and Conditions. Such an action will be regarded as a serious violation of the Fellowship agreement, and Coptic Orphans reserves the right to impose appropriate consequences for this breach, which may include monetary penalties or repayment of costs incurred by Coptic Orphans.

If you are accepted, your roundtrip flights will be arranged and paid for by Coptic Orphans. Airline tickets are issued based on the first, middle, and last name that you put on your application, which must match the full name on your passport. If there is a discrepancy, the airline has the right to deny you passage or charge to reissue the ticket (in which case you may need to forfeit your deposit). If you entered your name incorrectly or changed your name, send us an email at info@copticorphans.org as soon as possible.

Coptic Orphans is unable to book your flight as a part of the larger group flights with an expired passport. All passports must continue to be valid for at least 6 months from your last day in Egypt. If you are in the process of renewing your passport, please wait and do not submit an application until you have a copy of your new passport, otherwise, your application will NOT be reviewed or taken under consideration by the selection committee.

If the trip is canceled by Coptic Orphans after booking roundtrip flights, Coptic Orphans will incur the full expenses and return your $500 deposit.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate this request. Due to the nature of the program and flight arrangements, fellows are required to participate in all aspects of the program and will therefore not have the time to visit their families.

If you miss your flight (including a connecting flight), it will be your responsibility to arrange replacement flights and cover all incurred expenses with the airline directly. The contact information of a travel agent will be provided in case you require any assistance.

Your hosts are committed to offering the cleanest facilities available to them. The accommodations provided will include clean toilets, showers, beds, fans, a washing machine, and a fridge. Your rooms will be clean upon your arrival, with the expectation that fellows will keep their rooms clean throughout their stay. While bathrooms are available at the classroom sites, their level of sanitation will vary.  Your hosts will do their best to accommodate your specific needs. Wet wipes and hand sanitizers are recommended to be kept handy.

Wi-Fi may not be available at your host site. It is recommended that fellows buy a SIM card from Orange or Vodafone from the airport upon their arrival.

Coptic Orphans arranges all transport for fellows for the duration of the trip. Private cars and microbuses with trusted drivers are generally used for local outings and weekend trips.

If you withdraw from the program after your flights have been booked (March 31, 11:59 PM EST), you will be responsible for covering the full cost of all travel arrangements made on your behalf. This includes international and domestic flights, train transportation, and any other related expenses. Additionally, your deposit will be forfeited, but will be applied toward the amount you owe.

If you withdraw before your flights are booked (March 31, 11:59 PM EST), you will forfeit only your deposit.

Fellows will be assigned to different sites. Coptic Orphans has no duty to disclose site placements before the pre-departure orientation. Additionally, Coptic Orphans has no obligation to accommodate requests to be placed at specific sites with friends or relatives, as such requests hinder the purpose of The 21 experience, which is to promote unity among Copts in the diaspora. Site details will be shared with Fellows who are accepted, during the pre-departure orientation.

Coptic Orphans will provide you with a suggested curriculum that will help you and your teaching partner plan and organize your own lessons. This is a general guideline to provide you with a starting point, yet, you are encouraged to create new lessons and be as creative as possible. Given that English education in Egypt emphasizes reading and writing, we recommend that you gear your lessons toward speech and conversation. You might be the first native English speaker with whom these children have spoken, making your interaction especially impactful.

Our primary aim is not solely focused on English instruction; rather, it serves as a means to establish a deeper connection with the children, help them to open up, and create a bond of love and trust with each of them that would allow you to encourage, serve, and learn from them.

You and your teaching partner will be leading two classes every day during the week. The first class runs from 9 am to 11 am and the second from 12 pm to 2 pm. You may be teaching an elementary school class (aged 6 -12 years), or a middle school class (aged 13-15 years). You will be seeing the same two groups of children every day allowing you to build strong friendships with them.

Classroom sites will have blackboards/whiteboards, but chalk/whiteboard markers and erasers may not be available. You should bring all materials you plan to use for your activities including chalk/whiteboard markers, educational games, construction paper, glue, and scissors. It is also recommended that you bring small educational gifts such as colorful pencils, erasers, stickers, and so forth as encouragement for the children.

Fellows will be conducting home visits with their site groups and/or partners. Regarding home visits, we encourage you to bring a gift that serves as an engaging activity such as UNO cards, Connect Four, cards, Jenga, pick-up sticks, or any games suitable for more than two people. These games help to facilitate conversation with the children during the visit and serve as a thoughtful gift for the family.  On average, each group will visit three homes per night, four nights per week.

The classroom sites where The 21 classes are held serve Coptic children and are administratively run by the Coptic Orthodox Church. Feel free to utilize Christian songs, verses, and activities in your classroom lessons. However, evangelizing to non-Christians is prohibited by law in Egypt and carries severe consequences. You can talk about Christianity with Christians only. Therefore, discussions about Christianity should be limited to interactions with Christians only. Engaging in such discussions with non-Christians poses significant risks, not only for yourself but also for your hosts.

A significant part of The 21 experience involves visiting your students who are enrolled in the Not Alone Program in their homes. As a fellow, you will visit homes in small groups and are accompanied by Coptic Orphans field staff and Volunteer Representatives. Typically, you will visit 3-4 homes each evening, with each visit lasting between half an hour to an hour at most. These visits are planned and arranged in advance, ensuring that Fellows are aware of which homes they will be visiting each day.

During these visits, you will get the unique opportunity to meet your students’ families, see first-hand the environment that the students live in and the obstacles they face, encourage your student and their family about his or her progress, and forge deeper bonds.

Fellows should also take all safety precautions necessary; U.S. citizens may want to register their trip at the US Embassy in Cairo at http://egypt.usembassy.gov/consular/register.html. Canadian citizens may register here: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration. Australian citizens may do so here: http://www.egypt.embassy.gov.au/caro/home.html. We also recommend that you notify any relative and friend in Egypt of your presence and whereabouts in the country and keep your phone numbers at hand.

Fellows should also take note of the differing expectations of Egyptian culture and adjust to the changes. Examples of such precautions include, but are not limited to:

• Never leave the group or service premise alone at any time, unless it’s approved. Always make sure that a Coptic Orphans staff member or your Local Coordinator knows where you are heading. Even then, travel in groups.
• Avoid using public transportation such as buses, mini (micro) buses, or subway travel alone.
• Dressing conservatively. Women should wear long pants/skirts that come below the knee. Avoid tight and/or short clothing. No shorts, tank tops, or capri pants for both men and women.
• Avoid behaviour that would draw attention to you, especially in the site or while traveling to home visits. Those who live there may never have seen a foreigner before. Blending in is always best.

Mosquitoes and flies are rampant in Egypt during the summer season. In the homes of some poor families you visit, you may also encounter fleas. You should come prepared with insect repellents and spray repellents for your room and clothes.

It is not mandatory to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to participate in The 21.

Travel restrictions are different from one country to another. It is the responsibility of the fellow to understand their home country’s travel restrictions before applying to The 21.

Proof of a negative PCR test may be required by some airlines and upon arrival into Egypt to be granted entry. It is the responsibility of the fellow to ensure that they follow the advice provided to them by the Airlines and by their local embassies in Egypt.

Proof of a negative PCR test may be required upon arrival back into your home country. It is the responsibility of the fellow to ensure that they follow the advice provided to them by their local embassies.

If a PCR test is required, Coptic Orphans will help facilitate for fellows to do a PCR test in Egypt prior to their travel back to their home-country.

You are free to return to your home-country at any point during the program if your home-country imposes a lockdown and you need to return immediately. Coptic Orphans staff will aid you in making the appropriate travel arrangements. In this situation, you will cover all incurred expenses for an expedited return trip. However, the $500 security deposit will be returned to you.