by Nermien Riad | Feb 19, 2013 | Egypt Church-Based Volunteers, Issues That Impact Children in Egypt, Issues:Education
One afternoon, Demiana came home from school and broke down, sobbing. Her mother tried to console her and contacted Rep Mariam for support. Rep Mariam asked Demiana several questions encouraging her to tell what happened and Demiana started crying again. Then, the... 
by Nermien Riad | Nov 13, 2012 | Issues: The Girl Child, Issues:Education
Basma ran home to her mother crying. On her way back from school, she ran into two bearded men who shouted: “Cover your hair,” attached to other things I can’t mention here. This wasn’t the first time Basma got intimidated going to school. So, her mother tried a... 
by | Oct 5, 2012 | Egypt Church-Based Volunteers, Issues:Education
Education in Egypt is teacher-directed. Children aren’t given room to ask questions and merely repeat what their teacher tells them. Such a classroom environment does not foster creativity or promote learning. As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day today, here’s a... 
by Nermien Riad | Sep 12, 2012 | Issues:Education
When I heard that Marina could have entered medical school and declined, I was astounded. She had the scores. She had what it takes. This is every student’s dream. Why would she refuse? It turns out that Marina got into the American University in Cairo with a rare... 
by | Jun 6, 2012 | Approaches to Charity and Development, Issues:Education
Miriam had a chronic problem. Before exams, she would cry all night and sometimes even faint in anticipation. Her reaction was not surprising. She lost her father to drugs and alcohol and her mother was left with 11 children to support. School wasn’t much of a haven... 
by | Apr 6, 2012 | Egypt Revolution, Issues That Impact Children in Egypt, Issues:Education
Last week I had the good fortune of attending Coptic Orphans’ own Hanan Baky give a talk at the first-ever Global Summit on Childhood in Washington, DC. The summit drew 700, and was an impressive accomplishment of new director Diana Whitehead. I’ve written...