The 21

Pre-Departure Orientation

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About Coptic Orphans

Coptic Orphans is the world’s largest Coptic organization, helping unlock the God-given potential of Egypt’s most vulnerable children through the power of education.
Since 1988, we have worked through grassroots partners and volunteer networks to strengthen local communities for sustainable impact.
Today, Coptic Orphans serves across 69 dioceses, from Alexandria to Aswan, with five offices around the world.
The Not Alone Program focuses on Education, Volunteerism, & Character Building and is the primary program within Coptic Orphans.

1. Question: What is the primary mission of Coptic Orphans?(Required)

A. To build schools in Egypt

B. To provide food and clothing to orphans

C. To unlock the God-given potential of Egypt’s most vulnerable children through the power of education

D. To adopt orphaned children from Egypt

2. Question: How long has Coptic Orphans been in existence?(Required)

A. 20+ years

B. 25+ years

C. 30+ years

D. 35+ years

3. True/False: Coptic Orphans is the largest Coptic organization in the world(Required)

A. True

B. False

4. Question: How many diocese does Coptic Orphans work in across Egypt?(Required)

A. 60

B. 62

C. 64

D. 69

The Next button will appear when all correct responses are chosen.

5. Scenario: A family loses its father, who was the breadwinner. The mother struggles financially, and the children face hardships like early marriage or working dangerous jobs. Which Coptic Orphans program would best support this family?(Required)

A. The Valuable Girl Project (VGP)

B. Serve to Learn

C. The Not Alone Program (NAP)

D. The 21 Fellowship

6. Question: Which of the following are goals of the Valuable Girl Project (VGP)? (Check all that apply)(Required)

A. To support girls so they can stay in school

B. To promote early marriage as a solution to poverty

C. To empower girls by raising their awareness of their rights

D. To foster positive relationships between Muslim and Christian girls

7. True/False: The Valuable Girl Project operates on a mentorship model called "Big Sister, Little Sister" and serves both Muslim and Christian girls.(Required)

A. True

B. False

8. Scenario: You’re a university student in Egypt who has excelled academically despite losing your father. Which Coptic Orphans program might provide you with a scholarship to further your education and even allow you to join The 21 program?(Required)

A. The Valuable Girl Project

B. The Not Alone Program (NAP)

C. Serve to Learn

D. Future Leader Scholarship

The Next button will appear when all correct responses are chosen.

9. Question: What is the mission of The 21 trip?(Required)

A. To help diaspora Coptic youth discover their Coptic heritage through service in Egypt

B. To raise funds for orphanages in Egypt

C. To build schools for children in rural Egypt

D. To promote tourism in Egypt by visiting historical sites

The Next button will appear when all correct responses are chosen.

Important Flight Information

Our travel agent will send you an itinerary and detailed instructions. Monitor your emails!
If your flight is delayed/cancelled, contact the travel agent immediately.
Fellows are not permitted to modify their flights. Do not contact the airline directly about your flights. Please contact Coptic Orphans staff if you have concerns about your flight itinerary.
If you miss a flight, intentionally or not, you will forfeit your security deposit and be charged the difference in price for any non-recoverable costs Coptic Orphans incurs. This may involve paying for the cost of your unused round-trip ticket, plus accommodations and transportation.
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.
Travel Insurance: Optional but strongly recommended. Because flights are not booked as connecting itineraries, delays may result in missed flights that must be covered out-of-pocket by the Fellow (per the Fellowship Agreement). Travel insurance can help protect against these costs. Fellows are responsible for securing their own coverage.

Unless told otherwise, your baggage allowance is: one checked bag and one carry-on.

1. Scenario: Your flight has been delayed. Who should you contact, and what is the correct procedure to follow?(Required)

A. Contact the airline directly

B. Contact the travel agent

C. Contact the Coptic Orphans staff

D. Wait for the delay to resolve itself

2. Question: What are the consequences of missing your flight, whether intentionally or unintentionally?(Required)

A. You will forfeit your security deposit

B. You will be charged for any non-recoverable costs

C. You will need to arrange and cover all new travel expenses

D. Coptic Orphans will cover your new travel costs

3. Question: How many bags are you allowed to bring on the trip, unless told otherwise?(Required)

A. Two checked bags and one carry-on

B. One checked bag and two carry-ons

C. One checked bag and one carry-on

D. No checked bags, only a carry-on

4. Scenario: You become aware of misconduct towards a child during your trip. What are the steps you should take? (Check all that apply)(Required)

A. Report to Coptic Orphans staff immediately on-site or via email

B. Ensure the safety of the child by moving them away from danger

C. Confront the person responsible for the misconduct

D. Discuss the matter with other fellows before taking action

5. Question: What are the rules regarding media use, particularly when taking and sharing photos/videos of children? (Check all that apply)(Required)

A. Obtain verbal or written consent before taking photos or videos

B. Do not share photos/videos from home visits on social media

C. You can share home visit photos as long as they are in private groups

D. Avoid taking photos showing children in poor conditions

6. True/False: If you miss a training session or activity during the program, you may forfeit your security deposit.(Required)

A. True

B. False

7. Scenario: Your flight is delayed, but the airline offers you a new flight that is inconvenient for you. You decide to refuse. Who is responsible for covering the costs of the delay?(Required)

A. Coptic Orphans

B. The airline

C. You

D. The travel agent

8. True/False: Fellows are encouraged to purchase global medical insurance that covers medical expenses abroad and ongoing treatment after returning home.(Required)

A. True

B. False

The Next button will appear when all correct responses are chosen.

11. Question: How many online meetings should you arrange with your group to discuss lesson planning?(Required)

A. 1-2

B. 2-3

C. 3-4

D. 4-5

12. True/False: The same lesson outlines and activities must be used for all classes to ensure consistency.(Required)

A. True

B. False

13. Question: What is the primary focus of the last day party?(Required)

A. A formal evaluation of students

B. To provide academic awards

C. A creative plan full of games and fun

D. A religious service

14. Check all that apply: Which of the following should be prepared equally for both classes?(Required)

A. Visual aids

B. Teaching materials

C. Rewards and gifts

D. Classroom decorations

15. True/False: During home visits, volunteers are allowed to provide cash gifts to families.(Required)

A. True

B. False

16. True/False: Activities planned for the last day must be creative, organized, and fun.(Required)

A. True

B. False

17. Question: According to the content, how should volunteers view their role in the program?(Required)

A. As a financial supporter only

B. As moral, spiritual, and educational guides for the children

C. As temporary helpers who will leave after service

D. As evaluators of the children's performance

The Next button will appear when all correct responses are chosen.

The Heart of the Matter

At the heart of this experience is hands-on service rooted in dignity, relationships, and shared humanity. We believe in walking alongside others, not stepping in above them. That means offering a hand up, not a handout, and approaching service as a mutual exchange that strengthens everyone involved.

Throughout your journey, community matters. Your group becomes your family, and your classroom partner becomes your lifeline. Together, you support one another, grow together, and carry the experience as a shared commitment to meaningful service.

1. Question: How many groups of students do Fellows teach per day with their teaching partner?(Required)

A. One

B. Two

C. Three

D. Four

2. True/False: The students taught by Fellows are organized by their proficiency in English.(Required)

A. True

B. False

3. Question: What is the primary age range of the children Fellows teach?(Required)

A. 4-10 years old

B. 8-15 years old

C. 10-18 years old

D. 15-20 years old

4. True/False: English is the ultimate goal of teaching, and Fellows should focus solely on language proficiency.(Required)

A. True

B. False

5. Question: Which of the following is incorrect about the play sessions during the service?(Required)

A. Playtime is as important as classroom time

B. Games should promote inclusion

C. Playtime should be focused only on children who excel in the classroom

D. Fellows should come prepared for tight spaces and limited resources

6. Question: What is the purpose of playtime? (Check all that apply)(Required)

A. To focus on children who do not respond well in the classroom

B. To encourage competition among the children

C. To promote inclusion through activities and games

D. To create a safe and carefree environment for children

7. Question: According to the section on "Serve," what did Mother Teresa mean by the phrase "I'm like a little pencil in His hand"?(Required)

A. She believed that evangelism should be done through acts of love rather than words

B. She wanted to stress the importance of spreading religion in a conventional way

C. She felt that evangelizing required preaching to others

D. She believed that human effort plays the most critical role in changing lives

8. Question: What is the primary purpose of the "Spiritual Guide" provided to Fellows?(Required)

A. To serve as a manual for lesson plans and teaching techniques

B. To guide the Fellows on spiritual reflections day by day during their service in Egypt

C. To teach Fellows how to evangelize to children in Egypt

D. To serve as a checklist for service activities

The Next button will appear when all correct responses are chosen.

1. Question: What are the primary responsibilities of the Local Coordinator?(Required)

A. Organizing classes, home visits, transportation, and outings

B. Teaching classes independently

C. Conducting evaluations of volunteers

D. Preparing meals for volunteers

2. True/False: Fellows should always communicate and plan their activities with the Local Coordinator.(Required)

A. True

B. False

3. Question: What should you avoid doing without informing your Local Coordinator?(Required)

A. Attending classes

B. Going anywhere alone

C. Talking to family on the Phone

D. Completing laundry

The Next button will appear when all correct responses are chosen.

Getting Your Egyptian ID

Coptic Orphans is in the process of facilitating an opportunity for fellows to obtain an Egyptian ID.

The benefits of having an Egyptian ID include:

Enter Egypt as a local and be treated as a local.
Have the freedom to purchase land, property, start a business, open bank accounts, and vote.
Contribute to the census of the overall number of Christians in Egypt.

Information, deadlines, and detailed instructions will be emailed to you.

*If you would like to obtain your Egyptian ID, please complete the Google Form that will be sent to you via email after completing this Pre-Departure Orientation.

1. Question: What is one of the benefits of having an Egyptian ID?(Required)

A. Ability to vote in elections

B. Access to international travel discounts

C. Free healthcare services

D. Eligibility for scholarships abroad

2. True/False: Having an Egyptian ID allows you to be treated as a local when entering Egypt.(Required)

A. True

B. False

3. Question: What should fellows do to initiate the process of obtaining an Egyptian ID?(Required)

A. Submit a paper application

B. Complete a Google Form

C. Contact the embassy directly

D. Attend a seminar on ID applications

The Next button will appear when all correct responses are chosen.

Travel Trips / Safety

Push yourself outside your comfort zone!
Dress conservatively and be culturally mindful.
Deacons: bring your Tonyas (Tunic) for Liturgies.
Do NOT take photos of military or police.
Accommodation will be simple: clean toilets, showers, beds, fans, a washing machine, and a fridge.
Do NOT flush toilet paper down the toilet.
You will be served Egyptian oriental food (fasting food on Wednesdays & Fridays).
Purchase a visa (~$25 USD on arrival, if applicable).
Place a lock, name, and address on your luggage.
Bring your Egyptian ID (if applicable) and Egyptian currency.
SIM card and currency exchange are available at Cairo airport.

Tasks & Deadlines

✔ Monitor your emails and WhatsApp.
✔ Read through the Activities Guide and contact your group to plan lessons.
✔ Send the first draft of your lesson plans (details to follow).
✔ Read through the Fellowship Agreement, prepare your list of items, and complete your assignment.
✔ Bring a reflection journal.
✔ Pack & Pray 😊

1. Question: What is one important travel safety tip for fellows?(Required)

A. Always take photos of military and police for documentation

B. Dress casually and comfortably

C. Dress conservatively and be culturally mindful

D. Flush toilet paper down the toilet in accommodations

2. True/False: You should never flush toilet paper down the toilet in your accommodation.(Required)

A. True

B. False

3. Question: What should deacons bring for liturgies during the trip?(Required)

A. A Bible

B. A Tonya (Tunic)

C. A Rosary

D. A Hymnal book

4. Question: How much does the visa cost upon arrival in Egypt (if applicable)?(Required)

A. $10 USD

B. $15 USD

C. $25 USD

D. $50 USD

5. Question: What should you include on your luggage for safety reasons?(Required)

A. Your flight number and passport

B. A lock, name, and address

C. A photo ID and a list of items packed

D. A GPS tracking device

6. True/False: It is important to read through the Fellowship Handbook and prepare a list of items before the trip.(Required)

A. True

B. False

The Next button will appear when all correct responses are chosen.

I hereby certify that I have thoroughly reviewed and completed the Pre-Departure Orientation for my upcoming trip to Egypt. I understand that I am responsible for preparing all required documents and assignments as outlined in the orientation and the Fellowship Agreement. If I have questions or need further clarification regarding these requirements, I will contact Coptic Orphans directly.

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