Community Times March Issue 2017

March 2017

Since 1996

In tune with the Community SINCE 1996

Stories and Tribulations of Egyptian

INSIDE: The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Kanud: A New Digital Instrument Alwan wa Awtar Transforming the Lives of Children Women Taking on Male-Dominated Occupations egyptian Designer Ghadi Wali: makes it to Forbes List

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Contents MarCh 2017 sPotlIGHts

CoMMunIty

18

06 toWn talk

42 EntrEprEnEur

Talk of the Town News

Graphic Designer - Ghada Wali Makes it to Forbes

12 stylE

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

46 FiEldWork Intellectual Disabilities & How to Deal with Them

12

50 Education

Future Plans of Vocational Education

MInd, Body & soul 24

Culture 14

Books: Nahdet Misr’s Latest Publications Station Eleven Review

17

Music: Egyptian-Finnish Bridge Kanud - A new Digital Instrument

20

Art: Alwan wa Awtar - Transforming the Lives of Children

An Interview with the Ambassador of Malta

58

An Interview with Managing Director of Tatweer Misr

24

sCenes 60

Agriculture Museum after Renovations

trAVel 28

Stories of Low Income Women

32

Women in Men’s Jobs

36

A Tribute to Mother Figures in Egypt

40

Fifty Influential Businesswomen

In tune wIth the CommunIty SInCe 1996

StorieS and tribulationS of egyptian

52

B-URN - A whole Body Workout

FeAtures March 2017

Since 1996

BusIness

48

Bali - Paradise on Earth

out & ABout 66 cuisinE Mother Day’s Brunch Ideas

72 calEndar

March Culture Events

28

78 sociEty 66

INSIDE: The PerfecT MoTher’s Day GifT KanuD: a new DiGiTal insTruMenT alwan wa awTar TransforMinG The lives of chilDren woMen TaKinG on Male-DoMinaTeD occuPaTions eGyPTian DesiGner GhaDi wali: MaKes iT To forbes lisT

COVER

by Khahdiga ElBadan

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42

Publisher Live Colors, Nicosia Managing Partner Najla Riad Associate Partners Ahmed Samy Mohamed Maher

EditoriAl dEPArtMEnt Editor-in-chief Moguib Roshdy Acting Editor Najla Riad Assistant Editor Rawan Abdel Latif

WritErs Alia Moustafa, Rehab Saad, Soha Elsirgany, Layal Al Rustom, Ola El Soueni, Rana Kamaly, Selma Koehn, Ahmed Kafafi and Zeinab Abul Gheit

Art dEPArtMEnt Art director Khadiga El Badan

senior Graphic designer Marina Raafat

Editor’s Note

sAlEs dEPArtMEnt sales director Rania Halim sales Manager Sayed Kamel

Production MAnAGEr

Dear Reader

Enas Adly

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of a family. A mother, however, does not necessarily have to be someone who bears a child, but any maternal bond or anyone with influence on the society can hold this title. Children and youth should also be honored.

AdMinistrAtion dEPArtMEnt

In one of our features, we have listed five women who have influenced society over the years: Abla Fadila, the most renowned presenter of children’s programs in Egyptian radio, Safeya Zaghloul, who was named “mother of all Egyptians”, Karima Mokhtar, known for her mother roles in cinema and television series, Notaila Rashed or Mama Loubna, and last but not least, Ummina Irini of the Coptic Church.

Financial consultants

Another feature story focuses on low-income women who have become the bread earners of the family and portrays the sacrifices they have had to endure to bring up and educate their children in order to give them a better life.

Since March is also the month where women are recognized internationally, we are featuring an article on women who are in untraditional jobs that are usually maledominated in the Egyptian society, as well as an article on graphic designer Ghada Wali who has made it to Forbes’ “30 Under 30”.

distribution Manager Rana Ezzat office Manager Magda Adib legal consultant Ashraf Soliman Hazem Abdel Tawab Ahmed Abbas

office clerk Mahmoud Abdel Aziz office custodian Ismail Othman distribution Al Ahram, Al Akhbar, Next Media Mohandessin, Zamalek, Heliopolis, Maadi, Nasr City, New Cairo, 6 October City, Sheikh Zayed City

ctP & PrintinG by Sahara Printing Company

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, 50 of the most influential Egyptian businesswomen were honored last month by the “50 Forum”, and we were happy to list most of them for you, expressing our delight that many of the women in Egypt have made it to top positions in banking, economy, ministerial positions and chairmen, among others.

To the mothers who have had an influence on society, those who have opted to take care of an orphan, tended to a younger sibling or relative, to low-income women who do not give up and to all the teachers who are a good example to their students, we wish you all a very happy day amidst those who appreciate and love you.

The Editor editor@live-colors.com

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Address: 48 Abdel Moneim Hafez Street, Midan El Sabaa’ Emarat, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (+202) 2290 8127 - 2415 8762 Mobile: 0100 005 2322 - 0100 005 2323 E-mail: editor@live-colors.com Website: www.communitytimes.me © Copyright 2004 Community Times is a monthly publication published by LC Live Colors Nicosia, Cyprus

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SpotlightS towntalk Marriott Redesigns its Mobile Application to Meet the Needs of Modern World Travelers Based on the foundation of actual hands-on guest research and feedback, Marriott International will now offer Marriott Rewards members a dynamic mobile experience personalized just for them.

Now available is the newly redesigned and engaging Marriott mobile app for iOS users in five languages, with Android coming soon. Guests will enjoy new and expanded digital features, customized travel content, one-button navigation and a new swipeable discovery home screen.

ALEXBANK Launches its New Business Passport Proposition to Support and Empower Egyptian SMEs ALEXBANK announced the launch of its new Business Passport, a fully-fledged proposition of value added services (VAS) specifically customized to empower the Egyptian Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) towards their growth. The Business Passport offers them essential tools and services to support the growth and modernization of their business and to facilitate their work-flow by making them more efficient, proficient and successful in their activities.

The ALEXBANK Business Passport proposition aims at providing customers with a bundle of nonfinancial value added services encompassing multiple solutions, including special offers on the business telecom bundles, the website builder and managed services, as well as an advanced online financial education platform and support to entrepreneurial associations. p

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For Marriott Rewards members, the new Marriott mobile app dynamically adjusts to personalize the user’s experience throughout their travel journey.

Whether members are in trip planning mode, getting ready to travel, in transit, or enjoying their hotel stay, the app will display content and features based on what services members are most likely to need in that moment of their travel journey. p

XTOUCH Predicts Egypt to Become its Second Largest Market in 2017 XTOUCH’s innovative multi-channel approach has enabled the company to quickly sell out of its initial stock while also ensuring extensive after sales, spare parts and warranty support.

Since its launch in Egypt, XTOUCH has been rapidly gaining market share. Currently, Saudi Arabia is the number one market for the brand, followed by the UAE and Egypt. Egypt, however, is expected to become the company’s second biggest market in 2017 due to the tremendous reception for its products. XTOUCH recently introduced eight new models into the Egyptian market, increasing the variety and range of mobiles.

Ahmed Kandil, XTOUCH Country Manager in Egypt, stated, “We are extremely pleased with the success that XTOUCH has gained recently. Not only have our expectations been exceeded, but we have achieved our company’s goals and objectives. We have received tremendously positive feedback and immediately sold out our initial stock, which is the ultimate success for any business.”

The company has a large presence in the Egyptian market through its partnership with authorized distributor 4Link.

The partnership enables XTOUCH to offer its range of elegantly designed mobile and tablet models equipped with top of the line specs at very affordable prices. p

Ten Club Awards Staybridge Suites Cairo: Citystars Celebrates Achieving Remarkable Results in the Winning Metrics For the third consecutive year, Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars joined IHG Ten Club. Staybridge Suites celebrated winning the Ten Club Award for the hotel’s outstanding performance in 2016. Ten Club Award is an InterContinental Hotels Group regional award, which the hotels receive based on achieving outstanding performance of the Winning Metrics; a way to measure hotels’ performance.

Staybridge Suites is the first upscale extended-stay hotel opened by the InterContinental Hotels Group in the Middle East and Africa. The Staybridge Suites is designed to meet all the various needs of travelers, guests looking for the luxurious comforts of a ‘home away from home’ while on holiday or for those relocating or seeking a temporary home during household renovations.

Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars Recognized for Outstanding Performance For the third time in a row, Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars won its way to the Ten Club.

Ibrahim Nasha’at, General Manager, thanked the hotel team by saying, “The success we have achieved came from your hard work and motivation. It happened because you have stood strong during challenging times and you have also undoubtedly played a critical role in getting our hotel winning metrics across the line.” p

Global Digital Performance Agency Expands into Egypt iProspect, the Dentsu Aegis Network digital performance agency, announced the appointment of Iyad Tibi as Regional General Manager, following the agency’s expansion into Egypt. Tibi will play a pivotal role in the agency’s evolution, working to diversify and develop their services while driving regional expansion.

Tibi will spearhead the regional iProspect management team, which is led by Mourad Elsioufi in Egypt, Ozal Ergen in the UAE and Ruark Williams in Saudi Arabia respectively. The launch of iProspect in Egypt bolsters the digital capabilities already offered by sister agencies Carat and Isobar. Together the brands will leverage Dentsu Aegis’ unique operating model in these key markets for an integrated offering across all communication platforms, with the experience and expertise of dedicated specialists across media, creative and digital performance.

In his new position, Tibi will focus on expanding iProspect’s product offering, gaining new business and sustaining organic business growth across key clients, including General Motors, Mastercard, Microsoft and Philips. He will also be tasked with scaling the newly launched iProspect operations in Saudi Arabia and Egypt where iProspect has introduced a complete suite of digital marketing services to the market, including search optimization, performance, content, online customer conversion strategies and comparison shopping engines. p

Semiramis InterContinental Cairo Joins 2016 Ten Club Semiramis InterContinental Cairo earned the honour of being recognized as one of the members of this year’s IHG Ten Club for the second year in a row, viewing it as one of the top performers amidst 270 hotels in the region (Asia, Middle East and Africa).

To achieve the full metrics requires dedication, leadership, focus, determination and teamwork, which were all at play in order to achieve these excellent results for 2016.

The award was presented by Pascal Gauvin, Chief Operating Officer, India, Middle East and Africa, and Simon Stamper, Director of Operations, Africa and Area GM to IHG Cairo Citystars, and given to Sameh Sobhy, General Manager of Semiramis InterContinental Cairo in the presence of the hotel’s heads of departments. p mar 2017 | Ct

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Towntalk

Cairo Marriott Hotel’s First Egyptian General Manager Omar Tantawy has been appointed as the new General Manager of The Cairo Marriott Hotel. In his new role, he will be the first Egyptian to hold this position at the flagship property of Marriott International in Egypt.

Omar Tantawy has been the Resident Manager at the hotel for the past nine years, taking over the General Manager’s role when he was not present. His experience in the hospitality industry is vast; it started in 1988 at El Gezira Sheraton Hotel where he held different positions in various departments including rooms division and sales and marketing.

He has served in multiple five-star hotels and chains in Cairo including Le Meridian and Grand Hyatt, and was part of the opening team at the InterContinental Citystars. p

Sherif Medhat Appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Medhat leads the sales and marketing initiatives for Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers. He started his career in 1996 as Sales Executive at Sheraton Luxor Resort, then spent seven years at Sheraton Helopolis where his last position was Senior Sales Manager before joining InterContinental and Holiday Inn Hotels as Director of Sales.

In June 2005, he joined Hilton Regional Sales Office as Regional Sales Director for Hurghada Cluster and subsequently held the role of Cluster Director of Business Development.

In 2009, Medhat joined Grand Rotana Resort and Spa as the Director of Sales and Marketing.

He is joining Fairmont Heliopolis from his most recent role as Director of Sales and Marketing in Orascom Hotels Management. p

Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo appoints Menna Remah as new Public Relations Manager Joining the Dusit team in 2014, Menna brings more than eight years of experience in the Egyptian hospitality market leading to her role as PR Manager. With her passion for PR and communications, she will continue to enhance the direction and growth of Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo. p

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Dimitrios Zarikos Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo Nile Plaza Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza welcomes Dimitrios Zarikos as the new Regional Vice President and General Manager.

Dimitrios is a Four Seasons veteran with a wealth of experience. During his 27year career, he has opened seven hotels including properties in the US, Egypt, France and Canada.

For the past nine years, he has been based in Canada, first running the older property and then opening its brand new flagship, the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Toronto.

This is his second assignment in Cairo after being an instrumental leader in the opening in 2000 of the company’s very first hotel in the GCC and Middle East – Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at First Residence.

As a Regional VP, Dimitrios will also be in charge of the company’s other properties in Cairo’s First Residence, Alexandria’s San Stefano, Sharm el Sheikh and Baku, Azerbaijan, along with projects that are currently under development in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Among many awards over the course of his career, Dimitrios has been awarded the prestigious Hotelier of the Year Award from Hotelier Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler USA Top Hot List, Robb Report’s Top 100 Hotels in the World, Forbes Five Star and AAA Five-Diamond Awards, Michelin Stars and Gallivanter’s Guide’s Best Resort in the World among others. p

Towntalk Photo compliments of Dusit Thani LakeView

Celebrate Mom with Unforgettable Mother’s Day Getaways Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo offers a lavish Mother’s Day buffet and indulgent spa specials. On Tuesday, March 21 treat mom to a spectacular, hassle-free Mother’s Day buffet filled with a delightful selection of breads, soups, salads, appetizers, desserts and more. Mom will enjoy a complimentary meal when dining with three paying guests.

For the ultimate Mother’s Day gift, indulge mom with one of the special offerings at the spa. Do not miss Dusit Gourmet’s sweets that are sure to please mom’s sweet tooth.

Photo compliments of Kempinski Soma Bay

Pamper your mother with an indulgent stay at Kempinski Soma Bay. Surprise her with an out-of-the-ordinary present and treat her to a memorable stay in the haven of tranquillity and relaxation. The pastry chefs geared up to bake a mouth-watering Mother’s Day mega cake, using their special recipe of love and appreciation in The View Restaurant. Delight her with a chance to dine on the best locally sourced spring dishes, from salads to live cooking stations along with the sounds of music that will make it the perfect spot to celebrate. Pamper her with her choice from an array of traditional and innovative massages, face and body treatments, in addition to nail care services.

On Mother’s Day, moms eat for FREE at Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers when accompanied by three or more people. Not only that, but a surprise gift awaits them in Maria’s, Pizza Bar, Saki Sushi Lounge, Raj, Noble House, Aqua E Luce, Al Dabke’, Leonardo and Lan Tania.

Photo compliments of Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski

Celebrate Mother’s Day for a whole month at Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski. This month, rejoice with luxury at Kempinski’s signature restaurants; accompany your beloved family to a buffet at The State, Lucca for Italian cuisine, Yana for a Thai experience, or Romanov grill house for a special culinary journey.

Experience a special family event at Vibes Lounge and Terrace on March 24 for a special High Tea time from noon to 6 pm serving finger delicacies along with live entertainment. Pamper her at Resense Spa with exclusive packages and offers during the entire month.

Celebrate Mother’s Day and the special love you have for your mom this March at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo. Create an unforgettable day by selecting one of The Nile Ritz-Carlton’s gourmet dining offerings alongside a soothing spa treatment as a way to show your heartfelt appreciation to your mother.

For a memorable family gathering, select Culina - the perfect place for families to enjoy the natural sunlight and a buffet-style lunch that features a wide array of global delicacies. Mothers will receive their Culina buffet experience with the hotel’s compliments while enjoying live Jazz.

Photo compliments of The Nile Ritz-Carlton

The Nile Ritz-Carlton has something special for both parents this year. As Mother’s Day approaches in Egypt, Saint Joseph’s Day or Father’s Day is celebrated in Italy. This year Vivo is celebrating family. It has crafted two exquisite three and five course menus for guests to indulge in while celebrating the special men in their lives. Along with dinner, they will be treated to soothing sounds by talented violinist Samira Riachy.

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo will also be gifting all mothers a white rose along with a homemade giveaway for a memorable ending, while the spa brings a special package for this occasion which includes a 60 minute relaxation treatment, access to the swimming pool, sauna and steam room and a two course menu at The Patio pool bar. The Mother’s Day package for two guests is EGP 2,700 exclusive of all applicable taxes. p

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STYLE

A PerFecT GiFT For

Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed The perfect way to kick-start a day is by bringing her breakfast in bed to allow her to sleep in, stay comfortable and begin her routine feeling refreshed. If cooking her eggs or baking her pancakes is not one of your specialties, pass by her favorite pastry shop and get an assortment of muffins or cakes she can enjoy with a side of tea, coffee or orange juice. A bowl of her favorite fruits cut up is also a good choice.

To impress her further, you could always decorate the tray with a nice cloth, a small vase of flowers or a nice jar of jam.

Book a Spa Treatment You can’t go wrong with giving a mother a few hours of pampering. A day away from her responsibilities and duties, giving her time to focus on herself and unwind, is every mom’s dream. So book and pay ahead at a good spa or hotel that offers massages and facials, or even opt for booking a hairdresser’s appointment or at a nail salon where she can get a manicure and pedicure treatment.

Make sure you also plan her transportation to and from, so that driving in traffic does not ruin her relaxed mood.

Perfume and Flowers Buying your mother her favorite fragrance, alongside her favorite flowers, will definitely make her happy and proves to be a cliché but great gift. Opt for a more simple bouquet consisting of a maximum of two types of flowers. Tulips or lilies is a great choice.

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Plan a Weekend Getaway Ask around a few days ahead on where she has been meaning to go for a while, and book a hotel accordingly, as a surprise of course. If possible, plan several activities for the two days she would be spending at the resort, leaving time for relaxation or a quiet morning by the beach.

Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever

Chocolate and Jewelry Find out what piece of jewelry she would like, and do not be discouraged if she already has several pieces, as no one can have too much jewelry. A simple necklace, bracelet, ring or watch always has sentimental value, as she will automatically link it to you when she is wearing it. Also pick up her favorite chocolates as a side gift. p

Take Her out for Dinner There must be some restaurant she has been wanting to try out for some time but was either too far or she has not had the time to visit. Book ahead to ensure a nice table with a view.

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Culture Books Nahdet Misr Group presented a variety of its newest books and publications during this year’s Cairo International Book Fair

N

ahdet Misr Group launched a number of its latest books and publications at the Cairo International Book Fair.

This year, the books displayed ranged from literature and fiction to poetry, self-development and spirituality, parenting, children’s and its latest digital educational application. Nahdet Misr is considered one of the leading publishing companies in Egypt specializing in the development of valuable cultural and educational content, in addition to innovative digital solutions.

Cultural Books “Shoubra Egypt” by MEdhat El adl “Shoubra Egypt” combines the most recent poems written by the writer and poet Medhat El Adl where age reflects on some of his personal memories.

soCial happenings “aS I tEll you So” by ISaad younES The book is a documentation of Younes’ famous radio program “As I tell you so” that airs on Radio 90.90. It is written in slang, and includes a variety of articles and subjects that tackle different negative habits of the Egyptian society in a sarcastic manner, giving us the chance to rethink these habits and try to change them.

self-development and spirituality “Word” by MoStafa hoSny About the power of words, Hosny delves into the impact of the words we speak, read and write on us and on others.

“Why aM I a tErrorISt? Why arE you a hErEtIc?” by MohaMEd daWoud This unique book sheds the light on the reality we are all tangled up in; “Terrorism”. It raises some key questions related to this complicated issue; such as when and where did terrorism manifest?

parenting and psyChology “toxIc parEntS” by SuSan forWard

This is one of the best-selling parenting books worldwide.

Her book features the shortfalls and misconducts that parents do with their children. It highlights how these wrong parenting behaviors can cripple their children emotionally.

literature “Soul MatE” by JIhan MaaMoun

An exceptional love story that goes beyond personal and time constraints; unfolding several divine symbols.

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“Love According to the ArAbic WAy” by reem bAssiouny A young Egyptian woman with very ordinary dreams of getting married to an affluent partner and perhaps going to live in a glamorous city. She never could have imagined what life had planned for her.

“the Love notebook” by sAAd eL kAhtAny

A beautiful novel that tackles the mysteries of love; this simple word that puzzled and bewildered humanity throughout history.

Short StorieS “moments” by WALid youssef The writer’s reminiscences of the different moments in his life are featured in a number of short stories.

Satirical literature “coLd shoWer” by bAsmA eL sebAei This book discusses the negative habits in our society in a sarcastic way, as well as the prejudices against others and negative judgments against divorced women and emigrants.

arabic children’S bookS

Nahdet Misr is launching around 50 new Arabic and translated children’s books this year. Amongst them is “Screams Behind the Doors” by Rania Amin, which won the Etislalat Award for 2016 as the best children’s book. “Shams” is another new book by Dr. Affaf Tobbala, which was among the short list, also nominated for this year’s Etisalat Award. Two new books will be added to Dr. Aisha Rafei’s series of stories that instill morals and positive manners in our children through interesting stories and activities. Nahdet Misr will also feature a new beautiful story; “Crown of Happiness” written by the talented Samah Abou Bakr Ezzat.

tranSlated international bookS

Nahdet Misr also presents Disney’s most famous and recent exquisite stories. It will also display the latest series of the world’s most inspiring publication, National Geographic, which is considered children’s first pick for science, exploration and adventure. For Harry Potter series aficionados, Nahdet Misr presents the eighth part of these fantasy novels. This year also witnesses the launch of Scholastic’s famous children’s horror fiction novels “Goosebumps”. p

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Culture Books

Station ElEvEn

by Emily St. John mandEl

Would you think of yourself as a survivor or someone who did not stand a chance? Darwin’s theory of natural selection is applied in this outstanding novel about an apocalypse that brought an end to the old world and begun a new one. “Station Eleven” is a New York Times bestseller written by Emily St. John Mandel, and is a compelling novel about a virus that broke out all over the world, killing 99% of the earth’s population.

Reviewed by alia Moustafa

O

nly those who miraculously avoided infection have survived the wave of the virus. However, the struggles did not end there, those who survived had to endure years of natural selection.

This is the new world—life after the collapse—telling the story of the people who survived the deadly virus, how they survived the aftermath of living in darkness and shelters trying to survive the frightening acts of human survival, and then adjusting to a technology and electricity free world, void of all its previous luxuries.

“Station Eleven” has three layers to the plot, each gradually unraveling another. The first layer, which keeps recurring from different characters’ points of view, is Arthur’s life, which covers his hometown, path to fame, failed marriages and finally, his downfall. The third layer is the Station Eleven comic that only two characters possess, coincidentally. As small and insignificant as the third may sound, it is, in fact, the most significant aspect of Mandel’s brilliant literature as it is the most ironic symbol of the entire line of events in the novel.

Set between Toronto, Canada and the United States, “Station Eleven” follows the lives of many characters after the collapse: Jeevan Chaudhary, Kristen Raymonde, Miranda Carroll, Clark Thomson, Tylor Leander and most importantly, Arthur Leander. Jeevan was one of the first characters in the novel to find out about the virus and took immediate action for his survival. Kristen was also one of the survivors who, after the collapse, joined a group of nomads with the name “The Traveling Symphony”. This group of people went back and forth on a set route, their mission being to add light to the darkness that has become of the world by acting several plays by Shakespeare and playing famous classical music. Kristen was also one of the two people who had a copy of the comic book.

Miranda, the author behind the comic book, was one of the first wave of people to get infected and die from the virus. Clark was a survivor and was known for the museum of civilization, which

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was a corner in the airport that he and others had taken refuge in and made their new home. Taylor was the second person to have a copy of the comic book Station Eleven, and became The Prophet after surviving several years after the collapse.

Jeevan, Kristen, Miranda, Clark and Taylor were all connected to one character: Arthur Leander, the first character to die in the novel, but not from the virus, rather from a heart attack on stage.

He was an actor and at the time of his death, he was playing the role of the king in the play King Lear.

Throughout the book, Mandel has expertly played around with the plot and setting. She smoothly transitions between the past and present, where by doing so, she gives the reader the entire background story of the collapse and every character’s journey from the old world to the new through flashbacks and stories told by them. One chapter we, as readers, are finding out about how Miranda and Arthur met in Toronto; and the other we are finding out how Kristen and “The Symphony” are going to escape The Prophet in what was once a state in the United States.

The writing style behind “Station Eleven” made it impossible to put the book down. The series of events and how they are linked together gives the feeling that there is always something happening, and that there is no moment of silence. Not only that, but as readers, you form a relationship with the characters, sympathizing with them, supporting them, and of course, occasionally resenting them and sensing their annoying personalities unfold, bringing the characters more and more to life. These aspects of Mandel’s writing style creates a bond between her readers through her chosen words.

Mandel’s “Station Eleven” is an interesting, captivating read.

The novel portrays the creative imagination Mandel has and how much of a talent she possesses to put it down into words for others to read and imagine themselves. I would definitely recommend adding this piece of literary genius to your reading list for the next weekend. p

Culture Music

Finnish-Egyptian Musical Bridge celebrates its tenth anniversary and a century of Finnish independence with five concerts and a photo exhibition

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or almost ten days in March, Finnish-Egyptian Musical Bridge will celebrate its tenth anniversary along with Finland’s 100 years of independence in both Cairo and Alexandria. The Musical Bridge is the brainchild of the well-known Finnish pianist and conductor Ralf Gothóni, with the goal of promoting cultural relations between Finland and Egypt by bringing together musicians from the two countries.

Since 2007, the Musical Bridge has been a valuable stepping stone for pushing many young Egyptian opera singers and musicians to international careers. The Bridge joins together talented Egyptian musicians from the Cairo Opera House with world renowned Finnish maestros and performers through musical workshops, master classes and joint performances.

Some of the young musicians are later invited to continue their studies at the Savonlinna Music Academy in Finland, and to perform during the International Savonlinna Opera Festival in the summertime.

During this year’s event, the Bridge, Mr. Gothóni and his professional colleagues will organize workshops with the Egyptian musicians and singers in both Cairo and Alexandria.

Besides the workshops, the Musical Bridge will entertain Cairo’s classical music lovers with three concerts, all free of charge: an opera concert for the most famous opera arias and two chamber music concerts playing classical pieces.

In addition, two concerts will take place for the first time at Bibliotheca Alexandrina. p

The Schedule Two concerts will take place at 8 pm at the Arab Music Institute, Ramses street, on the following days: Cairo 11/3/2017 12/3/2017

Chamber Music Concert Opera and Lied Concert

The third concert in Cairo, Chamber Music with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, will take place at the Cairo Opera House’s Main Hall on March 13 at 8 pm. It will be conducted by Ralf Gothóni and Ahmed El Saedi.

Alongside these three concerts, there will be a photo exhibition entitled “Stories from the Past – Ancient Rock Art in Egypt and Finland” by Finnish photographer Paivi Arvonen at the lobby of both the Arab Music Institute and the Cairo Opera House. This exhibition is part of the program for the Centenary of Finland’s independence celebration this year.

alexandria The last two classical music concerts will be at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina at 8 pm accompanied by the BA Orchestra: 18/3/2017 20/3/2017

Orchestra Music Opera Gala

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Culture Music Books

the Kanud:

A Hybrid Digital Instrument Bearing the Future of Arabic Music Merging two classic string instruments of Arabic music, The Kanud not only brings together traditional elements from both the ‘oud’ and the ‘kanun’, but it also uses the most advanced digital technologies to create a new instrument altogether

By Soha Elsirgany

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he Kanud is the brainchild of Nesma Khodeir, an Egyptian researcher and multidisciplinary designer behind Arabesque Design Studio.

After graduating with a BA in Graphic Design from Alexandria’s Faculty of Fine Arts, she went on to complete an MSA from Qatar’s Virginia Commonwealth University, where she still teaches graphic design.

Her work goes beyond two-dimensional graphic design though. Rather, it centers on the relationship between music, design and engineering, with a special focus on the future of this region’s music.

IntroductIon of the Kanud

Khodeir was showcasing her Kanud for the first time to the public last October at the Dubai Design Week Global Grad Show, the biggest regional design event, alongside 135 projects from universities across 30 countries. She unveiled the instrument in Egypt for the first time during a talk she gave at the Faculty of Music Education held last December, where she also presented her research and thesis topic on the “Future of Arabic Music”.

“I personally do not like that our [Arabic] music is now a copy of Western music,” Khodeir mentions on what prompted her to create a new instrument.

The oud is the only device that’s manufacturing requires the bending of wood. The back of it is ribbed, and there is an airway for ventilation. I brought all these elements into the Kanud to preserve the traditional way of oud making 18

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During her research for the Kanud, she spoke with professors and students at the Faculty for Music Education to learn more about music and instruments in order to create something that was as accurate as possible and true to Arabic music’s depth and complexity.

“The Kanud is a digital instrument, so that gives the possibility of having options. Why make one instrument when I can make two combined?” she says.

It can be played as either the oud or the kanun, but Khodeir considers it a new instrument of its own right.

desIgn and MechanIsM

The Kanud flaunts a beautiful and familiar design that mimics a string-less oud, slightly smaller than the traditional one.

“I studied the ergonomics of both instruments, and came up with this form. You can hold it like the oud, or place it on your leg like the kanun, as it takes into consideration the curvature of the leg. There is a mechanism to switch between both by removing the detachable upper handle,” she mentions.

Khodeir designed the prototype herself - through 3D modeling and hand finishing - over the course of two months. “The oud is the only device that’s manufacturing requires the bending of wood. The back of it is ribbed, and there is an airway for ventilation. I brought all of these elements into the Kanud to preserve the traditional way of oud making,” she explains.

Also like the oud, a musician would be able to control the intensity of their touch on the virtual strings - replaced by touch sensitive buttons - to get the different range of sounds that the strings would provide.

At the center of the instrument is a motion sensor that replaces the circle that would be hollow in a guitar or oud. It registers the movement of the hand with high sensitivity from nearly 15 centimeters away, translating it into music.

Electric guitars have been around for ages, but an electric oud only emerged around four years ago, according to Khodeir. “The oud is the grandfather of the guitar, but the electric ouds that were made still need development and more integration,” she says.

Digital aspect

Khodeir’s instrument of the future is equipped with the technology for generative music; music that is ever different and ever changing.

Other digital instruments assign a sound to a certain “button” and as such only offer a set of sounds for the musician to mix.

When applied to Arabic instruments, this makes the result

sound similar to Western music and a lot of the complexity in Arabic scales is lost, something Khodeir was adamant to change.

Generative music in the Kanud allows it to produce different outcomes, resulting in a more authentic sound faithful to the Arabic instruments. “The Kanud is an introduction to generative in Arabic music, so it will add new elements to it.”

The digital instrument will be connected to a specially designed computer application that is programmed with the Arabic music scales (Maqam El-Hegaz), which Khodeir developed with musicians and programmers. Users will be able to select one music scale out of the eight possibilities in the app, as well as record their performance with music visualizations.

The app will be free for everyone online, while the Kanud itself will be for sale.

Users

Khodeir also cared to make the instrument widely accessible, used by amateurs and professionals alike. “I thought about how to devise a new instrument that is easy to use, and that you do not have to be a trained musician to be able to use it,” Khodeir mentions.

She also thinks the technology-savvy Kanud will serve as a bridge between the different generations, encouraging younger musicians to love and appreciate traditional music.

In her own words, the Kanud “pays homage to tradition while creating a distinctive path to the future.” p

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Culture Art

Women’s Creative thinking & the PoWer of transforming the Lives of ChiLdren

By Rehab Saad

I

n 1992, Cairo inhabitants faced a shattering earthquake where many lost their homes along with their humble possessions. Among those were the inhabitants of El Hadaba El Wosta in Mokattam. The government at that time provided them with accommodation in return for low rent. However, they still suffered harsh living conditions, like unemployment, poor access to education plus lack of health services.

Children and youth were among the sufferers as they were deprived of receiving proper education. In this regard, the nonprofit organization “Alwan wa Awtar” was established in 2005 in Mokattam to serve the marginalized children and youth. In October 2016, I visited the organization and was impressed by the work they do, the support they give to the children and the impact they have on the surrounding area.

“Alwan wa Awtar” targets marginalized children and youth aged 7 to 20, with the aim of promoting basic learning and enhancing their creative thinking and culture. The mission is to encourage artistic senses through visual and performing arts through a team of dedicated art professionals and volunteers who interact with the youth to practice a variety of activities including

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handcrafts, music, photography, painting, writing and languages, among other activities.

I met with Mrs. Azza Kamel, founder and chairperson, who strives to develop the children’s skills, values and principles through practical learning, using art as a tool for social development. Mrs. Kamel has a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the AUC and has worked in UNESCO and other international development agencies, as well as being a fellow of Ashoka, a network of innovative social entrepreneurs.

She was also honored with numerous awards for her work including the UN Women’s Guild Award, Pan African Award for Entrepreneurship in Education, Takreem Award for Innovation in Education and AUC’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

In 2001, Mrs. Kamel was part of the Mokattam women’s community of Fat’het Kheir, a volunteer organization that focuses on progress through empowerment and self-development. She says that the idea of establishing “Alwan wa Awtar” came to her when a French delegation visited the Mokattam area and met with some of the children. They used simple activities like puzzles and masks to entertain the children who expressed great enthusiasm and showed interest in learning different types of art.

Our vision is to build a free society with responsible and creative individuals encouraging them to engage in continuous self-development.

“We started ‘Alwan wa Awtar’ in February 2006 with four volunteers, a secretary and an office manager, in addition to 30 children and a couple of mothers in a small flat.

Activities included origami, crochet and coloring, amongst others. Today, we have a larger space equipped with all the necessary tools, 4,000 children and youth and more than 30 staff members and volunteers.” She adds, “The learning system here is different than traditional education as it is based on art, active learning and non-formal education, which is the momentum for self-development designed to enrich and inspire the children’s experiences, providing them with tools that develop their thinking skills.” She continues, “We believe that the trainer and children are partners in the learning process, enriching each other through their own unique experiences, abilities and skills. It is all about skill development, communication improvement, critical and analytical thinking, respect of differences and social responsibility.” Mrs. Kamel went on to say, “Our vision is to build a free society with responsible and creative individuals encouraging them to engage in continuous self-development.”

According to her, the learning system is not based on books.

“If we want to provide children with general information about rationalizing water consumption, we give them an activity to provide them with information in a more simple way. For example, we distribute sweets to the children and have them count how many each has at the end. The number differs from one to the other, and we ask if they ate all the sweets they had and if their friends did not eat any, and compare it to what happens when someone keeps water switched on for a long time without using it; their neighbor would not have enough water to use.” This free discussion does not only provide children with information in a simple way, but also allows them to brainstorm.

All activities practiced in the center are based on developing teamwork, to respect each others’ ideas, and to develop selfconfidence and technical skills.

We also help children understand other cultures through story-telling and teach them English through listening to songs and translating the lyrics for them. Other activities include recycling, drawing, crochet, acting, cooking and learning physics through craft-making. The center also provides space for them to spend free time.

Through theatre and music, “Alwan wa Awtar” builds

children’s confidence. Children also participate in simulation models of international organizations like the League of Arab Nations. Some of the projects implemented by “Alwan wa Awtar” allows youth to be trained through a number of artistic workshops including creative writing, photography and graphic design, that enables them to produce their own play, hence encouraging them to express their feelings and what they go through in their daily lives.

Another project is encouraging the youth in community participation with the help of The Coptic Evangelic Organization for Social Services (CEOSS). The project aims at embedding a sense of tolerance towards their community and becoming proactive members.

The art curriculum qualifies the youth to find work easily.

Many of them have found work, travelled and learned new languages. Sometimes, we have the opportunity to employ some of them in our center as teachers to the next generation.

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Culture Art

Volunteer teachers first get to know the children’s hobbies, personalities and what they mostly like and what they do not.

Volunteers attend a three-day training workshop on “Nonformal Education”, giving them an insight on how to set session objectives suitable to kids’ needs, while foreign volunteers expose the children to multi-cultural knowledge and develop their acceptance to differences.

In an interview with Ms. Asmaa, the Program Coordinator, we visited the various units in the center; the art center is where the children are allowed to practice art in different forms and the community library helps them become exposed to different cultures and learn computer skills and story-telling. Free trips are conducted to places like Fagnoun and the Townhouse Gallery.

Recently, the children went to the Cairo Opera House to attend a musical performance.

Ms. Asmaa mentioned that there is also a “Live and Learn” program as an enhancement to what the children are offered at school that tackles the likes of geography, science and mathematics through interactive and analytical activities.

She explained how she keeps track of the children’s progress by discussions with the project staff to come up with strategies for improvements. Normally, there is a weekly schedule for the activities, however, children and youth get to choose what activities will run, and after group discussions, new activities are made available.

Ms. Asmaa added that “Alwan wa Awtar” also supports mothers by bringing a psychiatrist to help with problems.

Parents found it difficult to accept “Alwan wa Awtar” at first, as they were not fully aware of what the center will offer to their kids. Learning by using artistic tools and methods was unfamiliar to them, however, when they visited, they realized that it is similar to a school program, but with focus on behavior and character building.

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‘Awlan wa Awtar’ focuses more on virtuous goals, such as building a sense of community, promoting civic engagement and upgrading unprivileged children and youth, to be useful to themselves and society.

I also concluded from my experience that for any NGO to be professional, it needs proper funding to recruit professional staff and use advanced technology in implementing the system. However, “Alwan wa Awtar” focuses more on virtuous goals, such as building a sense of community, promoting civic engagement and upgrading unprivileged children and youth, to be useful to themselves and the society.

Moreover, Mrs. Kamel and her team support children who have experienced some form of abuse – physical, psychological or sexual – so the center is not only a place where they gain skills, but it is also a safe haven to enable children to come into terms with some of the things that they have experiened, build their confidence and trust in others.

Last January, the center inaugurated its new premises in Mokattam, a 20-minute drive from the old one. It is a three-floor villa with a garden. The first floor contains a large classroom for children aged 3-6 that matches with the Montessori concept of learning. The second floor is especially for newcomers, to make them feel at home. It also includes an open kitchen and two restrooms designed in particular for children below three to enable them to use it independently. Moreover, there is a space for children to rest or sleep in a separate room as well as offices and a clinic. The shaded roof has a kitchenette and a bathroom.

Mrs. Kamel said, “The old premises has been running for about six years now and I believe that each child has a great aptitude to learn if they are provided with the proper environment. Having this in mind, we decided to expand as we have a lot of children who wanted to enroll. With the new space, we can include

Our main goal is to continue serving as many children as possible.

Also, mixing privileged with underprivileged children reflects the equality concept. around 45-55 children for the first year, and reach 6075 children in the following two years. She added, “We decided to base the education system on the ‘Montessori Concept’. Accordingly, we designed classrooms to match the Montessori program, i.e. children from 1-3 years share the same learning space and children from 3-6 share the same. Ms. Marie Therese Bishay, who has a diploma from Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI), conducts the Montessori course for teachers and parents on one hand, and for the children on the other.

At “Alwan wa Awtar”, all the children are distinguished, so no certificates or scholarships are provided, however, the school is an MEPI Silver Member, so the center offers school internships for students who will become Montessori class directors.

Mrs. Kamel concluded, “Our main goal is to continue serving as many children as possible. Also, mixing privileged with underprivileged children reflects the equality concept. However, marginalized children are accepted without paying any tuition fees, but the privileged normally pay whatever they can afford. In parallel, we continue to work with children who have already graduated and gone to school, if they want to continue with us.”

“We are also supported by parents who usually supply the school with food items, vegetables, fruits etc., and some help in the maintenance of the premises,” Mrs. Kamel added.

“We still have more ambitious plans for the future as we are looking forward to inviting school children to join us in an afternoon program. We are also hoping that we will be able to use the space we have for different workshops to support new and developing programs that go along with ‘Alwan wa Awtar’ concepts.”

As for the new law regarding NGOs, Mrs. Kamel said, “Civil society organizations are the backbone of a functioning society. They exist alongside the government, and are not to be seen as a competitor or threat, because they play a major role in reaching out to communities that lack basic services and delivering the needed

services. I hope that the state would reconsider minimizing the role of NGOs, at least for those who play a significant one in development and education.”

It is worth mentioning that the recognitions and awards given to “Alwan wa Awtar” are : second best show at the Egyptian Child Festival in 2010, Coming Up Taller Award, granted by the US President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities in 2009 and the Women’s Guild Award, United Nations Organization, in 2008. p

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MIND, BODY & SOUL

By Ola El Soueni

Behind the B-URn Whole-Body Workout

E

xercising not only tremendously benefits the body, but is also a sure way to enhance someone’s mood. Lately, many individuals have committed to working out and integrating such a healthy habit into their daily lives.

B-URN, a new type of workout, is a powerful mega-reformer class powered by Physio that works the entire body from head to toe in 45 minutes. It is high intensity and low impact, involving cardio, endurance, strength training, flexibility, brain fitness and of course #thehappy (which you can’t find anywhere else), without risk of injury.

Amina Naguib, the brain behind B-URN, is a graduate of the George Washington University in DC with a degree in Exercise Science.

Did you always want to study physical rehabilitation?

What was your inspiration?

I knew what I wanted to do at a very young age. At first, I wanted to be a stewardess on EgyptAir, however, my dreams were shattered by my parents who informed me of what it would entail. It did not take long for me to switch to wanting to become a physical education teacher. Years later, I got over this dream and got into physical medicine and rehabilitation.

spectrum of conditions, including geriatrics, sports injuries, women’s health and musculoskeletal dysfunctions. It was finally time to come home and open up a place of my own: PhysioEgypt.

Physio offers evidence-based physiotherapy that is up-to-date with international standards. I felt that what I wanted to do was pretty much missing in Egypt.

What impact did exercising have on you?

When I had my first baby, I was like all mothers; sleep deprived and drowning in tasks with little social life. One day, I called my mother and asked her to rescue me. I cancelled all my appointments, hooked my iPod up with uplifting songs and went out for a jog. My jog turned into a mixture of bodyweight movements, with bursts of high intensity intervals. I did the only thing I knew; I worked out, and I came home that day with what I now preach to be #thehappy.

I also took classes with my favorite trainers and got my body and mind back into shape. As a child, my parents pushed me into all sorts of sports. I swam on a national level, and I guess my body just knew that was what I needed to get out of that phase.

How did the idea of B-URN begin?

My course of study gave me a foundation, but was not enough to come back home and make a difference. I got accepted to the European School of Physiotherapy in The Netherlands where I graduated at the top of my class. With ten years of higher education behind me and internships in the United States, Europe, Turkey and Egypt, I was fully certified to treat a full

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B-URN started off as a 50-minute high intensity class with elements of training, physiology and good tunes. On a trip to the United States one year, I tried a class on The Megaformer, a workout based on the Lagree Fitness Method. After my second minute on the machine, my arms were shaking, my heart was

beating and I felt the excitement I get deep within knowing that this would be a killer workout. I knew that I had to bring these machines back to share with the rest of Egypt.

The essence of B-URN is the B. I want our clients to B-energized, B-strong B-resilient; basically just to come in and be whatever they want for the 45 minutes, ultimately leaving with #thehappy; the physical and mental release you get after a good workout.

How does exercise better someone’s mood?

My take on this comes from my background in sports science.

You will hear many trainers boast about the benefits of exercise and how it makes you feel better because of endorphins, stress relief and blood flow. However, for me it is so much more than this. Actually, the fat burning, muscle-toning and strengthening are all side effects, which you can get from any good workout.

What we offer is #thehappy and it is a science that I believe in. In a nutshell, what actually happens to your body after a workout is brain conditioning. To have our brain working at the best possible level, we have to work our bodies, and in this technologydriven age, we are doing less moving and so our brains are not functioning at their best.

I actually ask my clients to schedule their most important meetings right after their workout because exercise improves brain function.

Do you have a particular target audience?

At B-URN, everyone is welcome and it is an exercise for both men and women. We also provide private sessions for those who are anxious about jumping into a class or for those who have injuries that need attending to.

What are some of your achievements or mar 2017 | Ct

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MIND, BODY & SOUL What are some of your achievements and shortcomings that you have witnessed?

My greatest achievement is my children. They come first for me. Secondly, I would like to believe that I have made an impact on exercise and health awareness in Egypt. As for issues I face: scheduling is painful. Egyptians have the tendency to book and cancel and book again within five minutes, and so it is hard to make everyone happy and that is where I am most pressured.

How do you feel about the exercise scene in Egypt?

I am happy that people are working out more, eating better and definitely more aware of the benefits of health and exercise. We used to be light years away from the West in terms of health and fitness, but I can proudly attest to the fact that we are not anymore.

What advice would you give to prosperous exercisers?

Do something everyday. Switch your workouts to get the best results. Do not limit yourself to one instructor or one training method, but rather try out everything then choose. Do not be scared of working out; be proud and happy to have made the decision. p Instagram: @b_urnegypt

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FEATURE

StorieS of Low income ncome

Women making aking a Living in egypt Betrayal and Motherhood This is a story of heartache and joy, of life and death; it is the story of Amina Khalaf.

Amina comes from a family of moderate income. She got married 13 years ago to “the love of her life,” Said, a talented carpenter from her neighborhood.

A couple of months into marriage, Said’s economic conditions were not good, “He was in debt because of the marriage expenses. I did not ask for much, but he wanted things to be perfect for me.”

Finally, Said was offered a job in Upper Egypt where his skills were much needed. In order to minimize on expenses, Khalaf stayed behind, moving to live with her mother-in-law and his brother. “My mother-in-law was always jealous of me. She had the notion that I stole her son from her and charmed him with my beauty. She never accepted or liked me, but I had a separate room and I was fine with the arrangement as long as our dream to reunite would happen some day.”

Her husband was making a home for them in Upper Egypt, and promised everything would be settled in a couple of years. During that time, he could not visit and neither could she in order to save on expenses.

During her stay there, she was raped by her brother-in-law, with the knowledge of his mother. “I went to the police, reported the incident but my mother-in-law and her son denied it and said that I must have had sex outside and wanted to justify my sin.”

“I did not tell Said as I did not want to bother him while he was away. I was ashamed of myself so I kept quiet and moved back into my family’s one-bedroom apartment. Five months later, I was starting to show, and I did not know what to do, so I packed a bag and went to Said and told him the whole story. He said he believed me but would not touch me, not even when I pleaded to him.”

For him, the thought of his brother or anyone else touching her was too much to bare.

Khalaf tried to have an abortion but she almost

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died in the process, and so she had to carry the baby to term. “I stayed there until after I gave birth and Said agreed to write the baby in his name and help out with the expenses, but did not want anything to do with me or the baby.”

I was not able to go back home as my brotherin-law was stalking me threatening to expose me to my family as a sinner, so I tried calling my husband, but to no avail, then went to look for him, but was told that he left the city.

“I felt devastated, and started moving around until I found myself in Cairo.” She worked at a hairdresser’s shop cleaning the place, then bit by bit, she became the best pedicurist there.

She now lives with her ten-year-old son and works all day to earn a living. Her family knows nothing about her, but from time to time, she calls her mother just to hear her voice then hangs up. “She knows it is me and she talks to me without having to hear my voice.

She tells me about everything, and I listen to her without saying a word.”

“My son is old enough to ask questions that I do not have answers to. He asks, ‘why can’t we call our family for help. Even the poorest of the poor have families, where is ours?’”

For now, she avoids the question, trying to focus only on bringing him up as a wellestablished, well-mannered young man. “I just look at him and try not to see all the ugliness of his birth father, but sometimes it is just so hard to forget everything that I have been through, but then I remember the first time I saw him and all the special moments we have had together, having it be just the two of us made us grow closer.”

“I took the hard path of being a single mother.

My only other choice was to abandon him somewhere, to be raised like all those parentless kids that have no hope of a real future... My choice was the harder one, but I would do it all over again, just to see him smile.”

-By Rana Kamaly

I stayed there until after I gave birth and Said agreed to write the baby in his name and help out with the expenses, but did not want anything to do with me or the baby.

Raising Children after Divorce Thirty-seven year old Omm Rania cleans houses for a living. She was married to a house builder at the age of 20 and has two children. Carrying heavy material all day due to her husband’s nature of work, he injured his back, and after consulting several doctors, he ended up having back surgery and was advised not to carry anything heavy for at least two years.

Due to their circumstances, Omm Rania was obliged to be the breadwinner of the family, but even after the passing of the two years, her husband found any excuse not to go to work and stayed home, enjoying the fact that he got an allowance from his hard working wife.

Omm Rania earned just enough to get by each month in order to pay for her children’s education, clothes and needs as well as the household requirements and her husband’s needs.

With the passing of the years, tension broke out between Omm Rania and her husband, which resulted in her being verbally and physically abused by him. This lead to her giving up on the fact that he would ever provide for his family, and thought that since she is the one working and spending on the house, she might as well get divorced and not be subjected to abuse, nor obliged to feed an extra, ungrateful mouth.

A few years later, she decided to get married again to someone who would take responsibility and could take care of her and her children. Her second husband was not any better than the first, if not worse. He refused to share her children’s expenses and even did not allow them to live with her in their new home.

Not only did Omm Rania have to endure living away from her kids, he also did not accept renting an apartment near to where the kids stayed, but she still went to her job to take care of their expenses.

Tired of the arrangement imposed on her by her new husband, she asked him again to help her with the money, or have the kids live with them, but he gave her two options: either she chooses him or her kids. Faced with such an ultimatum, Omm Rania opted for her children, ending up with another divorce and remaining as the family’s breadwinner.

-By Alia Moustafa

Faced with such an ultimatum, Omm Rania opted for her children, ending up with another divorce and remaining as the family’s breadwinner.

Vulnerable Women Projects in Egypt During the course of my professional life, I was the Projects Coordinator of one the mutual development projects established by the German-Arab Chamber and the ILO. The project targeted 1,000 vulnerable women between the ages of 18 to 50 living in slums, of whom 60% were illiterate, 30% reached the preparatory stage, while 10% were university graduates. The project focused on the textile and handicraft industries.

ILO was keen to include 5% disabilities and it was important to enroll them because of their keenness to exert an effort for better living conditions. All the women in the project were enthusiastic to develop skills which would make them financially independent seeing as they were responsible for their household either because their husbands were unemployed, or because they were divorced or widowed. Even some of the single women were helping with family expenses.

Randa Farghalli, 36 years old, was employed in a sportswear factory.

She said, “I did not have a life before, as I was dependent on my brother, but now I feel strong, and financially independent.” Actually, in a very short time, she proved herself and became a supervisor and now takes computer courses to better herself.

Om Ahmed, is a 50-year-old widow with four children; a son who finished technical education, but is not working, and three others in university and schools. “As I am illiterate, I was determined to exert more effort at work in order to allow my children to complete their education and have decent jobs.”

Soad el Sayed, 40 years old, with a husband out of work and three children; one of the daughters decided to join her mother in the project to support in the financial obligations. Soad said, “My husband forced me to go to work, as he needs money for his cigarettes and going to the coffee shop.”

University GradUates in the Project

10% of the univserity graduates were unable to find suitable work and opted to join the project.

Asmaa Abdel Aal, a 25-year-old, single woman who graduated from the Faculty of Commerce, said, “After I lost hope in finding a job suitable to my qualifications, and as I was in dire need of money to support my family, I decided to enroll in the project and work in a textile factory. This opportunity did not only develop my technical skills, but allowed me to share financial responsibilities with my father, plus saving for the future.”

Ola el Sayed is a 20-year-old, single woman and a student at the Faculty of Arts. “I joined the program because I am determined to continue my education and help support the family as I have three brothers and a father who is the only other breadwinner who works as a freelance carpenter with an unstable income.”

iLo’s cooPerative Project The ILO played a major role in developing women’s skills and helped empower them to start working collectively in social and economic solidarity groups to better their income.

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FEATURE Not only are cooperative groups beneficial for the women in organizing their business, but also to share experiences and upgrade their knowledge.

Moreover, women are able to sell their handicrafts either individually or in joint exhibitions.

“I was motivated to join the handicrafts cooperative because of the training and the regular income I am getting,” said Sayeda Saad, a 26-year-old from Kum Umbu, Aswan Governorate.

Amal Moussa, 30 years old, says, “We used to earn 300 pounds a month, now we make up to 1,000 in two days at an exhibition, due to having direct access to the market.”

a ve a h ot sI n a , d e t i I d befor den n life depe ther, s o wa y br feel m I on now d n t bu ng, a ly l o str ncia ent. a d fin epen ind

“At the beginning, we were afraid of leaving our villages, but now we feel free to sell our products in the cities,” said Sekina Saad, 40 years old, and leader of a solidarity group. “I meet new people and am now known by my clients,” mentioned Afef Hassan, 39 years old.

Sekina, a divorced woman, said,“I have to make my own living as I am also taking care of my mother. I have been working in handicrafts for the last ten years, and because of my experience, I improved the quality of our products, and that is why I was selected to be a leader of a group in Kum Umbu.

We are 50 to 60 members from different villages in Aswan and are producing a variety of products and have also introduced new designs such as beaded jewelry.”

Haneya Mohammed, 30 years old, completed her secondary education and is taking care of her siblings and mother. Since 2004, she has been selling handicrafts from home to traders where she received a small payment for the work she did.

However, when she joined the group, her income considerably increased since she is not producing for others anymore, plus she is enjoying a social life with her colleagues. She says she feels free to create her own products and to travel to the city by herself to sell them.

Shadya Taha, 34 years old, and one of the leaders in Aswan, has a secondary certificate and completed two years of computer study. Taha is married with two children and has been working in handicrafts for many years. She used to purchase raw materials and produce at home, then sell her products at different stores in Aswan. She mentioned, “After joining the group conditions became much better.”

These women, who started off with the pressure of having to provide for their families, were privileged to turn their lives around by enrolling in such projects. p

- By Rehab Saad

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I joined the program because I am determined to continue my education and help support the family.

FEATURE

Women in Men’s Jobs

Compiled by Ahmed Kafafi, Alia Moustafa, Rana Kamaly, Rehab Saad

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Osta MOna –

The Tire repairer

A

s you walk into Bein El Saryat, opposite Cairo University, anyone can guide you to Osta Mona’s workshop, for she is the only woman in the neighborhood doing what has been a man’s job for decades.

She is perhaps the only one in Egypt, as such a profession is exclusively male dominated due to the physical strength and stamina it requires, let alone the ability to deal with truck drivers and technicians. However, Osta Mona, 40 years old, has proven to be tougher and more enduring than most, for she can stand in the hot sun for several hours, carrying heavy tires and directing her assistants.

The fact that I mend tires is not to copy men. This is a job that I excel in besides needing to earn money to help with family expenses.

She took up this profession at the age of 11 and did the job disguised as a man in a cap and a jumpsuit.

“The fact that I mend tires is not to copy men. This is a job that I excel in besides needing to earn money to help with family expenses. I did not mind working hard before, but now many small businesses are being challenged due to the competition from bigger ones,” protested Osta Mona.

Osta Mona refused to get married, opting to be the bread earner of her family, but with the fierce invasion of competition, closing down the workshop has become a threat.

The job came as a coincidence when she used to accompany her father to his workshop and watch him as he dealt with the tires. Her father would occasionally ask her to give him a helping hand.

“Things changed as he developed pain in his legs and back due to arthritis, making it difficult for him to work. Initially, he seeked outside help, who later left as quickly as they joined, refusing to work for the meager wage he could afford to pay them.

“The place would have closed down if I did not step in and take the responsibility. We desperately needed the revenue it generated to bring up my sisters, and being the eldest and most capable, I immediately took over, and thankfully now some of my sisters have completed their education and are working.”

OM MOhaMed –

The parking ValeT All around Egypt, you may find a male valet in front of almost every building to either guide cars into a parking space or is entrusted with parking cars. I was surprised to hear that someone had seen a woman in a galabeya ushering and parking cars.

Om Mohamed took the job of the valet in Nasr City. She is a building’s caretaker’s wife. As her husband is the one who goes out to run errands and buy the residences’ orders, she found that she needed to learn how to drive so she can park cars, and asked her husband to teach her. Now, she ushers drivers into parking spots, and when she has to, she parks the cars herself.

OM BasseM – The plumber

For most of us, when something goes wrong in the house, we usually call the maintenance man. However, Om Bassem, Egypt’s first female plumber, now owns a plumbing shop in the Darb El Ahmar district. When she went to apply at a plumbing workshop, she was rejected for being a woman. This did not stop her from persisting until she was finally accepted.

At the beginning, her children did not grasp the idea that she was just as hardworking as anyone else. Even after she started work, people were not sure she could do the work until she proved that she was good enough for this job. mar 2017 | Ct

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FEATURE MAHASEN FAwzy -

GAs cyLINDEr sELLEr At the gas tank warehouses, you can find many women carrying their own cylinders like Mahasen Fawzy. “I wake up at five in the morning and start work. I rent a mini truck, some gas cylinders and start roaming the streets, calling out for people who need to change their gas cylinder,” says Fawzy. At first, people did not really take her seriously, “Once, people thought it was a scam and that I was going to rob them, and another time a lady refused to let me replace her cylinder and thought I was not qualified enough just because I was a woman like her, and that is the irony. I do not get it when a woman does not trust another because of her gender.”

Fawzy explained the difficulty of the job when sometimes her body hurts all over due to the heavy load, but says she does it for her father. “This was his job and it was easy to follow in his footsteps, as I was in my thirties and raising two children on my own after my husband left me for another woman.”

Fawzy wants to send her kids to university so they can have a better shot at life.

OM RAMi –

ThE BuTchEr All butchers in Egypt are usually men, while “Fayza Yousef” or “Om Rami” as she likes to be called, is the first female butcher in Alexandria.

“I married a butcher. Although I studied tourism, I fell in love with this profession. I began learning the tricks of the trade and soon entered the world of meat cutting and shaping,” said Om Rami. She is very famous in the area of Sidi Bishr, and all her customers are familiar with her art of butchery. “Some of my customers are famous actors, like Sayed Zayan and Hassan Moustafa.”

OM SAMAH, OM KHALED AND NOUR GABER-

FEMALE Truck AND TAXI DrIvErs Om Samah’s husband used to drive a minibus, but was later diagnosed with glaucoma. Hiring someone else to drive the bus was more trouble than it was worth, so she started driving without a license. She encountered a lot of problems at the beginning, but was later able to pass her driving test and now drives legally.

“Though I like my job, it upsets me sometimes to know that I did not stay at home like other women do,” she said.

I was surprised when I met Om Khaled who drives a 36-ton truck.

She is proud of what she does and feels more at home in her truck than she does in her apartment. Om Khaled works obsessively, sometimes two months at a time, without taking a day off. “I proved that women can drive trucks, while maintaining my house duties away from work,” she mentioned.

She believed that this plan would help improve the country’s economy by raising the number of working women.

Nour Gaber, a 45-year-old Egyptian female taxi driver, set up an academy to train women to join her at Cabbie Nour Gaber. Gaber is an agriculture engineer and a single mom to three children. “It is a masculine society, and they always say women belong in their homes and kitchens,” explained Nour, who started driving a taxi in 2009.

“I wanted to create a center so that women would not have the difficulties that I had – and so that society would accept women working in a ‘male’ profession, and might even be better at it.” She believed that this plan would help improve the country’s economy by raising the number of working women. Gaber became popular for her reliability and punctuality, and she was in high demand from families and female passengers who were tired of frequent harassment.

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haSnaa TayMour – The piloT

beginning but now they are fine with it. They are even happy and proud of me,” she added.

“I never get tired when I am at the workshop because I am doing what I love, and this encourages me to exert more effort when I am home,” she said.

Marwa el Selehdar – The ShipmaSTer Graduating with a degree in pharmacy, Hasnaa Taymour’s passion for flying encouraged her to enroll at the National Institute of Aviation. She began in 1995 as a co-pilot, later on taking the title of Captain.

Taymour has been passionate towards flying since her childhood, especially after hearing stories from her father who was an Air Defense Officer.

“I was in my second year when I read about the new enrollment tests for both males and females at the Aviation College. My father encouraged me to give it a try, and I passed all the tests. I continued studying pharmacy alongside, and after graduation, I decided to work at EgyptAir.”

El Selehdar, a 24-year-old graduate of the Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AAST) in Alexandria, is the first Egyptian female shipmaster, and the first female to participate in the New Suez Canal celebrations.

She proudly says, “Even though I had been dreaming of taking part in the [New Suez Canal] opening ceremony, I never thought it would come true.”

“Frequently, when passengers hear my voice during announcements, you can hear them express their concerns about the pilot being a woman, but at the end of the trip, their anxiety disappears,” she continued.

“I was overjoyed when I learned that I would be on the deck of ‘Aida 4’ as a second naval officer, making me the youngest Egyptian and Arab female shipmaster to take part in a celebration broadcasted worldwide.”

Although EgyptAir does not place restrictions on employing women as pilots, the number of women who work in this field does not exceed 30, where the company has appointed the first woman to fly a plane in 1988.

When Marwa decided to approach the academy to transfer to a highly demanding department, her family’s support was a great motive for her to join and excel in this male-dominated field.

Taymour admitted that she met difficulties when trying to balance her home duties with work, especially during long flight schedules in foreign countries, but due to her husband’s understanding, she managed to achieve both.”

aSMaa KaMel – The CarpenTer

Asmaa Kamel, a 28-year-old Egyptian woman, works as a carpenter and upholsterer along with her husband, who fully supported her.

“I got into carpentry at the beginning because my husband was overloaded and could not afford to hire someone to help him,” Kamel said. “So, I at first I was just helping my husband at the workshop, and it did not take long to learn the trade,” she continued.

However, it was not easy for Kamel to convince her family.

“They could not understand how I was going to deal with workers and suppliers. They had their doubts at the

reeM Magdy –

The Female WreSTler In November 2016, Reem Magdy, the Egyptian champion and world’s bronze medalist, was killed in a tragic road accident in her home-town, Ismailia.

Magdy, the 16-year-old daughter of an Egyptian wrestler, won the gold medal in the U-17 Africa Championship in Algeria last July, making her the first Egyptian female to win the title.

Since she began wrestling, not a single point was made against her. Her main target was to win the World Championship, and exerted all her efforts to reach her dream. Her father was her role model as he was Africa’s champion in wrestling, but opposed the idea of allowing his daughter to follow in his footsteps at first, then becoming her coach later.

Despite her young age, Magdy has made numerous achievements in women’s wrestling. She won nine of Egypt’s national tournaments, including three U-14 tournaments, three U-17 tournaments and three U-20 tournaments among others. p

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FEATURE

A TribuTe To Five renowned egypTiAn MoTher Figures

By Layal Al Rustom

Contemporary Egypt is home to many women whose dedication, love and success has enabled them to become pioneers in their field. There are many ways to define a mother figure, but most importantly, it is the feeling that she evokes in the person who refers to her as a mother.

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E

ach of these women has touched the hearts of her audience or followers in a way that won her the title of “Mother.” From one’s mother or grandmother, a special teacher, co-worker, supervisor, or a woman who has played a significantly inspirational role in one’s life or career, five Egyptian mother figures are remembered for whom they were and what accomplishments led to them holding a title acknowledged by the wider Egyptian society.

Safeya Zaghloul “Umm el-Masreyyin” (Mother of Egyptians) Despite the fact that many of the younger generations have not witnessed the era of Saad and Safeya Zaghloul, Safeya deserves to be mentioned as the only Egyptian woman who was named “Mother of Egyptians”. Although she did not bear any children of her own, and because of her central political role in the 1919 revolution to claim independence from the British Empire, and for being an advocate for women’s rights, she was given this title that no one after her has succeeded to take.

Safeya Mostafa Fahmy (1878-1946) is the daughter of Mostafa Fahmy Pasha, who was one of Egypt’s earliest prime ministers. She became known as Safeya Zaghloul after marrying Saad Zaghloul, leader of the Wafd Party.

The sense of loyalty and responsibility that Safeya had for her life partner and beloved community is portrayed through her actions. When Saad was exiled to the Seychelles in 1919, she first requested from the British representative to join her husband, and when it was rejected, Safeya took the opportunity to continue in the footsteps of her husband and further participate in demonstrations. She gave speeches that sparked enthusiasm in the hearts of the Egyptians who were against foreign power. It was then that she issued her statement: “if the brute English force has arrested Saad and his tongue, then his wife and life partner is making God and the homeland witness that she will replace her great husband, and that she considers herself a mother to all those who came out to face bullets for the sake of freedom,” in which demonstrators responded, “long live the mother of Egyptians,” and from here she gained her title.

‘she considers herself a mother to all those who came out to face bullets for the sake of freedom,’ in which demonstrators responded, ‘long live the mother of Egyptians’

The home of the ‘leader of the nation’ and ‘mother of Egyptians’ was built in 1902, adapting French architecture, and was located in “Alinsha’a” alley. The house carried flags of the cross and the crescent against the British occupation, representing Christians and Muslims, respectively, which became a symbol of the Egyptian nationalist movement of independence at the time. It is in this house that many activists, intellectuals, politicians and writers gathered. This included Saad’s grand nephews, who were raised and inspired by Saad and later became the “fathers of modern Arab journalism.”

Safeya remained a political activist: a central figure in the Wafd Party and a leader to the party’s women, but retired after the party split in 1937. Many public schools were named after her across Egypt’s governorates: Giza, Port Said, and Alexandria, to name a few.

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FEATURE

Notaila ibrahim rashed “Mama Loubna” Notaila (1934-2012) named herself “Mama Loubna” after her daughter’s name “Loubna”, as her name was difficult for children to pronounce and remember.

“Mama Loubna” became associated with a figure loved by children and adults from the 1960s until the 1990s.

Karima moKhtar “Mama Nouna” Born Ateyat Mohamed El Badry (1934-2017) in Asyut, Karima Mokhtar is one of the most renowned mother figures in contemporary Egyptian drama and theatre.

After attaining a degree in theatre, Mokhtar married director Nour El Demerdash and gave birth to four children. She began her career in the 1950s through the children’s radio show “Baba Sharo”. Although she got offers to act in films, her family rejected this idea, but soon after her marriage to El Demerdash, she could not turn down a role in her first film “Thaman Alhoreya” (The Price of Freedom), where she played the role of a young mother. Her convincing natural performance won her the mother character throughout her career. Although she was hesitant about always playing the same figure, the success she received and her audience’s expectations made her continue in this direction.

Mokhtar acted mostly in films and soap operas, but her role in the Egyptian theatre especially in”El ‘Eyal Kebret” (The Kids Have Grown Up) further commemorated her as “Om El Eyal” (the children’s mother), after her brilliant performance as the loyal loving wife and spoiling mother, and whose life is fully dedicated to her home and family. Mokhtar also co-starred in many soap operas and films for over 50 years of her career.

Her work won her many awards, especially in “Yetraba Fee Ezzo”, the famous 2007 soap opera. She played the role of “Mama Nouna”, whose life was centered around her son’s happiness. Her outstanding performance won her the “Best Actress” award, as she found her way into the hearts of her audience who continued to call her “Mama Nouna”.

During the late eighties and nineties, there was a national project to raise awareness to Egyptian families on the dangers of dehydration in children, where Mokhtar played the mother figure that people trusted to be the advising face for that project. She was able to reach Egyptians by leading the campaign’s advertisements.

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In 1956, she married Abdel Tawab Youssef, a pioneer in children’s literature, and gave birth to three children. While studying at Cairo University, she began writing for children and young adults and in 1953, her first stories were broadcasted on the radio.

The author of numerous children’s books and short stories, including her famous “The Diary of Yasser Family” and “Abou Keer and Abou Seer”. She also translated children’s classical stories from English to Arabic, including Anna Sewell’s “Black Beauty”.

Rashed was one of the founders of the children’s magazine “Samir” along with Nadia Nashaat in 1956, and worked as a secretary in the magazine for years before becoming the editor-in-chief from 1966 to 2002. In 1965, she founded the children’s books section of the publishing house Dar El Helal, where she was a publisher for five years. She won many awards including: the State Award for Children’s Literature in 1978, the State Award for Children’s Journalism in 1995 and the Medal of the Council of the Ministry of Culture in 2002.

Because the publications were very limited at the time, the sphere of knowledge and imagination was limited, which enabled the magazine to pioneer in the Arab World as the “mother of Arabic children’s magazines.” Nonetheless, it was banished in some countries during Nasser’s regime because of the socialist views it reflected. It was also the first magazine to portray in Arabic famous Disney characters prior to the establishment of “Mickey Magazine”.

The magazine was in every house and spoke to everyone as it carried the motto “for ages 8 till 88.” With its picture-stories, it was considered an educational magazine that was fun and entertaining, and included simple religious stories and world news in literature, science and handicrafts. The magazine carried “Al Morasel Al Sahafy” (The journalist Reporter), which inspired many young readers to discover their passion for journalism at a young age by writing and sending their work to the magazine.

“Mama Loubna” raised awareness through her writings on social issues; for example, the stealing of children’s lunch boxes in school and wasting public money. Children were always her concern and she lived her life feeling responsible to shine a light on their struggles and their significance in the community as the hope and future of the country.

Tamav irene or Ummina irini oF The CopTiC ChUrCh “Tamav” is the Coptic word for “mother” Fawzia Yassa Khella (1936-2006) was born in Sohag to Coptic Orthodox parents, and was the eldest of four sisters and two brothers.

Fawzia’s parents used to attend church leading a simple Christian family life revolving around work, worship and donating charity. Her mother taught her to pray and prostrate and at a young age, she longed for a monastic life. After the passing away of her maternal aunt, whom she loved, she saw a vision of her aunt telling her that she will become a nun and a mother to many nuns.

In 1953, Fawzia went to Cairo and expressed her wish to join the convent of St. Philopateer Mercurius in Old Cairo. According to the Coptic customs, every nun is given a new name, usually that of a saint or martyr, when they take their vows. In 1953, Fawzia was consecrated as a nun and given the name of Irini (‘peace’ in Greek), after the martyr of the first century Irene. In 1962, she was consecrated as Mother Superior at the church.

The church published many books and screened biographical films on her life, miracles and sayings. Through her biography, one has a glimpse of the supernatural world, which transcends the ordinary logical physical life, a world of great peace, faith and love.

Tamav Irene was not merely a mother figure but more of a spiritual mother and patroness, where people would go to her with problems and ask for her blessings and prayers. Leading a life of faith, Tamav Irene did and experienced miracles, where medicine failed, God’s hands intervened to cure the incurable. As such, she was further considered “a living miracle.” She was also gifted with spiritual transparency, and she could see forthcoming events. The message she addressed and lived by is a life of prayer and love.

Irene is considered the Mother Theresa of the Coptic Church, and was named “The Mother of Modern Egyptian Church Monasticism.”

Fadila TawFik “Abla Fadila” Born in 1929, Fadila Tawfik is the most renowned presenter of children’s programs on the radio.

Graduating with a degree in law, her employer, Hamed Pasha Zaki, saw Tawfik unfitting to work as a lawyer. She then got married and gave birth to her only daughter, Reem. In 1953, she met the radio broadcast pioneer “Baba Sharo,” who at the time was broadcasting his children’s show on the radio. After some training in radio broadcasting, her dream came true when “Baba Sharo” began hosting his program on television and she took his place.

She presented “Ghinwa wa Haddouta” (A Song and a Tale), a radio show for preschool children, and “Hadith El-Atfal” (Children Talk), for primary school children.

Irene was not merely a mother figure but more of a spiritual mother and patroness, where people would go to her with problems and ask for her blessings and prayers.

Leading a life of faith, Tamav Irene did and experienced miracles.

“Abla Fadila” refused to name her program “Mama Fadila,” as was commonly done, because she believed that no one deserves to be called “mother” other than the child’s real mother, and for that she preferred to be addressed as “Abla”, a Turkish title for an elder sister.

Tawfik’s stories taught parents and guardians how to deal with children in certain situations. The stories and entertaining narration are a medium through which children and adults meet to respectfully understand each other’s perspectives.

Although Abla Fadila’s show disappeared from the radio years ago, they are accessible online and like any classical, her stories are immortal; they will always live and be revisited by adults as well as children. p

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FEATURE

50

Most Influential Egyptian Women in Business Honored

A

grand ceremony was held in Cairo last January to announce the 50 most influential women in the Egyptian economy.

The selection expressed its recognition to 50 Egyptian women’s exceptional success including banking chairmen, founders, economic policy makers and current ministers.

Among those honored was Mrs. Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia, as one of the Most Influential Egyptian Women in Business for the year 2016. TAQA Arabia is considered one of the largest private sector energy distribution companies in Egypt with over 18 years of experience, investing and operating energy infrastructure including gas transmission and distribution, power generation and distribution and the marketing of petroleum products.

NABILA MAKRAM

HEBA EL SEWEDy

The selection criteria was set by “The 50 forum”, the first growing network that includes the most influential women in economy. This comes under the implementation of the forum’s plan, which aims at enhancing the roles of distinguished women in the economic sectors. The move aims to highlight Egyptian women’s crucial role in various economic sectors such as banking, industry, real estate, communications and entrepreneurship.

The list includes Egyptian politician who currently serves as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s national security advisor; Faiza Aboul Naga, Ministers Sahar Nasr, Ghada Wali, Nabila Makram and Vice-President of Citibank Egypt; Lamis Negm.

PAKINAM KAFAFI

RANA ABADI

SAHAR NASR

SAHAR EL DAMATy

The list also includes Chairman of Special Council of the Economic Development affiliated to the Presidency Abla Abdel-Latif, Head of the Egyptian Presidential Media Office Rasha Allam, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) Lobna Helal, Secretary-General of the Social Fund for Development (SFD) Soha Soliman, Founder and Chairperson of Ahl Misr Foundation Heba Elsewedy.

And the following: Sub‐Governor for Monetary Policy at the CBE Rania Al‐Mashat, EFG-Hermes’ Non-executive Chairperson Mona Zulficar, Managing Director and CEO of the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Egypt the late Nevine Loutfy, Executive Board Member at Oriental Weavers Farida Khamis and Associate Director of Marketing for the Juice Division at Juhayna Food Industries Heba Thabet, Deputy Managing Director of Emirates NBD in Egypt Sahar Al-Damaty, Chairperson of the Egyptian Competition Authority Mona El-Garf, and Deputy Director of Corporate Strategy and Business Development at Orange Rana Abadi, among others. p

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WE BRING YOUR BUSINESS TO LIFE

48, Abdel Moneim Hafez Street, off Nozha St., Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (202) 2290 8127 - 2415 8762 Mobile: 010 005 2322 - 010 005 2323 Email: editor@live-colors.com - s.kamel@live-colors.com

COMMUNITY Entrepreneur

An African proverb says, “If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” Ghada Wali dreams even bigger. The 27-year-old Egyptian graphic designer, illustrator and artist aims to revolutionize the world with her designs that incorporate Arabic and Egyptian flavor. Despite her age and short but profound professional career, she has won several international awards like the Granshan competition, Adobe Design Achievement awards and has recently made it to the Forbes List “30 under 30”. Her projects are outstanding, already placing her globally amongst the best 100 graphic designers by the Society of Typographic Arts Chicago.

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Ghada Wali – The Egyptian Who Made Her Community Proud

G

had Wali is not only proud to reflect her identity as an Egyptian and as a woman into her work, but also advocates for linking rich history to the fast moving future using design. Community Times spoke to her about the importance of visual communication, cultural heritage and the role of design.

You have been in the spotlight for the past few weeks, internationallY and especiallY in egYpt. how do You feel?

I feel that finally all my sleepless nights are paying off! I have been working very hard and I am grateful it is coming to life. It comes a very long way, years of hard work and tons of unmet trials, before an Arab woman can make it to the surface of having a fair chance of global recognition in a male and western dominated world. I am sure that within one story that is recognized, there are a million of other women out there that have failed to reach out to a public mass.

By Selma Köhn

how has Your life changed? are You involved in More projects?

I now dedicate more of my time to ‘noncreative’, work-related areas such as being an account person, networking and planning, resulting in juggling too many aspects altogether. Yes, new exciting opportunities are arising.

egYptians are alwaYs proud when other egYptians Make it to an international level. are You under pressure now?

Although I am a workaholic that spends her weekends working, I definitely feel pressured to work 1,000 times harder!

what are You currentlY working on and what are Your upcoMing projects?

I am working on a movie project and I hope that through it I can introduce and revolutionize the understanding of movie poster designs and advertising scenes in Egypt and the Arab World.

What does the nomination for the forbes list mean for you?

The process to get on this list is rigorous, especially that I am a nonEU citizen. Part of my main pride of being on the Forbes list is not only representing my country for the first time, but also receiving this global recognition on projects that reflect my identity as both a woman, an Egyptian and an Arab.

on, is an essential asset to producing real, relevant and honest story-telling designs. My audience for me constitutes the main drive and cause of any design project I am about to embark on. I spend time studying and exploring their behavior and stories by observing, recording, taking notes and pictures, running surveys, interviews etc. This process, in turn, inspires and expands the horizon of any designer in building a successful project.

What makes you stand out from other graphic designers, in egypt as Well as WorldWide?

hoW much does your heritage play a role in your creations?

My belief is that graphic design can change the world. It is the main conviction behind my every piece of work, even if I am working on a very simple task. I work with my full heart and emotions, and believe that it reaches the cores of people when it is true and genuine. My heart is my compass and I strive in experimenting and exploring with a diversity of approaches that work for different briefs rather than keeping myself tied to a specific one.

What stays the same is the feeling – the drive – so we can say that my approach falls under “emotional design.” I think I own a specific visual style and character, defined by the use of a lot of color that could be spotted within a crowd.

My brain is my strongest asset. In addition to opening up my senses and seeing beyond face value, I also find new sources of inspiration and continuously push myself to the limit to transform my personal experiences into design outputs. “From the people, by the people, to the people” is a great motto that I always keep in mind while working on my projects.

In my working process, spending time in research and inspiration from the actual thing (people/place/product/service) I am working

I create work that is relevant to who I am and where I come from.

My aim is to encompass the Arab and Egyptian flavor through portraying my work on the maps of global trends. An ancient civilization has been overlooked, commercialized and fallen into the abused clichés. The lack of appealing solutions that communicate with the needs of today’s generations as well as connecting the world’s cultures, has made ordinary information unappealing to receive. The role of design in fostering cultures, scripts, history and finding innovative ways to preserve history while keeping up with the fast moving future is essential.

A fresh eye on history’s treasures with a contemporary approach, while celebrating a nation’s heritage with global engagement is my objective, so our beautiful identity can be proudly showcased to the world.

hoW can other talents in your field make it as far as you have?

I would say to every young talent: you are creators and dreamers.

You are changing lives, so you better have belief, conviction and fall in love with it. Do not doubt or stop, no matter what distractions are pulling you in other directions. Work hard like there is no

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Entrepreneur tomorrow, understand your past so you can create the future, do not settle for mediocrity, make the tiniest brief your biggest project. Push yourself when you think you have reached your limit; you will wake up one day and it will all make sense.

If you just truly inspire one person in changing his view, implementing an idea, affecting his day, touching his heart - at this moment it will just beat anything you have ever experienced.

What is the general role of graphic design in your opinion?

The power of using graphic design as a tool for positive change is undeniably strong. For example, in the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, the city was flooded with graphic designs like posters, signage and graffiti, and it has been the main engine of change. Visual communication was the medium that spoke louder than words when a population of 90 million voices was censored.

What is the future of graphic design?

The relationship between designers and scientists is essential to our future. Innovation in the sciences is always linked in some way, either directly or indirectly, to human experience. Human experiences happen through engaging with the arts. Superior innovation comes from bringing divergents (the artists and designers) and convergents (science and engineering) together.

The human-to-human communication is almost lost.

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hoW can We foster back humanity, yet adapt to technology and save the role of the graphic designer?

I can see a future where humans become the actual mediums of communication and an advertising tool creating their own reading experiences. That is the only logical evolution to a fast changing universe. Books, magazines, record covers, road signs, posters, logos, film credits, TV graphics, packaging, postage stamps, instruction manuals, websites, the page you are reading now - the unseen hand of the graphic designer touches and moulds every area of our lives.

I believe that the role of the graphic designer will not be to apply his or her works on objects or specific user interfaces, but the real innovation comes by changing the actual medium of communicating design. Their new canvas is the human being.

With the most complex network system of nerves and sensors, the human being makes the perfect platform of a digital, interactive, movable amd personalized tool of communication, as well as the carrier of global and local messages, precious information, and their ideas and thoughts. Only design can shape and foster the unlimited possibilities of today’s growing technologies.

What projects do you dream of doing?

Ancient Egyptians were almost the innovators of visual communication in the history of the world. It is a pity that we have fallen into not only visual pollution, but also visual illiteracy. My objective is to teach and educate people through graphic design and leverage it as a tool for positive change. I want to create a visual revolution in my country, spread Graphic Design Education and increase its awareness in our daily lives, pushing the belief of investing in proper visual solutions.

I wish that one day I could be responsible for implementing the role of graphic design in education, health, tourism, politics, social design and in fields where design can definitely contribute with a huge percentage in promoting, maximizing and reviving our country in all areas as is applied in other countries.

the private ghada: hoW do you spend your leisure time?

I almost do not have any leisure time! If I do, I travel, paint and meet with friends. I am keen on attending major design conferences happening around the world, joining workshops, exhibitions, competitions and design events. I strive to work on my skills through daily practices, drawings, sketches, conceptualization, watching tutorials, reading design books, and by following the global scene and latest trending articles. Is this considered leisure?

What is your formula for success?

Belief, persistence, constantly pushing myself to the limit and trying to transform personal obstacles into creative outputs.

When you look into the mirror, What do you see?

A human being constantly curious to explore more.

What Would your best friend say about you?

I think kind, passionate and messy!

What is your tip for a great Work-life balance?

I am still looking for it! p

More about Ghada: www.ghadawali.com

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Fieldwork Intellectual DIsabIlItIes

and How to Deal with Them

By Rana Kamaly

There are different ways of learning for special needs kids as each has a different way of doing things,” Christine Haddad, an art therapist, says. Haddad completed a Creative Arts Therapy masters program at Pratt Art Institute, and is currently working in her field in many schools in San Diego, hoping to soon open her own clinic.

How a Pregnant woman can minimize Her cHances In order to have a healthy baby, the mother has to take care of her body. Health here, does not only mean in the physical sense, but also emotionally. Emotional health is a very important part of our lives that many people tend to overlook, even though it correlates highly with our physical health. If the mother is stressed, there is a higher risk that the birth will be complicated, resulting in problems for the baby. “Special needs can occur in any family, and are not as rare in this day and age, especially with all the preservatives in our food and our fast-paced lives. It is not necessarily hereditary,” Haddad explained.

Family cHallenges and exPeriences When a baby is born with a disability, it usually comes as a shock to the parents. Being a special kid means that you are sometimes going to be shut out of society, made fun of, or neglected or over sympathized, according to 9 out of 10 parents of special needs kids that were surveyed.

Six out of the surveyed parents mentioned that they home school their kids and avoid taking them out in public places because people usually just stare awkwardly or react negatively. One parent said, “A shopping mall once kicked us out just because my 20-year-old son was talking to himself out loud and making funny noises, but he was not even bothering anyone.”

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“When I gave birth 11 years ago, my doctor told me that my kid had Downe Syndrome, and we were devastated as I knew my life would be so much harder than it already was, having two other kids. I was in denial at first, but later on, this denial made me fight for him to live a normal, fulfilled life. I started searching online for better ways to develop his skills and learned that repetition, experimenting, patience and love go a long way,” says Rania Adel.

“Now he goes to school regularly, plays sports and wins championships in ping-pong and also learns the piano. With some exercises and tutoring at home, he is almost at the same level as other kids in his class, but it just takes more effort.

Sometimes his actions can be a bit unsettling because he still can’t control his emotions like us. I watch him sometimes from a distance, and seeing how happy he is, just makes me proud,” she adds.

Salwa Thabet’s daughter Nihal (50 years old) is mentally and physically disabled. Thabet talked to us about her previous struggles. “Back in the days, having a child that did not look or act the same as everyone else was difficult. People hid their special needs kids from the society, afraid of the social stigma.”

She adds, “Nihal was my first child and she just turned out to be that way and I was not ashamed of it. It took some courage to face the world and it took me a while before I was ready to have another child, but today, I have three other children who are parents and grandparents and they are just as normal as everyone else. Back then, any maid I hired would just work for a day or two and then leave because she was scared or disgusted, as Nihal would create different sounds that replicate certain words to say if she is hungry, thirsty or just upset. With time, things improved, as I found a maid who actually cared for her.

One of the biggest struggles was always moving her around, as facilities for the disabled were non-existent then,” she adds.

Therapies ThaT can help “If our communities allowed better access, communication and understanding for those with special needs, there would be room for them to grow without judgment, just like anyone else.

If we can accept that everyone is different, then we can welcome the special needs community into our work places, shopping malls, restaurants and schools. The most detrimental aspect for someone to do is to judge, and we should not think that those

with special needs do not know that they are not being provided with the same opportunities just because of a diagnosis,” Haddad expressed.

“Also, parents should take an interest in the treatment of their children and make sure that whatever is done in their therapy sessions is mirrored at home and elsewhere so that it is truly adopted and learned,” added Haddad.

arT Therapy

Art therapy is a very powerful tool as it is a great way to let out anger, negative emotions and distress in a healthy way.

“There is no concrete formula, it all depends on the child.

The art therapist observes the child’s behaviour in order to provide the safest way for him or her to feel comfortable, while also providing a way to communicate.

Haddad explained, “To understand what I do, let’s take a child with Autism. Most people do not know what it feels like to live inside of an Autistic body. Imagine every sound that they hear (cars, your breathing, people talking) and everything they see (pictures, the floor, light, the window, trees) and feel (clothes, hair, the temperature) and other senses, then imagine that the body does not have the capability of toning some of these things out and everything attacks with the same intensity all at once.

Now imagine trying to tone it down and calm your body long enough to only listen to what one person is saying.”

Haddad adds, “So, art therapy provides a safe space for the kids to let go of that tension and calm their bodies.”

Haddad has personally seen much success through this method when children that were scared to express their feelings suddenly opened up with confidence.

sporTs Therapy

Sports is another very important energy outlet. Kids with special needs are usually exceptionally good at sptorts because they have the same amount of energy as any normal person, but they do not spend as much of it on thinking, and so they have to let it out in a physical form.

“If they do not practice sports, they may be a destructive force at home. They are also very determined and eager to accomplish something and therefore follow instructions perfectly. They just literary give it their all, point blank,” explained Ayman Abdel Wahab, head of the Special Olympics in Middle East and North Africa.

“Kids with special needs can join sports at any given age or whenever they have the capacity and talent to join, but from eight years old, they can start competing or training professionally. In sports, the kids are transforming their energy into something productive and useful. It can also change the lives of the whole family as it gives the children a chance to learn and excel at something that makes their families proud,” added Abdel Wahab.

Special needs kids can join all types of sports for free through the Special Olympics MENA. During the Special Olympics held in Los Angeles in 2015, the 68 Egyptian competitors won 49 medals: 13 gold, 20 silver and 16 bronze.

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Fieldwork

OccupatiOnal, Speech and MuSic therapy

Haddad also explained how occupational therapy teaches children to reconnect with their bodies and how to feel good inside. Speech therapy is also highly recommended because it focuses on the mouth and, when done correctly, the therapist will cater to each child’s personal needs to help develop their mouth and face muscles to be able to communicate better. However, parents have to make sure that the speech therapist is not just repeating the same techniques to all the students, as every child is different.

Expressive therapies are also great for all ages, but mostly kids, like music and play therapy. Music therapy is a great emotional outlet, whereas play therapy helps develop a child’s imagination, which is important for anyone at a young age as it leads to the development of abstract thinking.

There are different ways of learning for special needs kids as each has a different way of doing things.

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prOfeSSiOnal OpiniOn On therapieS

In order to be sure whether these therapies can be implemented in real life and whether they do add value to children’s lives, we talked to Salwa Hafez, a special needs private tutor and a mother of a daughter with Downe Syndrome. Hafez says, “As my daughter is now 30 years old, I have tried everything I can think of, and I can tell you that sports therapy works best as it lets out all the child’s energy and allows them to learn new skills. It truly is amazing how sports in general can change the attitude of a child.”

Art therapy has proven to be useful as well. “My daughter would love to take a piece of cloth and cut and sew shapes onto it,” added Hafez.

Hafez combines sports and art therapy into her teaching techniques, explaining that, “Different children respond to different techniques.” She adds, “Sometimes I take my students’ drawings and paintings and show them to psychologists as one can discover a lot through their art. One time I discovered that a girl was being abused at home through analysis of her drawings.” p

Education

A

lthough there is dire need for a skilled labor force in different crafts taught at vocational schools, the outcome has not been very encouraging in the past few years.

Reasons foR DetoRiation A teacher in a vocational education school who prefers to remain anonymous mentioned that the school includes 20 specializations, but the problem is the lack of skillfully trained students who can enhance their specialized craft due to the wrong system of training.

Furthermore, the strategy used by vocational education programs does not encourage focusing on crafts needed in the market. In addition, the Ministry of Education does not have a good teachers’ training program. While a decentralized system is another reason for failure. Funds assigned to the vocational schools are delivered to the governorates and education departments, that in turn may never reach the schools resulting in detoriated equipment and low paid teachers.

Development of Vocational Education in Egypt

By Zeinab Abul Gheit

It has been a common factor in the past that students who were unsuccessful in schools had to join a vocational education institution as a last resort to be able to find some kind of menial work in the future. This was also the outlook of the society to such schools.

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Over and above, graduates have a problem with how the society perceives them. One example is Mr. Ahmed Madkour, who graduated from an industrial school with excellent degrees, and works in an industrial company earning a high salary. In addition, he has an upscale home in New Cairo and is known for having sublime morals. However, when he wanted to get married, he was rejected by the father only because he is a graduate from a vocational school.

statistics The rate of students’ attendance at these institutions is no more than 30%. A general study was made in 17 industrial schools in Cairo where the number of students is around 2 million. It was revealed that 17,690 students said they do not attend because they believe that there is no secure future for them after graduation, while 25% said they chose a vocational school to evade the General Certificate of Education stage and 42.8% said that they will be met by a debased outlook from the society.

What neeDs to be Done To turn a graduate into a productive skilled worker, the Ministry of Education started to develop a system for supplying the labor market with a productive labor force.

“Our aim, according to Egypt’s strategy of 2030, is to create a skilled labor force that can compete, not only on a local level, but also on a regional and international level,” Dr Ahmed El Geyoushy, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, said to

Community Times. Dr. Geyoushy mentions, “Our aim is to make vocational education and training our first priority and to reach this, a development system of international criteria should be applied..”

Connecting skilled graduates with the needs of the society is another target of the Ministry, in addition to expanding the Mubarak Kohl Initiative (MKI) that promotes teaching and training in work places. In other words, from classroom to experience based training, from academic orientation to direct relevance to work and from school based socialization to applicable working attitudes.

The initiative is also working on establishing 15 new vocational schools in 18 specializations, while expanding technological complexes in Amirya, Fayoum and Assuit and the construction of two other complexes in Abu Ghaleb and Badr city. In Al Daba’a, the establishment of buildings, laboratories and curricula is ongoing to be inaugurated in 2018, whereas three of the MKI’s programs are being implemented in Port Said and Ismailia, including two vocational schools for logistics as well as schools in Fayoum.

The Ministry’s priority is to undertake a role in developing all the factors of the education process: the school, the teacher and the curricula. “Our strategy is to make development reaches all of Egypt at the nearest possible time. We aim to achieve 50% of the strategy within five years from now,” Dr. Al Geyoushy said.

PositiVe exaMPles An active model of vocational education is the Nile Group School, a secondary school present in a factory that specializes in the textile industry. The aim is to create work opportunities for the youth in that industry through the great projects launched during the Economic Development Conference held in Sharm el Sheikh. The school accommodates 225 students.

Another ideal example is the Rakta Paper Company in Alexandria where an educational class was inaugurated in the factory for training on updated machines and equipment.

MubaraK Kohl initiatiVe ProjeCts Engineer Hani El-Minshawi, head of the Mubarak Kohl committee in Businessmen Association said to Community Times that this sort of education is the practical solution for amending the point of weakness in general education.

The advantage is that the student is trained on updated equipment and machinery by a qualified specialist, where he gets both theoretical and practical lessons at the school or in the factory, including different specializations like carpentry, construction, leathery and repair of medical equipment.

El-Minshawi mentioned that through this project, the students have the chance of getting a work opportunity in the factory

in which they are trained. Also, businessmen can hire skilled workers during the three-year practical training.

Vocational education students are now motivated by the availability of exhibitions to market their products and boost the Egyptian industry. An example is, as a result of agricultural education, students were able to sell good quality products at fair prices.

El-Minshawi suggests that two extra years should be added to the schools’ programs, in accordance with the system applied in East Asia, Korea and Japan, where students are then offered a certificate equal to a bachelors degree.

An expert in this field mentioned that during the last three years, vocational education has started to witness a growing number of students.

Views of students what are the changes evident with the development of vocational education?

“Thankfully, change has occurred for the better with the introduction of new projects such as the Mubarak Kohl Initiative and the Capital project. However, not everyone gets the chance to be trained on the craft because the workshops usually do not include enough facilities. In reality, only two or three students get practical training on machines,” says Ahmed Baraka.

does the debased outlook of the society towards the graduates of vocational education still exist?

“Yes. It is the responsibility of the officials and mass media to change the image of vocational education,” mentions Atef Soliman.

what is your opinion on projects such as the Capital project and the Mubarak Kohl initiative?

The permanent capital project is not available to all the students. Only a few are admitted and get little payment, yet we still all aspire to join. In regards to the Mubarak Kohl Initiative, we suffer from the older workers whose aim is to marginalize and frustrate us. Sometimes we are also humiliated by the factory owners,” Ali Hassan comments.

In conclusion, though both initiatives are an improvement on what existed before, there are still some discrepancies such as lack of trained teacher, the need for conformity in some specializations in order to achieve better results, lack of raw materials at times and the low salaries for teachers that make them resort to giving private lessons. Also, some inherited crafts such as metal molding, wood engraving and sculpturing are not prevalent like before as there is a shortage in skilled teachers. p

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Business

Speaking with the Ambassador of Malta:

Charles Sultana

By Rawan Abdel Latif

Malta can add further value as a partner for Egypt particularly, but not exclusively, within the context of the EU Neighbourhood Policy and consequent Action Plans.

T

he Republic of Malta has always been a close cousin of Egypt, given that they have similar origins in language, lifestyle and habits.

Popularly known as a tropical Mediterranean island, Malta has made its way onto the map as a picturesque touristic destination.

However, there is more to Malta than just scenic sights. On the first of January, for the first time since its accession in 2004, Malta took up the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and consequently put on the table, for Europe’s member states, an agenda for economic and democratic prosperity. His Excellency Mr. Charles Sultana, the Ambassador of Malta in Egypt, tells us more about the Maltese Presidency and shares his views on culture, similarities and differences between Malta and Egypt.

Have you Had any previous posts before egypt?

This is my first posting to Egypt. Previously, I was stationed in Brussels, Beijing, Canberra, Toronto, and as an Ambassador in Kuwait. So Cairo is my second Ambassadorial position, but my sixth posting.

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WHat are Malta’s plans in egypt?

The importance of the relationship with Egypt as a neighbouring country for Malta is set firmly in Malta’s foreign policy objectives. As a member of the EU, Malta can add further value as a partner for Egypt particularly, but not exclusively, within the context of the EU Neighbourhood Policy and consequent Action Plans. Malta joined the EU with a valuable and positive Mediterranean background.

We share with Egypt, as with others, a Mediterranean identity that extends to language and historical roots. We are a country that has shown consistent sensitivity to the issues of the Arab World and challenges faced by our Arab partners. The excellent nature of our bilateral relations was reflected in the comments by foreign Minister Vella, Foreign Minister Shoukry and President Sisi, during Minister Vella’s visit to Egypt last December. Apart from its growing bilateral relevance, Malta cannot help but recognize and work upon Egypt’s committed engagement, with Libya and the perennial Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I am confident that our bilateral relations will continue to grow.

EuropEan union annivErsary: March 25 On March 25, 1957, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and West Germany signed the Treaty of Rome, which created the European Union (EU).

The EU is now a political and economic union of 28 member states. It has developed an internal single market through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states. EU policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the internal market, enact legislation in justice and home affairs and maintain common policies.

The functioning of the Council of the European Union, the upper house of the EU legislature, is referred to as the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It rotates among the member states of the EU every six months and it is not an individual, but rather the position, which is held by a national government. The presidency’s function is to chair meetings of the Council, determine its agendas, set a work programme and facilitate dialogue both at Council meetings and with other EU institutions.

As of January 2017, the presidency is held by the Republic of Malta.

How is tHe Maltese coMMunity Here?

The proximity between the two countries and the similarity between the Maltese and Arabic languages led many Maltese to settle in Egypt in the past, mainly in Alexandria.

The Egyptian-born Maltese also constitute a portion of Egypt’s Roman Catholic community. The Egyptian-Maltese are nowadays a small minority group in Egypt. They are immigrants, or descendants of immigrants, from Malta, who settled in Egypt largely during the nineteenth century and early twentieth century and intermarried heavily with Italians, French and other Europeans. I believe that some Maltese had been present in the country as early as the era of Napoleon in Egypt and the community was around 20,000 in the late 1930s. This number was greatly reduced by emigration years after, and almost completely wiped out in 1956 due to the Maltese being British nationals. Most of the Egyptian-Maltese settled in Australia, Canada or Britain while those with French citizenship were repatriated to France. Nowadays, there is a small Maltese community in Egypt, many of whom are affiliated with religious orders and Catholic schools.

How is tHe relationsHip between egyptians and Maltese people, noting tHat we Have siMilar backgrounds, cultures and language?

We are both Mediterranean, with a strong attachment to family and the community, and we are both blessed with beautiful climates and distinct cultural heritage. The Maltese language has influences from Arabic particularly in the grammatical structure; a remnant of the two hundred-year Arab presence starting in 800AD. Maltese is in fact the only European language of semitic origin written in Latin script. Although its closest relationships are with the forms of Arabic spoken in Libya and Tunisia, its vocabulary has been strongly influenced by Sicilian. Written with a twentynine-letter alphabet, Maltese is universally understood by its citizens. Taking the influence of Arabic in Maltese, I find the language connection rather entertaining for me, because I understand quite a few things in a daily conversation, but there are some clear discrepancies. In this light, I think an Egyptian in Malta can be refreshingly surprised by the idea that he or she can understand what is going on in the country, especially when it comes to numbers and calculations. In any case, English is also an official language of Malta and Italian and French are popular, so in this light, Egyptians would be spoilt for choice.

because of Malta’s strong culture, Has anytHing been arranged wHere we can invite entertainers to egypt to perforM at tHe opera House, for exaMple?

We have been trying to identify entertainers and venues to perform in Egypt. It is a work in progress and there is definitely an interest for people to come and perform. At the moment we are working on a concert titled “Filmed in Malta: Music from 90 years of Film Making”, which is similar to a concert organized last year by our High Commission in London. Also, our Embassy is in contact with Misr International concerning Malta’s possible participation in the Panorama of European Film Festival, scheduled to be held in November 2017, as well as the possible screening of a Maltese film at a cinema in Cairo.

Apart from the performing arts, Malta like Egypt, has a long artistic tradition that includes the making of furniture, jewelry in gold and silver, glass, sculpture, lace, ceramics, brassware, copperware as well as painting. From a literature perspective, oral literature exists in the form of proverbs, folktales, and folk songs.

The months ahead until the end of the Maltese Presidency will continue to focus on six key areas: migration, single market, security, social inclusion, Europe’s neighbourhood and maritime sector.

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The earliest known written literary work in Maltese is a poem entitled “Cantilena”, which was composed in the fifteenth century; a tradition of written literature emerged in the seventeenth century. It is also worth noting that just a few weeks ago, the Embassy of Malta in Egypt participated in an event held at the Cairo International Book Fair to launch the Arabic translation of two poetry books by Maltese author Dr. Adrian Grima, “Rakkmu” and “Klin u Kapricci Ohra”. This Arabic translation, which was carried out by Mr. Walid Nabhan and funded by the Arts Council, Malta’s Cultural Export Fund, has been published here in Cairo. We hope to see more translations in the future.

How would you describe living in Malta?

It is very easy going yet very dynamic and modern.

Distances are small, making it easy to get from one place to another. When you go for a holiday in Malta you get a little bit of everything - history, sun and sea, food and a vibrant night life. This variety not only makes Malta a popular tourist destination but it makes it an excellent location for meetings and conferences. Everyone that I know that has visited Malta has been pleasantly surprised.

We particularly enjoy and take pride in our food. Being a Mediterranean country, one can find some similarities to Egyptian food, however, Maltese cuisine tends to be more on the Italian side. The Italian culture has influenced us and due to its very close proximity, particularly to Sicily, the Sicilian influence can be felt in both our food and language.

For anyone wanting to experience Malta in its full glory, they should do so in 2018, as Valletta was declared as the European Capital of Culture for the first six months of the year, and the cultural program is impressive and extensive.

This varied cultural programme aims to promote a European dimension and encourage citizen participation, and I think culturally, Egyptians would really find it fun.

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When you go for a holiday in Malta you get a little bit of everything - history, sun and sea, food and a vibrant night life.

Have you been anywHere else otHer tHan cairo? wHat stood out to you tHe Most during your one-year stay so far?

I have visited Alexandria and I can see why so many Maltese lived there in the past. In fact, I think a fair comparison to Malta would be Alexandria, especially weather-wise.

As soon as I arrived, I felt like I was in Malta’s version of Alexandria, Sliema – though Sliema is much smaller. I have been to the library there, and it is very impressive - I love its architecture. I also very much appreciate the Stanley Bridge and beach. The bridge is a proud Egyptian, modern monument. It is a great place to walk along the corniche, sample the Alexandrian lifestyle, see old men playing backgammon and youngsters enjoying the Alexandrian night’s skyline from nearby. Also, I went to Aswan and Abu Simbel and some of your older hotels, the traditional ones, are amazing. There were many things that surprised me on the way up to Luxor, like Edfu. I was not expecting it to be so intact. To date, my favourite place has been Soma Bay in Hurghada. I love it there as the water is always warm, even during the winter. It is incredibly peaceful and largely unspoilt. We have a different type of beach in Malta. Our sandy beaches are smaller, and in this light, our rocky beaches are very popular, also mainly because of its incredibly blue and crystal clear waters.

As of JAnuAry, the republic of MAltA AssuMed the presidency of the eu; so how cruciAl would you sAy these six Months Are?

The priorities of the Maltese Presidency are driven by the objective to reunite the EU in these unprecedented times.

The need for a dialogue and reflection on the EU’s future as well as the pertinent issues relating to migration, security and economy will be at the top of the Agenda. Malta has already hosted an Informal Summit of EU Heads of State and Government where the future of the EU as well as the EU’s roadmap on migration were discussed. The months ahead until the end of the Maltese Presidency will continue to focus on six key areas: migration, single market, security, social inclusion, Europe’s neighbourhood and maritime sector.

Given the eu situAtion, And Given thAt soMe countries hAve stopped AcceptinG refuGees, does thAt put A biGGer pressure on the eu, or MAltA specificAlly?

The EU can make a difference and is determined to act in full respect of human rights, international law and European values, and in conjunction with UNHCR and IOM. Illegal immigration and asylum is high on the agenda during the Maltese Presidency, which will endeavour to proceed with the implementation of the European Agenda on Migration presented in May 2015 and the associated packages of measures presented by the Commission. The Maltese Presidency will take forward, as a matter of priority, the work on the proposals revising the Common European Asylum System with the aim of achieving consensus on the EU’s asylum policy in line with the December 2016 European

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Council conclusions. Particular focus will be placed on the measures aimed at the effective application of the principles of solidarity and responsibility and the Dublin Regulation, the proposal on the establishment of the European Agency for Asylum.

The Maltese Presidency will take forward, as a matter of priority, the work on the proposals revising the Common European Asylum System. It will give due importance to the external dimension of immigration and asylum within the framework of the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility.

The Valletta Summit on Migration in November 2015 created a good platform for cooperation with African countries of origin and transit. It was an important step and we need to make sure that the spirit around the Summit is maintained throughout the implementation of the Action Plan. The Partnership Framework and the Valletta Action Plan has already allowed the EU to deepen long-term cooperation with a number of partner countries, including causes of migration, through a solid partnership based on mutual trust. The Maltese Presidency will also take forward discussions on the Global Compacts on Migration and on Refugees following the outcome of the UN Summit in September 2016.

It must be said that Malta is concerned about the reactivation of the Central Mediterranean route as reiterated in the Malta Declaration on February 3, 2017 by the members of the European Council on the external aspects of migration: addressing the Central Mediterranean route. It is important that the Valletta follow-up Senior Officials Meeting in Malta on February 8-9, 2017 brings to forth the positive results regarding the implementation of the Action Plan during its first year, to further cement this cooperation between the countries of the two continents. p

Business

TaTweer Misr: Practicality and Innovation

By Rawan Abdel Latif

Tatweer Misr, a real estate development company established in 2014, has significantly found its place in the market among many existing, dominant companies. Its two projects, IL Monte Galala in Ain Sokhna and Fouka Bay in the North Coast, have already gained thousands of clients due to the company’s credibility and innovation.

I

L Monte Galala is not only going to offer well-designed architecture on top of a mountain, but also aims at creating a first-home environment in a picturesque location while offering many services. Fouka Bay is a more exclusive destination designed specifically for vacationers.

We talked with Dr. Ahmed Shalaby, Managing Director at Tatweer Misr and PhD holder, to gather insight on the real estate market as well as his plans for these projects.

How would you say tHe real estate market Has cHanged over tHe past few years?

The real estate market in Egypt is very resilient, and is one of the most thriving industries in the country. Even when the market was a little quieter between 2011 and 2013, it was still functioning.

Starting from 2014, things began picking up again. The prices remained stable at first, but then the market grew significantly between 2014 and 2016.

Real estate generates a lot of jobs and labor opportunities. It is also a safe haven for people who want to invest, but do not have the desire to put their money in stocks or banks. This was evident after the floatation of the pound; most people saw that real estate units that they had previously bought had gone up in value. Even if it did not highly increase in price, it still provided a value that was not lost in the previous years.

It is an industry that contributes greatly to the economy of the country. Last year, 16% of the country’s GDP was from real estate, and so it plays a large role that we can’t overlook.

During the pound floatation, many issues for real estate projects and developers arose. The market was not observed and controlled.

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How stable is tHe market tHen compared to tHe arab world?

I believe Egypt is more stable than many other countries.

Perhaps the only other real estate market that competes with us is Dubai. Dubai has started exporting its real estate units and has managed to sell internationally last year for 20 billion dollars. We hope to reach this sometime in the future, because we believe real estate in Egypt could be a very important source for direct foreign investment. If we can sell real estate properties to foreigners, whether in the Arab World or abroad, we can generate what Dubai has achieved, which can be more than the foreign currency income generated from the Suez Canal, for example.

We are in general more stable because even in Dubai, for example, after the financial crisis in 2008, prices went down drastically. We never saw this in Egypt. Also, our business model here is built on real money, not on mortgage or credit from banks or the re-evaluation of property, like other countries.

given tHe economic situation in egypt, How would you forecast tHe demand in tHe market for tHe upcoming years?

Let us say that after the floatation of the Egyptian pound last

November, the market was stagnant for a short while. Many developers increased their prices, due to the increase in direct and indirect costs, which in some cases has been raised by an average of 40-50%. However, during December and January, sales in the real estate market were back to normal and maybe even higher. All launches by different developers during these two months were successful, which means that people have confidence in the real estate market, and trust in the value of what they are buying.

One of the main difficulties that we, as real estate developers, face especially after the floatation is the financing mechanism of our industry. Developers in Egypt must raise the initial investment then use the cash generated from sales to develop their project. This means that we sell before building and with the cost increase due to the floatation, this has affected our forecasts in a negative way, however, developers with larger land banks can adjust their studies according to the new market prices.

What advice Would you give real estate businesses starting up?

Whether new companies have a small or large land bank, I would advise them to split the project into phases, even if it is a small project. Whenever a phase is sold, they should start construction immediately, and not wait for the rest of the phases, to avoid any fluctuation in prices of materials and labor. That is the most important piece of advice for companies starting up, and that is what we do at Tatweer Misr.

Whether the pound increases or decreases compared to the dollar, this definitely affects us as developers. In a real estate company, you make forecasts based on costs that end up changing. When the dollar decreases, it should mean that we have higher profits and returns, however, this means that we need to review our prices or our payment facilities. The most

important thing for us is stability because our business model is built on three to five years.

It is also very important for newly established companies to conduct their market research and narrow down their business plan as well as their clients’ needs. Requirements in one location can be very different in another.

does high competitiveness in this market and the availability of many businesses affect hoW each company prices its units?

First of all, competition always benefits companies as well as clients. Secondly, all companies scan the market to see other competitors’ prices, and then position their product accordingly.

A company may build a project in the same location as another, but depending on the name the company has built for itself, the quality and the facilities it offers and the construction costs, prices vary. An example of this would be our project in Ain Sokhna, IL Monte Galala. There are many other companies building in the same location, however, our costs may be a little higher because of the nature of the land we are building on and the advanced engineering techniques we use, as our construction is mostly on a mountain, which of course differs from building on flat land.

It is very important for the client to understand the product that he or she is buying to understand how the cost and price correlate.

Every company looks at competitors in the same area. However, in the end, there is a price range that each developer works within. Prices should be competitive, but at the same time, the product needs to be competitive as well, and this is what we have been seeing in Egypt in the past two or three years. The competition now is in the product and its advantages. Social media now plays a large role in proving that.

Real estate generates a lot of jobs and labor opportunities. It is also a safe haven for people who want to invest, but do not have the desire to put their money in stocks or banks.

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Business How different are residential projects in cairo to tHe touristic or vacation projects in ain sokHna and tHe nortH coast?

First-homes always have different requirements than second-homes. Usually, second-homes do not require as much thinking when buying the unit. Buyers usually care about the price and the availability of minimum facilities, but in firsthomes, they are considering a property they will live in, and so buyers look for a higher level of facilities. Also, second-homes are usually sold as finished projects, unlike the trend of first-homes that sell as unfinished units. This is something I hope to see change in the near future. The idea that buyers do not have a deadline to finish their homes and having construction work done, regardless of their neighbors, is something I am very much against.

I am hoping that during this year, we can present fully-finished first-homes, for at least a section of a project. People now find it as a hassle to buy a home that they have to finish themselves.

IL Monte Galala, being close to Cairo and the administrative capital, is considered as a firsthome destination project. The level of services that it will present definitely makes it an all-year residential option. The company in charge of property and facility management has already been established and has begun planning for the services that we will provide in our project.

Second-home projects usually have lesser numbers of units, and accordingly less residents, larger spaces for landscape and touristic services, and the units are usually smaller than first-homes.

In Egypt, second-homes are generally more expensive, for example, houses in Sokhna and the North Coast usually have higher prices than some first-homes in New Cairo and Sheikh Zayed, mostly because they are finished products.

How different are tHe development projects il monte Galala in ain sokHna and fouka Bay in tHe nortH coast? do tHey appeal to tHe same seGments?

The target audience is almost the same because we are working towards the medium-high to high-end segments for both projects. Fouka Bay, however, is slightly more exclusive as it is smaller in size and so there are less units. Competition in the North Coast is slightly higher than in Sokhna because Egyptians have gotten used to spending more time at the North Coast, meaning that people seek larger properties and facilities there. In Sokhna, people can think of buying a studio or a one-bedroom chalet as it is a weekend destination that they can go to many times a year, but for short durations.

Therefore, even if the audience is the same, the product and demand is different.

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For IL Monte Galala, we believe that it will soon become a firsthome destination, and so we are planning to have a business park, a design school that would focus on different types of design, like interior, fashion or food design to fit the general mood of our project, conference and waterfront wedding facilities, as well as wellness retreats and sports activities.

To build in a location like Fouka Bay, or the North Coast in general, as a home that people will spend their entire year at, is a little difficult at the moment, but it is in our long-term plan, as the government has already announced a plan for the New Alamein City, which aims to transform the North Coast into a development area made use of all year long. In Fouka Bay, we are planning to have a commercial area on the main road to serve our clients and also the entire area around us.

I hope that the North Coast will one day become an international hub for conferences and events. This will help transform the area into an all year destination. Cannes, for example, though a resort, hosts events and conferences throughout the year. Our climate in Egypt is even better during the winter than many other cities, and so it is an excellent place for these types of services.

What other areas Would you regard as ideal locations for future projects?

Gouna is an excellent location, Sharm El Sheikh likewise, but both are more long-term plans. We already have two secondhome projects, so our priority now would lie in developing a first-home project.

We have recently announced an initiative to establish international universities in Egypt, and have signed an agreement with the ICSB (International Council for Small Business) to work together on this project, and accordingly, we are working on acquiring a large piece of land in either New Cairo or Sheikh Zayed to include a university and international schools as well as residential zones.

The number of international schools and graduate programs in Egypt is still not enough to cover the demand, and by investing in education we are also supporting the Egyptian youth.

are there any steps or decisions the goverment should take that can help the real estate market in egypt develop further and overcome any difficulties?

Speaking of the positives first, is the reassessment of building terms in new areas. For example, the government has allowed building up to eight floors in the new administrative capital, that in turn has increased the utilization of land.

We need to reassess the process of offering land to the highest bidder, which results in a huge increase in the price of land. The government needs to work on different sales mechanisms to reach the development rate it targets during the coming 20 years.

Also, the more projects each developer works on, the more the country will benefit. For that to happen, we need to change the regulations to allow banks to invest in real estate projects, as that will increase the cash flow spent on construction. Dubai, for example, has their banks step in to help in the initial land investments. With the increase in development, more job opportunities will be available.

During the pound floatation, many issues for real estate projects and developers arose. The market was not observed and controlled. For example, we bought land in US dollars from the General Authority for Tourism Development, which at the time of sale was equivalent to around seven pounds, and when the dollar went up to nineteen Egyptian pounds, we reached a point where the budget was much higher than what we forecasted for the land installments. Perhaps a good alternative would have been to offer a fixed dollar price for the lands already bought before the floatation. p

, e time m a s at the ell, and t u b , e etitiv etitive as w in the p m o d be c o be comp g in Egypt l u o h in st ss Price duct need ve been see o a the pr what we h ears. y this is o or three w past t Mar 2017 | Ct

59

SceneS

The Agricultural Museum: A Hidden Gem

Written and Photographed by Ahmed Kafafi

The Egyptian Agricultural Museum was the first of its kind upon its inauguration in the 1930s. Although it continues to retain shape and value, unfortunately, you can rarely see it included in tourist maps.

O

riginally the palace of princess Fatma, daughter of Khedive Ismail, The Ministry of Agriculture enforced many changes to the palace to adapt it for its new purpose. The museum consists of several large halls, some of which are closed to the visitors for renovation or maintenance, but what is available is enough to cover two or three visits. It features ten halls, but the highlight is in the main one, which focuses on models of the rural lifestyle in Egypt as well as the country’s natural history. The Bread, Cotton, Arab World halls, the Museum of Acquisitions as well as the Ancient Egyptian Agriculture halls are all places that are worth visiting.

The museum provides important information on Egyptian agriculture and economy, where the history of agriculture, which extends from prehistoric until modern times, has been recorded.

Architecture And LocAtion Located in Dokki within the Ministry of Agriculture’s premises, it is a true and valuable record of the vital role agriculture has played over the millennia in Egypt’s lifetime. It is easy to gain access to the museum; one of the options would be to take a cab

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from El Dokki metro station, which is a five-minute drive. The museum stands behind one of the ministry’s side buildings. It is recommended that visitors go as early as possible as the museum opens daily from 9 am to 2 pm. Admission fees are LE3, however, you pay LE10 if you are carrying a camera.

Upon entering, you will be impressed by the spacious gardens that surround the classic buildings. The grounds cover about 125,000 square meters, made up of greenery including trees, bushes, rare plants and greenhouses, in addition to two Pharaonic gardens.

WhAt to See At the entrance, you will find the Egyptian-Chinese Friendship building that exhibits photos showcasing the two countries’ cooperation in the field of agriculture.

The first floor of the main building displays a relatively new section of sizeable maquettes portraying the Egyptian lifestyle, including crafts like weaving, upholstery, basket-making, as well as customs observed in weddings, coffee shops and

marketplaces. Perhaps one of the most interesting scenes is that of the wedding procession that features a bride on the back of a camel moving to the beats of the musicians. The second floor is devoted to the Egyptian natural life in rural surroundings and sheds light on some breathtaking exhibits of embalmed animals, birds and butterflies of all species.

The next attraction is the Bread Hall, where it showcases almost all types of Egyptian bread produced from the countryside and urban areas. The next hall displays models of several Egyptian crops as well as black and white photos focusing on farmers’ lives in many parts of Egypt.

Walking from the Bread Hall to the Arab World Hall, visitors come across orchards, which are shaded by towering trees. Some visitors enter the hall just to picnic around these orchards or sit under one of the trees.

The Arab World Hall showcases Syrian traditions and was established during the 1960s on the order of late President Gamal Abdel Nasser to boost Egyptian-Syrian unity.

The Cotton Hall is also intersting to visit, as it offers different samples of Egyptian cotton and the areas where they are ideally grown.

It is believed that the museum is not being given due attention, though several functions relating to the agriculture ministry are regularly held there. Many people feel that the Ministry of Tourism should place this great museum on its tourism map for tourists and locals to visit. p

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TRAVEL

Bali: A Paradise on Earth Written by Rana Kamaly Photographed by Ahmed Bakr and Rana Kamaly

“When I die, I just want this to be my heaven,� I told my husband two days after we arrived to Bali. It is so magical; the landscapes, forests, mountains, waterfalls, wildlife and beaches are all magnificent. The weather was superb, the people are friendly and helpful and everything is amazingly affordable.

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T

he greenery and ocean are just breathtaking. For the very first time, I stood still with a blank mind for a few minutes watching the sunset from the top of a beautiful mountain. I was not thinking about anything, or imagining what I will be doing next or feeling anxious about anything, I was just there right now.

turn it into a once in a life time experience.

This adventurous activity can sometimes result in you swimming to save your boat from the rocks, but on the contrary to what many think, it is quite a safe one.

Mount Batur

On this island, there are endless activities to do, ranging from elephant safaris, reviving hikes, visiting temples and attractions to adrenaline-filled trips and activities like water rafting.

A day trip that I highly recommend. This active volcano overlooks a beautiful lake where many groups organize a hike or drive up the mountain. However, if you are in Ubud, you can rent a scooter and drive for about four hours to a huge lake that is also a perfect spot for a picnic, and take some panoramic pictures.

There are a lot of nice shops on your way up and down that sell wooden carved products, candles and bamboo crafts for cheaper prices, however, try to visit them before sunset as they close around then.

tegalalang Rice terraces

SouveniRS

tanah Lut island temple

accoMModation

Bali is the hideaway for many Europeans and Americans. Many have left the hustle and bustle of their busy lives and retreated to Bali to start a new, anxiety-free life. They opened restaurants, hotels and crafts shops to settle permanently there.

SightSeeing and activitieS

Home to a spectacular view that you can go to via a scooter, as it is under an hour drive from Ubud town, so you do not need a tour guide.

There are plenty of options for dining with a perfect view of the rice terraces. I recommend you try to arrive there by 2 pm so you can walk around before having a meal at sunset to admire the landscape.

This temple is located on a small island a few meters from the shore, and is perfect around sunset where you can have lunch and explore for the day.

Bali Zoo

The zoo is the most expensive attraction in Bali as it is self-funded. Entrance fees may cost between EGP500-700 per person. However, the animals there are diverse, taken very good care of and are placed in their natural habitat.

Rafting down the ayung River

A spectacular experience that is heightened by anticipation and excitement that fills you in the 2-3 hour walk down the mountain until you reach the river. You get to raft in water surrounded by tall green mountains, waterfalls, little villages with people bathing and swimming along, and, if you are lucky, it might rain while you are there and that will

Bali is home to valuable, artistic souvenirs at very reasonable prices. Everywhere you go, you will be surrounded by painted portraits of nature, handmade wooden crafts, silver jewelry, silk products and many more. A lot of the shopping there leaves you with traditional, unique pieces that you can’t find anywhere else.

You can find accommodation ranging from EGP100 per night up to EGP30,000. A perfect room with a nice view can start from EGP800.

If you have the time, you should consider dividing your vacation between Ubud, a town in the middle of forests and rice fields, and a beach resort or island resort in order to get the full Bali experience.

Ubud is the perfect mix of Europe and Indonesia, and is in the midst of lush greenery.

You are almost always surrounded by monkeys, especially the area around the forest, so take care of your belongings as I had my bag stolen by a little monkey and had to fight for it to get it back with help from the security!

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TRAVEL We stayed six nights at the Anumana Ubud hotel, which was clean with an average price of EGP1,000 per night, including breakfast in a pool-view room.

The hotel’s location is perfect as it is in the middle of Ubud, so you can go to all the attractions on foot. It is great for exploring the area and going on safaris and tours as it costs less because of the low budget needed for transport.

We then went to Suarga Padang Padang Ulawatu beach, a true definition of paradise. This ecofriendly, modern gem is the perfect place to relax and recharge with a view of the ocean from the mountaintop . The infinity pool is breathtaking and in-sync with all the beauty overlooking the ocean and surfing area. The rooms are beautifully decorated by the owner’s wif, an avid traveler who spoils her guests with special items in each room.

All the china and silverware are handmade and are carefully chosen. Even the drinking glasses are artistic and special.

After that, we went back to Tagalagang (near Ubud) for two nights to stay at the Tijaprana hotel located inside the forest that is a perfect mix between nature and luxury.

LocaLs and cuisine

Balinese people are very peaceful and kind. They appreciate life and respect everything around them.

During our 15-day stay, we did not see one policeman since crime rates are incredibly low there.

The food experience is incomparable. They have a large variety of noodles and rice dishes; a haven for vegetarians as chicken and meat on the menu is very rare. However, varieties are endless in most cases.

TransporTaTion and reguLaTions

The main mode we used for transportation was the scooter, which you can rent from almost any shop.

No license is needed, but you will need to prove you know how to drive one and leave some money for insurance. A day can cost you around EGP100, depending on the power and age of the scooter. Gas prices are a bit more expensive than Egypt, but then again scooters take very few liters to go across the island and back. Just be very careful driving up and down the mountains, in narrow alleys and when it rains as it can be challenging, but it is very enjoyable as you get to experience life the way locals do and you can stop whenever and wherever you like to discover more.

If you are going to be moving around with luggage, you can use a taxi and bargain the price. They are fairly expensive in comparison to everything else, but you will not need them most of the time.

For safaris and day trips, make sure to check more than one service provider, as prices range for the same trip, noting that you can bargain on those too.

You also need to read the itinerary carefully as some might exclude certain attractions and some include meals while others do not.

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You do not need a visa as it is free for 30 days upon entry, but you have to check with Egyptian security about whether you need a permit or not, because that constantly changes.

Bali is the perfect destination for couples, groups, single travelers and family trips.

You can plan your daily costs as you do in Egypt and you will have plenty left over.

Once you are there, you will never want to leave, and when it is time for you to go, you will be leaving a piece of your heart there. p

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Cuisine

Mother’s Day Brunch IDeas Spinach and Beef Bacon Quiche IngredIents: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tablespoons olive oil ½ kilogram potatoes, cubed ½ cup chopped onion 6 slices beef bacon, chopped 8 beaten eggs ½ cup sour cream ½ cup milk ¼ teaspoon salt Dash of white pepper Dash ground nutmeg (optional) 3 cups chopped fresh spinach ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese (or of your choice) Cherry tomatoes, cut up (optional)

dIrectIons: • Preheat oven to 160C. • Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a nonstick pan.

• Add potato cubes and cook until tender and golden brown. Press potatoes into the bottom of a pie plate or skillet, creating a crust.

• Meanwhile, in a large pan cook the onion and bacon until onion is tender and bacon is crisp.

• Drain on paper towels.

• In a bowl, stir together eggs, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and, if desired, nutmeg. Stir in onion mixture, spinach, cheeses and tomatoes.

• Pour egg mixture onto the potato crust.

• Bake in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. If necessary, cover the edge of the crust with foil to prevent overbrowning.

• If desired, garnish with cherry tomatoes.

Vegetable Tartlets IngredIents: • ½ kilogram block puff pastry (found in the frozen section of the supermarket) • Plain flour, for dusting • 4 teaspoons pesto sauce • 1 handful of cherry tomatoes • 4 small zucchinis • 2-3 roasted peppers • ½ a bunch of fresh basil • Olive oil • 8 black olives, pitted • 100 grams mozzarella • 20 grams Parmesan cheese

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dIrectIons: • Preheat oven to 200C. • Carefully cut the pastry block in half with a table knife. Wrap the other half and freeze for later.

• Dust some flour onto a clean work surface and, using a rolling pin, roll out the pastry into a square, measuring 26cm x 26cm. Cut into 4 equal squares.

• Place the pastry squares on a baking tray, leaving a space between each.

• Using the back of a spoon, spread the center of each square with pesto, but don’t spread it onto the edges.

• Squash the tomatoes into a large mixing bowl.

• Using a peeler carefully shred the zucchinis. Cut the roasted peppers into strips and add to the bowl.

• Pick the basil leaves, and then place the large ones in the mixing bowl.

• Mix the vegetables together in the bowl, adding a splash of oil. Pile a little of the mixture on each pesto-smeared tart and top with two olives.

• Place little bits of mozzarella on top of each tart, and then grate over some Parmesan.

• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

• Leave to cool then sprinkle with the reserved basil leaves.

Croque-Monsieur IngredIents: • • • • • • • • • •

¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour 1½ cups whole milk 2 tablespoons mustard ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional) Salt 8 slices of thick bread 170 grams turkey (about 8 slices) 1½ cups preferred cheese, grated 1 teaspoon mixed herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)

dIrectIons:

Coconut Icing Buns

• Preheat oven to 220C. • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until foamy.

• Add flour and cook, stirring, until mixture is pale and foamy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring until mixture is smooth.

• Cook, stirring, until sauce is thick and somewhat elastic, about 4 minutes.

• Remove from heat and whisk in mustard and nutmeg; season with salt.

• Spread bread slices with the sauce, dividing evenly and extending all the way to the edges.

• Place 4 slices of bread, sauce side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and top with turkey and half of the cheese. Top with remaining slices of bread, sauce side up, then top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with mixed herbs.

• Bake until cheese is brown and bubbling, 10–15 minutes.

IngredIents: • • • • •

1 cup lukewarm water 3½ teaspoons quick rise yeast 3 tablespoons sugar 2 large eggs 2½ cups all purpose flour divided plus more for dusting the work surface • 3 tablespoons olive oil • ¼ teaspoon salt • ½ cup toasted coconut flakes For the Icing: • 2¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar • 3 tablespoons of water

dIrectIons: • Preheat the oven to 190C. • In a medium sized bowl, dissolve the yeast with the warm water.

• Add the sugar and one of the eggs and whisk to combine.

• Mix in 1½ cups of flour until the batter is smooth and sticky.

• Cover with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

• After 30 minutes add the oil and salt. Mix well with a spatula.

• Add the coconut and remaining 1 cup of flour to the batter and mix until the dough starts to come together.

• Dump the dough out onto a clean work surface dusted with flour.

• Start to fold dough and knead it at the same time. Add more flour if it becomes too sticky. Form a round ball and put in a bowl, covered for 35 to 40 minutes.

• After the second rise, punch the air out of the dough.

• Divide the dough into 12 even sized pieces.

• Roll the pieces into small balls and place close together on a greased baking tray.

• Cover with the towel again and let rise for about 20 minutes.

• Once the rolls have risen after 20 minutes, using a pastry brush gently glaze them with the remaining beaten egg.

• Place them in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool.

• Meanwhile, add the powdered sugar to a bowl and whisk in the water. Keep whisking until it becomes smooth and lump free.

• Once the buns are cool, dip each one into the icing, letting the excess pour off.

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Cuisine

Chocolate Chip Pancakes Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 1 cup whole milk 1¼ cups flour 1 tablespoon sugar 4 teaspoons baking powder ¾ teaspoon salt 2 eggs 170 grams semisweet chocolate chips, or less to taste • Butter, for cooking

Directions: • In a small saucepan, combine the butter and milk. Place over low heat just until warm and the butter is melted. Let cool slightly.

• In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, and mix well.

• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then whisk in the milk mixture.

• Add the dry ingredients and mix just until barely blended. Add the chocolate chips and mix.

• Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add about 1 teaspoon of butter and melt until bubbly.

• Ladle 3 tablespoons of batter for each pancake onto the hot surface and cook until bubbly on the top and golden brown on the bottom.

• Turn and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 30 seconds more.

• Repeat until all the batter is used up. Serve hot.

Banana Crumb Muffins Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • •

1¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 3 bananas, mashed ¾ cup white sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten ¼ cup butter, melted ¼ cup brown sugar Pinch of ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon butter

Directions: • Preheat oven to 190C. • Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.

• In a large bowl, mix together 1½ cups of flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened.

• Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.

• In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, remaining ¼ cup of flour and the cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter.

• Sprinkle topping over muffins.

• Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

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Poached Eggs with Hash Browns Ingredients: • 1 tablespoon canola oil (or as desired) • ½ onion, diced • 1 carrot, diced • 2 stalks of celery, diced • 2 large potatoes, diced • ¼ kilogram sausage • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes • Salt and pepper • 1 teaspoon white vinegar • 4 eggs

Directions: • Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.

• Add the onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, sausage, paprika, garlic, red pepper flakes and ½ teaspoon salt.

• Sauté, stirring frequently, until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the sausage is cooked through, about 15 minutes.

• Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of water to a simmer over low heat and add the vinegar. Crack an egg into a small bowl and carefully slide it into the simmering water. Quickly repeat with the remaining eggs.

• Using a slotted spoon, carefully wrap the white of each egg around its yolk. Poach the eggs until the whites are firm, or to the desired degree of doneness, 3 to 5 minutes.

• Top each serving of hash browns with a poached egg.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Peanut Butter and Jam Spreads Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •

4 large eggs 1 cup whole milk ½ cup flour 1 tablespoon sugar Pinch of salt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 10 cubes ½ cup creamy peanut butter, at room temperature ¼ cup strawberry or raspberry jam ½ cup fresh blueberries Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Directions: • • • • •

In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, flour, sugar and salt and mix until smooth.

Heat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat.

Melt 1 cube of butter in the pan.

Add ¼ cup of batter and quickly tilt the pan to form an even coating of batter on the bottom of the pan.

Cook for 1 minute, until set and slightly browned.

•

• • •

Using a spatula, carefully loosen the sides and gently flip the crepe over. Cook for 1 minute and repeat with the remaining batter and butter.

Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to each crepe and spread evenly.

Spread 2 teaspoons of jam over the peanut butter and line with blueberries then fold and roll.

Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

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Cuisine

Raisin Scones IngredIents: • • • • • • • • •

2 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen ½ cup raisins ½ cup sour cream 1 large egg

dIrectIons: • Preheat oven to 200C. • In a medium bowl, mix flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater; use your fingers to work in butter, and then stir in raisins.

• In a small bowl, whisk sour cream and egg until smooth.

• Using a fork, stir sour cream mixture into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball.

Do not worry if the dough appears sticky.

• Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 20 cm circle. Sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar.

• Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 triangles (or circles) then place on a cookie sheet (preferably lined with parchment paper), about 3 centimeters apart.

• Bake until golden, about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.

Smoked Salmon Toast with Cream Cheese and Cucumbers IngredIents: • 8 thin slices of French toast • 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cream cheese • ½ cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced diagonally • 100 grams of thinly sliced smoked salmon • ½ red onion, very thinly sliced • 1 teaspoon drained capers, rinsed and patted dry (optional) • Freshly ground pepper • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

dIrectIons: • Preheat oven to 170C. • Toast bread slices in the oven on a baking sheet, turning once, until golden, about 10 minutes.

• Spread 2 teaspoons cream cheese on each toast.

• Divide cucumber, salmon, onions, and capers among toasts and season with pepper.

• Squeeze lemon juice on top. p

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CALENDAR March

april 6th, 7th & 8th

ART

March 9th – april 12th

Group Exhibition

The gallery introduces its first season’s collaborating artists through a selection of their artwork. The artists participating are Hany Rashed, Ali Mohsen, Ahmed Askalany, Muhammad Mustafa, George Azmy, Seba Ali and Mohamed Wahba.

25 Orabi St., Maadi Tel: (202) 01019222220

March 12th & 13th

2017

DAnce

Women of Egypt

Forsan Al Sharq Heritage Company’s performance “Women of Egypt” is directed and choreographed by Tarek Hassan.

Forsan Al Sharq (The Knights of the Orient) dance troupe was established in 2009. The aim was to introduce Egyptian dance theatre performances that would revive gems of the popular heritage.

Gomhouria Theater, Abdeen Square Time: 8 pm

music

Egyptian-Finnish Musical Bridge is Back The Egyptian-Finnish Musical Bridge, a brainchild of the famous Finnish pianist and conductor Ralf Gothóni in cooperation with the Cairo Opera House, is back in Cairo. The Musical Bridge is composed of musical workshops, master classes and joint performances between virtuoso Egyptian and Finnish musicians and opera singers.

Arab Music Institute, Ramses Street Time: 8 pm

speciAl evenT March 17th to 24th

cairo international children’s Film and arts Festival The festival will be held at the Cairo Opera House’s Small Hall. The opening and closing ceremony will be held at the Main Hall.

Cairo Opera House Time: Starts at 9 am

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March 16th & 30th

Mazzika x El Sat7

music

Darb 1718 relaunches “Mazzika x El Sat7”, a monthly musical night held on the roof. These special nights present a unique experience embodied in the type of music performed, the ambiance and the limited number of seats. *Strawberry Swing Band: March 16th at 7 pm. *Janan Band: March 30th at 7 pm.

Darb 1718, Kasr el Sham3 Street Al Fakhareen Tel: 0122 468 4628

March 7th – 14th

Digital Festival 02

ART

March 7th: Festival and Exhibition, opening at 7pm March 8th: Panel Discussions and Art Talks, 10 am to 4 pm March 9th to 11th: “Curating Digital Arts” Workshop, 5 pm to 8 pm March 25th

OpeRA

Opera Idomeneo – Live from the Metropolitan Opera

March 12th: Film Screenings, School of Visual Art in New York (USA), 8 pm to 10 pm March 14th: Festival Closing

Idomeneo (Italian for King of Crete) is an Italian opera by Wolfgang Mozart. Mozart and Giambattista Varesco were commissioned to write the opera in 1780 by Karl Theodor, Elector of Bavaria for a court carnival.

Darb 1718

Small Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm

lecTuRes Life at the Southern Frontier: Salvage archaeology of Medieval aswan March 8th

By Greg Williams, ARCE Fellow, University of Bonn March 15th

From Sinai to aswan: review On heritage Knowledge in Egypt

By Fatma Keshk, PhD Candidate, Free University of Berlin March 20th

the Ways of horus revealed: a Decade of Investigation at tell El-Borg and its Environs

By Jim Hoffmeier, PhD University of Toronto.

Professor of Near Eastern History & Archaeology, Trinity International University (Illinois) March 29th

‘Ilm, ‘Ulum, and Modern Sciences at al-azhar

By Mary Elston, ARCE Fellow, Harvard University American Research Center, 2 Simon Bolivar St. Garden City Tel: (02) 2795 8683 Programs begin at 6 pm at ARCE. Refreshments will be provided following the event.

March 12th – 26th

ART

abstract horizons Featuring four talented artists: Azza Refaat, Perry Habashi, Samia Kamel and Adel Rahoumi.

Azza had free studies in Plastic Art with Professor Mostafa El Razzaz and took part in many group exhibits since the 1990s. Perry comes from an art loving family. She is an architect who has delved into architecture, art and jewelry. She studied under professor Maged El Siginy and participated in many exhibitions. Samia is a photographer and painter and studied at the Art Education Faculty, and exhibited in both Egypt and abroad. Adel is a cartographer with a masters in graphic design.

He has been painting professionally for 40 years, mostly in the USA, and has exhibited in North America and had three solo exhibitions in Egypt.

Korba Art Gallery 37, Baghdad St. Korba, Heliopolis.

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CALENDAR March

2017

music

March 9th

Song concert – Dina El Wedidi Dina is a singer, composer, guitarist, Daf player, actress and storyteller. She was the lead performer of an ensemble of musicians who have performed extensively in the past two years, fusing local and global styles of music.

ART

March 20th

POINtS 3 Exhibition for Visual arts POINTS 3 visual arts is an exhibition organized by a group of independent Egyptian artists whose works have participated in the development of contemporary formative movement in Egypt.

Their work traveled around several local and international exhibitions.

The exhibition aims at converging these enlightened points in one place to enrich dialogue and cultural exchange with the coming generations.

Darb 1718, Kasr el Sham3 Street Al Fakhareen Tel: 0122 468 4628

March 24th

music

Sweet Sound Band Led by violinist Mounir Nasr El Din, Sweet Sound Band presents a selection of their most popular songs in the Open Air Theatre.

Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm

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At the beginning of 2011, she quit El-Wersha and founded her own music group of an additional six members. She also took part in a modern Operetta, Khalina Nehlam (Let’s Dream). The song was a great hit, capturing the Arab Spring of 2011.

In 2012, Wedidi was selected by Gilberto Gil and the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative as a protégé, which allowed her to be mentored by the great Brazilian music icon. The two performed together at Back2Black, part of the London 2012 Festival.

Open Air Theater, Cairo Opera Grounds TIme: 8 pm

March 26th

Films

“Out on the Street” Director: Jasmina Metwaly & Philip rizk.

Year of Production: 2015 Nine men gather for a workshop on a rooftop. There, they perform confrontations of everyday life, with the police and at the workplace.

In the process, the actors engage a space between the theatrical and the real. This is not a film about workers, but rather the factory is a microcosm of Egypt.

Darb 1718, Kasr el Sham3 Street Al Fakhareen Tel: 0122 468 4628 Time: 7 pm

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This new E-Class also marks the world premiere of numerous technical innovations.

Compared with its predecessor, its wheelbase length has grown by 65 millimetres, its overall length by 43 millimetres. The resulting increase in space is to the benefit of all passengers.

The new E-Class clearly shows a muscular front end that boasts a different look for each design and equipment line. The EXCLUSIVE line features the classic Mercedes radiator grille with the star on the bonnet. The AVANTGARDE and AMG Line models are identifiable by the sports radiator grille with a large Mercedes star as its centrepiece.

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New engine generation with 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission At launch, the E 180, E 300 model variants of the new E-Class will be available. The 1.6L E 180 will be available with 156 hp & 250 newton metres of torque. Further newcomers will be the 4-cylinder E 300 rated at 245 hp with a torque of 370 newton metres. All models available at market launch are equipped as standard with the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. It enables fast gear changes and better efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz’s new assistance and safety systems enhance safety, comfort and driver assistance to new levels. Likewise included as standard are ATTENTION ASSIST with adjustable sensitivity, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness, which can assist the driver by substantially reducing the effects of strong crosswinds to prevent the vehicle from drifting too far off track. The new E-Class is also equipped with PRE-SAFE® system: the system gives the occupants the best possible protection by applying specific safety functions upon recognising a critical driving situation or in the event of an accident. It emits a short interference signal through the vehicle’s sound system. This signal can trigger the natural reflex and thus prepare the occupants’ ears for the expected sound of the accident, in order to reduce the stress on the occupants.

For a brighter approach, highresolution MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, each with 84 individually controlled high-performance LEDs, automatically illuminate the road with advanced, precision-controlled distribution of exceptionally bright light – without dazzling other road users.

CALENDAR March

2017

ART

March 6th – 16th

the Beauty of life

ART

March 25th – april 13th

Artist: Ibrahim El Tanbouli

artist Nazli Madkour

Alkahila Art Gallery 15 El Batal Ahmed Abdel Aziz street, Mohandessin Tel: (02) 33040791 – 01228647511

Madkour has had more than 35 solo shows both in Egypt and abroad spreading from New York and Canada to China and Japan as well as several countries in Europe.

Her paintings fall between abstraction and figuration in a modernistic approach. Her works focus on elaborating a personal aesthetic language and on revealing an inner world of sensibility rather than scanning a particular subject. Her art investigates the mediums’ propensities for generating new meanings as well as disclosing underlying layers and structures. She achieves this through a subtle and complex manipulation of texture, line and color.

March 11th

OpeRA

live From the Metropolitan Opera – la traviata

Picasso Art Gallery, 30 Hassan Assem Street, Zamalek (off Brazil Street) Tel: (02) 2736 7544

The opera is based on La Dame aux Camélias (1852), a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, fils.

The opera was originally titled Violetta, after the main character. It was first performed on March 6, 1853 at the La Fenice opera house in Venice.

Small Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm

ART

March 28th – 31st

March 1st – 18th

Zorba

al Nadhah By samir Fouad

Zorba is a Greek ballet that will be performed by the Cairo Opera Ballet Company and Orchestra.

Picasso Art Gallery, 30 Hassan Assem St. Zamalek (off Brazil Street).

Tel: (02) 2736 7544 Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm except Sundays

Life and Times of Alexis Zorbas is a novel written by the Cretan author Nikos Kazantzakis, first published in 1946. It is the tale of a young Greek intellectual who ventures to escape his bookish life with the aid of the boisterous and mysterious Alexis Zorba. The novel was adapted into a successful 1964 film of the same name by Michael Cacoyannis as well as a 1968 musical, Zorba.

Main Hall, Cairo Opera House Time: 8 pm

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Society Relieve your Senses at Resense Spa In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski treated some of its favorite ladies to a getaway fitness day.

Resense Spa launched a special event with yoga classes by the pool to retreat and rejuvenate all senses.

Private trainer Shahida Saudi held an exclusive yoga class along with a group of Cairene ladies who mingled and socialized while enjoying a special morning retreat. The journey started with a healthy breakfast by the pool, followed by fitness and energy healing sessions. p

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Yana Media Dinner Chef Prapai Pattamang created some of his delectable signature dishes such as tomyum soup and crab yellow curcumin sauce, among many other mouthwatering dishes.

Guests were greeted by the marketing team and Mariam Habib, the new appointed Director of Marketing and Communications, where special acknowledgment was given to every attendee and magazine owner for their continuous support that has contributed to Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski’s success and accomplishments. p

Wernli at Bazarna Wernli’s delicious Swiss biscuits were present at the Bazarna event held in Downtown Katameya on February 25.

Attendees strolled through the Bazarna Food Market that offered a wide variety of homemade as well as branded food products. Guests shopped for everything from homemade bakery, organic oils and scrubs to decadent imported Wernli biscuits. p

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The Community Times magazine is published

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48, Abdel Moneim Hafez Street, off Nozha St., Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (202) 2290 8127 - 2415 8762 Mobile: 0100 005 2322 - 010 0005 2323 Email: rania.halim@live-colors.com Website: www.communitytimes.me