Education is one of the primary drivers behind national development, while also being a key factor in economic growth and prosperity. For Egypt, the educational system is often overburdened and underfunded, leaving many of its most vulnerable citizens without access to adequate schooling and training. Founded 10 years ago, the organisation aims to supplement education on a community level, based on assessments of the community’s needs for art and after school activities. In its earliest incarnation, Alwan & Awtar functioned as a center for visual and performing arts, which incorporated life skills into their program. The organization has since expanded to include three core programs: the Visual and Performing Arts program, the Library program and the Live and Learn program. Sarah Samaha, the curriculum design coordinator for Alwan & Awtar, explained that the Visual and Performing Arts program focuses on providing beneficiaries with the opportunity to engage in various forms of artistic activities, such as handicrafts, music and performing, and helps children express themselves through these art forms. Their Library program is aimed at inspiring children to read more, and in some cases be taught how to read. The Live…
