IIn the heart of Cairo, in the popular neighbourhood of Al-Matariya, the Al-Farah Centre has spent the past 16 years accompanying children and young people through education, personal development and community activities. Welcoming both Muslim and Christian children, the Centre seeks to offer a safe and supportive environment where young people can learn, discover their talents and grow in confidence, while receiving the educational support that is often difficult to access in their homes and schools.

Every year, between 60 and 120 children and young people benefit from the Centre's programmes. They are accompanied by a team of eight young volunteers who provide both educational support and personal guidance. In this way, Al-Farah is not simply a place for additional lessons, but a space of encounter, formation and encouragement for children growing up in a densely populated urban environment.

Supporting children in their education

The Centre was established around 16 years ago and has since been entrusted to several Jesuits: Fathers Ehab Samir, Magdy Nazmy and Fawzy Nasry, as well as Brother Rady Mounir, SJ.

One of the Centre's main objectives is to support children in their education while contributing to their personal development. This role is particularly important because all the children attend public schools, where classes can be extremely crowded, sometimes reaching around 70 students.

Al-Farah therefore provides additional support to help children understand and keep up with the official school curriculum, particularly in the core subjects of Arabic, English, mathematics and science. Experience has shown that individual attention can make a significant difference, helping students understand their lessons, successfully complete their examinations and develop the ability to study independently.

For many of the children, these are skills they have little opportunity to develop at home, where living conditions can make it difficult to find a quiet environment or sufficient time for study. The Centre therefore seeks not only to help them with their immediate schoolwork, but also to equip them with tools that can support them throughout their education.

Formation beyond the classroom

Education at Al-Farah goes well beyond academic support. The Centre also seeks to develop children's skills and abilities, introduce them to the cultural and historical heritage of their country, and foster a sense of belonging and responsibility towards their society.

Through an integrated programme combining educational, cultural, formative and recreational activities, the Centre encourages children to discover their potential and prepares them to become responsible citizens and, in time, leaders who can contribute positively to their communities.

The Centre operates five days a week, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

During the school year, each afternoon is divided into two study sessions, with time for breaks and play. The Centre also provides a snack once a week, as well as a substantial hot meal two or three times a year.

During the mid-year and summer holidays, the programme takes on a broader and more recreational character. Children participate in educational and cultural activities, sports, competitions, formative and cultural film screenings, games, excursions, celebrations and activities designed to help them discover and develop their talents.

For the past three years, the Centre has also organised weekend programmes for students in the preparatory and secondary school stages. These weekends provide a particularly valuable opportunity for young people to explore their identity, discover more about themselves and develop their personalities.

Discovering talents and creating opportunities

Al-Farah also welcomes artistic and performance groups that work with the children to help them discover and develop their talents. The children are then given the opportunity to put these talents into practice by participating in the Centre's end-of-year celebration.

Twice a year, the Centre also organises fairs where families can purchase gifts, clothing and school supplies at symbolic prices. These initiatives provide practical support to families while creating another opportunity for the Centre to remain closely connected to the local community.

A shared mission

The work of Al-Farah is made possible primarily through financial support from students at the Franklin School in France, particularly through the school's Journées Missionnaires (Missionary Days). The religious order also contributes part of the Centre's funding, while additional support comes from financial and in-kind donations.

At its heart, Al-Farah is an apostolic, social and humanitarian initiative rooted in the everyday reality of a popular neighbourhood in Cairo. Its work may be modest in scale, but its impact reaches far beyond the classrooms and activities it provides.

After 16 years of accompanying children and young people, the Centre has considerable potential to grow and to serve many more of the children and young people who come through its doors. Its experience demonstrates how sustained educational support, personal accompaniment and opportunities for discovery can help young people recognise their own abilities and build a more hopeful future.

Brother Rady Mounir, SJ