Egypt is in the midst of dynamic political change. Events at Tahrir Square in 2011 brought worldwide attention. This social media revolution has changed all perceptions about how democratic change can transpire in Arab countries. Islamic charities often provide a backbone for social services in Egypt for a population that earns $1-2 a day. Our project partner is deeply embedded in the community of Beshlaw, near Luxor. It supports local villagers’ efforts to provide a better future for their children, families, and women where government has failed to do so.
Beshlaw village is about 30 minutes from Luxor – one of the richest tourism destinations in Egypt. Beshlaw villagers do not receive opportunities from tourism and are officially outside a perimeter which prevents travelers from visiting without a permit. The project is entirely community organized and extends its services to ten nearby villages. A sewing cooperative has been established by our project partner to provide women the opportunity to earn funds to support their families. A portion of their earnings goes to support the many worthy projects our partner supports for local health and education.
Planeterra is supporting a women’s sewing cooperative that will bring self-sufficiency and allow village women to work in their homes while caring for their children. Planeterra will work to produce new cotton shopping bags for G Adventures passengers as a welcome gift from the company. This will help eliminate the many plastic bags passengers use when shopping on tour.
