(Please Click Here for Norm Nelson's earlier Update in regard to this)...

We have been telling you for several years of the incredible need in the garbage district of Cairo for Day Care, for both the Christian and Muslim children. The population of Cairo is 17 million - and 50% of that number are 12 and under!!

However, there is an additional issue that has become increasingly urgent -- the influx of Sudanese refugees into Cairo. Their situation as non-residents is even more desperate than those who have been born into the existing crippling poverty.

The work that the Sudanese refugees can find is extremely low paying.  Therefore both parents are forced to work (if they can find work) in order to provide some kind of shelter for the family. Their children cannot attend school, as the cost of school fees is very high for foreigners. Most families find no alternative for their children, except to lock them into their flat (room or rooms) during the day. The children are left with no food for the day, until the communal meal in the evening.

Please understand, this is not meant as child abuse or neglect. These are desperate people trying to stay alive, and to keep their children as safe as possible.

Sudanese refugees usually have to stay in Egypt for 2 to 5 years waiting for the United Nations decision as to whether or not they will be granted asylum. Their health is feeble when they arrive, and they can afford very little nourishment once there. In addition, since the children are getting no school education during this time, their minds are not being developed, and there is no opportunity to reach their potential.

Raising the budget to have these children come to Good Samaritan would accomplish many things:

• The children would get the care they need.
• Those families who have had only one parent working, so that the other can tend the children, could then have the opportunity to have both parents work, to try to provide more food and clothing for the children.
• The Christian atmosphere of the Day Care Center helps children recover from the devastating circumstances in Sudan from which their families have fled.
• This Christian teaching will be the foundation upon which these children may build their lives. Where ever they go they will not forget the teaching they got at this early age.

Good Samaritan is trying to raise the budget to daily take in 100 Sudanese refugee children at the Day Care Center. They will pick up the children in the bus supplied by Compassion Radio partners. The children will be fed, taught, and have opportunity to play with toys, as well as bikes and playground equipment, and musical instruments.

Sponsorship will only be $20 per month per child, which covers transportation, food, uniform, school facilities and equipment, staff costs and operating costs of the Center.

Let this be another incentive to partner with us this month in our project “Exodus Advance”!