About us
Tawasol for Developing Istabl Antar NGO (Tawasol Egypt) was founded in 2008 as an NGO registered with the Ministry of Social Solidarity to serve the low-income communities in three of Cairo’s informal slum areas: Ezzbet Khairallah, Istabl Antar, and Batn el Ba’ara/Dar Al Salam. In response to community needs in those areas, Tawasol has developed over the years an integrated community development approach combining education with vocational training and health services. In 2012, Tawasol launched its performing arts program in order to have a creative outlet for its students and develop their talents through theatre, choir, Egyptian folklore, and circus arts.
Tawasol Egypt’s products are made by low-income families living in slum areas and informal settlements in Cairo. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of our products are given back to the communities that made them, either as artisans’ wages or to help sustain community development projects. Our products are unique Tawasol designs inspired by traditional Egyptian arts and crafts, and they are all hand-made using locally sourced materials. We accept custom orders and can personalize certain items based on availability of materials. We can also prepare bulk orders with sufficient advance notice.
In order to accommodate more students and better serve the community, Tawasol was able to acquire a plot of land in Ezzbet Khairallah with the generous support of several donors, foundations and individuals to build its new community school. The new school opened in December 2020 and can accommodate up to 500 students including children with special needs from the neighboring areas. The new Tawasol school includes a multisports playground, a 150-seat theatre, cafeteria with a state of the art kitchen, a school library, an art room, a computer lab in addition to 12 classes, 13 workshops, and a showroom for Tawasol’s products. There is also a community health care clinic. Moreover, Tawasol’s new school is respecting the environment with solar panels and a green rooftop.
Tawasol’s impact extends to the overall community. The NGO employs staff from the community and provides literacy and health awareness sessions to women and families. When needed, Tawasol rises to the occasion and supports the community during crises and natural disasters such as heavy rains and floods.
With your generous support, Tawasol can continue to serve the community and transform lives. With all the services provided above and the operational costs to keep the school running, each Tawasol student costs around 2500 EGP per month.
You can support Tawasol students and their families by buying their products and/or by covering school fees.
