About us
Tawasol for Developing Istabl Antar was born in 2008 out of a deep belief that every child deserves a chance, and every community holds the power to rise. In the heart of Cairo’s forgotten neighborhoods — Istabl Antar, Ezbet Khairallah, and Batn el Ba’ara — Tawasol stands with families facing poverty, neglect, and exclusion. Through free education, vocational training, healthcare, and cultural expression, Tawasol offers more than services — it offers hope, dignity, and the tools to build a better future. With every lesson taught, every skill learned, and every voice heard, Tawasol helps turn struggle into strength and dreams into possibilities.
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.