Another tick on my list....
Finally after 2years in Belgium, and 6months in Egypt, I have got down to doing what I really wanted to do...... community development work. I had tried joining some groups or NGOs in Belgium, but due to the lack of spoken French or Dutch, I was unable to be of any use to the associations.
This time I have found the place for me!!!! One of the reasons for accepting Egypt was also the ability to do some community development work, as obviously it is more needed here than in Belgium. I have finally bumped into Caritas which is an international organization. Here in Egypt they work with street children, HIV/Aids, Leprosy, community development - micro finance, woman's rights, health and many more!!!!! Caritas is also heavily involved with WHO and the UN!!!! coollll!!! - and they are right here in ALEX!!!!
So last Saturday stumbled into their office begging them to give me work!!! I accepted to work for free 3 times a week before a start work!!! - total night mare! that would mean that I'd be working for 14hrs 3 times a week!!! 8.30-11.30 caritas and 12.20-10.30 work!!! ahh!! but it will be worth it!!!
I haven't decided which section I would like to work in, as we decided that I will speak to the responsible when I get back! For the time being I am going round each department having a look at what they do. I am currently helping them write articles for their website....... and maybe later I might work on creating some proposals for the projects the association is running!!! I am really excited!!! The coolest thing is that I could also do some field work as well as administration work!! WOW!!!
Working with them there is also an Ex-Consultant to WHO - ahh can't wait to have chats with him!!!
The people are also sooo cool, and so nice and friendly!!! Two days ago we went out for sheesha with a German and an Italian volunteer, and this other Egyptian girl already invited me to her house next week. They are all so nice! and keep on telling me that if I feel lonely I can also come by!!
The disadvantage is, as in every Egyptian Organisation, there is a lot of bureaucracy, and at time things take a long process and a lot of work is done for no reason. But I guess I could try dealing with that!!!
