May 12, 2008

The predominance of Islam in North Africa in no way hinders the Church from fulfilling its significant role of transforming lives – both spiritually and socially. The Christian faith is very much alive! The active participation of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the social welfare of the people will make you envy the Church.

Operating under the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS), the Church is doing wonders in transforming the lives of many in Egypt. Its focus is to promote the sanctity, equity and harmony of life while seeking to nurture moral and spiritual awareness, enhance a sense of belonging, as well as promote respect for each other.

Living out the principle of the Christian faith, the Church adheres to human values that promote justice and peace as it observes the respect for pluralism and diversity.

Worth noting is the Church's active role in empowering citizens, building capacity for Community Based Organisation, addressing The Church in Egypt Working for Change.

The AACC General Secretary, Rev Dr Dandala admire some artcraft by members of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt health issues and improving the quality of life, promoting good agricultural practices, livestock productivity and environmental conservation. It is working towards discouraging child labour while promoting girl child education, and creating job opportunities for the youth.

In 2006, CEOSS involved 7600 poor and marginalised citizens from 190 communities in Cairo, Qalubiya, Beni Suef and Minia in identifying their development needs. The different communities were asked to elect representatives to assist them in championing their needs. Those elected comprised of house wives, people with disabilities, small farmers, fishers and working children. The representatives brought the issues to the attention of the duty bearers who negotiated with partners and followed the implementation of the work plan in their respective communities. They also kept their constituencies informed of the progress.

Many people have had their hopes rekindled through the CEOSS Initiated projects and have given testimony to this. One such person is the 42 year-old Emad Abdelmessih Ibrahim who is physically challenged. He suffered paralysis after crushing his two vertebrae. CEOSS invited him to attend a meeting on a project referred to as ‘Promoting Community Participation in Democracy' that it had initiated in conjunction with a local CBO.

When he addressed the 250 participants that were present, he knew that through the project, the voice of people with disability would be heard. Another beneficiary of the CBO that has been capacitated through CEOSS is Ahmed who was given a wheelchair. In his testimony, he said that for a long time they longed to find someone who would raise their awareness and that is when CEOSS came in.

Coptic Orthodox Church