TFD Welcomes Network Coordinator
Dr. Nabil Sisostres joined Together for Family Development Network as Network Coordinator, effective 1 August 2006. Dr. Nabil comes to us with excellent qualifications. After completing medical school in Egypt, he was employed as an off shore rig doctor by Santa Fe Drilling Petroleum Company for 9 years. Then from 1994 to 2003 he worked in community development with BLESS (Upper Egypt Bishopric of Public Ecumenical & Social Services ), a Coptic Orthodox organization, first as field manager responsible for the primary healthcare program in Middle Egypt, then as Regional Coordinator for Comprehensive Integrated Development in Upper Egypt. From 2003-2006 he worked with the Egyptian Sesame Street program, monitoring and evaluating implementation of basic healthcare training for children in Upper Egypt.

Dr. Nabil jumped into his work with TFD Network and has immediately made a positive contribution, participating actively in the network advocacy activities. It is great to have him with us.

Inclusive Education Advocacy Campaign

On Saturday 25 November, TFD coordinator Dr Nabil Sisostres phoned from Beni Suef in Middle Egypt to report on the media event jointly held by El Ekhlas and Gaafar Associations, two TFD member organizations. The event kicked off a media campaign in Egypt to attract attention to the right of children with disabilities to public education. In the next two weeks, three more network member organizations will hold major events. TFD Network will use the events scheduled in the first two weeks of December to introduce to concerned stakeholders and members of parliament, proposed changes to the Egyptian Child Law of 1996. Although Egyptian constitution guarantees free public education for all Egyptian children, children with disability who enroll in public school are sent to special classes during primary school years, then to vocational training afterward. In reality, about 98% of children with disabilities do not receive any education.

The changes TFD is proposing will clearly state that all children, regardless of ability, have the right to public education. TFD is working with a coalition of organizations including Save the Children UK, Islamic Relief, and SETI Center, a large training center for parents and teachers of intellectually disabled children, in a classic public policy advocacy campaign for inclusive education. The changes to the law are being defined through a participatory process assisted by a TFD hired attorney. Once coalition members have agreed on the amendments, they will be submitted to the National Council of Childhood and Motherhood which in turn will submit them to the People's Assembly, most likely in a February timeframe. Through the campaign, TFD is positioning itself as a major player in Egypt in the arenas of policy advocacy and disability.

By improving access to education, TFD expects to improve the economic situation of people with disabilities. Since inclusion will require improving teaching methodologies and school infrastructure, long term all Egyptian children will benefit. The 25 November Beni Suef event attracted reporters from two major Egyptian newspapers plus coverage by Channel 7 TV which will televise a 15 minute segment about the call for inclusive education. Approximately 65 people attended the event including 2 officials from the Ministry of Education, 10 headmasters from public and special education schools, representatives from the Beni Suef Disabled Youth Network, and parents and children with disabilities. The program included a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Nashat Nasif from El Ekhlas Board of Directors about the findings of a TFD study on the impact of public school policies and practices on children with disabilities.

TFD Visit to Presbytery of Des Moines

A two person delegation represented Together for Family Development Network in an experience exchange held with partners in the Presbytery of Des Moines in Iowa, USA from 5-12 September 2006. The exchange focused on methods of including people with disabilities in society. The two delegates visited several Iowa schools modeling inclusive and exclusive education for children with disabilities. They learned about training programs for individuals working with people with disabilities, how school buildings are adapted to meet the needs of the disabled; and saw several programs successfully integrating people with disabilities into workplaces. The aim of the exchange was to raise participants awareness of the status and models of inclusion in the United States.

Presbytery of Des Moines Visit to Egypt

A six person delegation from the Presbytery of Des Moines visited Together for Family Development Network (TFD) in Egypt from 30 October- 10 November 2006. The delegation visited projects of TFD member organizations in Minia in Middle Egypt and in Alexandria on the North Coast. In addition they attended a TFD Board meeting where they were able to renew acquaintance with TFD Network Training Consultant Dr. Alaa Sebeh, Disability Adviser with Save the Children UK for North Africa and the Middle East. They also met Mr Taher Abu Nasr, the lawyer working with the network to define recommended changes to the Egyptian Child Law of 1996. And Dr. Nabil Sisostres, Network Coordinator, introduced them to the delights of famous Egyptian desserts such as Om Ali and Muhalabeya Forn!