EL TABOOT, Egypt (May 22, 2002) - In Egypt the national literacy rate among women is just 39 percent. That means only two women out of five can read the instructions on their child’s medicine. Only two out of five can read the newspaper, or an election ballot. It’s not because they didn’t pay attention in school. It’s because they never had the chance to go.

In the poor communities CARE works with, girls traditionally are expected to stay at home doing chores, caring for younger siblings or working to supplement household income. For the mostly farming villagers of El Taboot, school fees are often beyond the family budget or reserved only for boys. And even when these rural families can scrape together tuition, the nearest school may be several miles away. Students in El Taboot, for instance, must walk more than 3 miles each way to attend class.

But several dedicated individuals are leading grassroots efforts to change that. Take Sabah, for instance. She credits her own schooling with helping her get a good job with Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture. Now, as the treasurer of the community education team, she believes education is key to improving the lives and futures of the girls and women in this small, rural village near Minia.

"I was educated, and I want others to have the same opportunities," she says, noting it’s important for women to be educated regardless of whether they work outside the home.

"The mother should be educated because she is responsible for running the household and raising the children," says Sabah. "It is important for raising healthy children."

Her message is convincing. Today, the village of El Taboot is among more than 50 communities in Egypt working with CARE and its partners to widen access to education, especially for girls. As part of the New School Project, the community has contributed land and labor to build a school that will house seven classrooms with room for 40 students each. CARE has provided the materials and training for teachers and facilitators. Members of the community education team have been going door-to-door to raise awareness about the importance of education.

Girls study Arabic, reading, writing, math and religion at the community school established through CARE’s New School Program in El Tabook, Egypt. (©CARE 2001/Kim Conger)

Despite initial skepticism, the response has been very positive. Until construction is complete, the community already has begun offering classes for girls in donated space in existing buildings. The room is cramped, with a single aisle bisecting six rows of tables and chairs that butt up against each other. The only light comes from the large window along the back wall. It isn’t unusual for the grazing livestock to wander in through the door that’s left open for additional light and air.

But the 30 or so young girls that occupy the wooden tables and chairs of El Taboot’s makeshift school don’t seem to notice. Intent upon their studies of Arabic, math, reading, writing, religion and "life skills," they are delighted to have the opportunity to learn and eager to demonstrate their progress.

"I’ve never been in school before," says 13-year-old Moza Resk, the youngest in a family of six. "I wasn’t able to read or write and I didn’t have friends. But now I can write my name and I like my schoolmates. I hope to continue school to be a doctor so I can help people."

Hope is the dividend of education for Moza, and hundreds of children like her in 50 different communities. In addition to learning their lessons, these children gain respect and enthusiasm for education, ensuring the impact of these small schools will last for generations.