Cairo Shelters Roll Out Sports for All for Youth Ages 10 to 16

The Sports for All project began operating in late 2024 inside shelters and centers serving young people in Cairo, Giza and Qalyubia. Run by Etijah with Secours Catholique Caritas France, the program supplies regular sports sessions for children between 10 and 16 years old, with extra attention on girls and those living with disabilities who rarely have safe places to play.

Greater Cairo continues to face pressure on public space, leaving many young residents without reliable outlets after school or inside shelters. The timing of the project matters because it arrives when community groups are looking for low-cost ways to keep adolescents engaged and off the streets during long summer months. Local centers already host daily routines; adding coached sports sessions fits directly into those schedules without new buildings or large equipment budgets.

Etijah staff coordinate with existing shelters in the three governorates so sessions reach youth who already live or study on site. Activities run several times a week and mix team games with basic fitness drills. Organizers track attendance and note which groups show the strongest turnout, especially among girls who previously stayed indoors. The same centers also serve as distribution points for simple gear such as balls and bibs supplied through the French partnership.

Health and skill gains reported inside the centers

Project notes list several outcomes already observed by coaches. Participants show steadier mood after sessions, better sleep patterns and fewer reported conflicts inside the shelters. Girls who join regularly demonstrate clearer willingness to speak up during group discussions, a shift staff link to the visible presence of female coaches. The program also records lower rates of tobacco experimentation among the older boys who stay involved for more than three months. These changes line up with the broader goals listed on the project page, including good health, gender balance and reduced inequality.

Next steps for centers already taking part

Staff plan to keep the same schedule through the rest of 2026 while training a small group of older participants to assist as junior coaches. That step would let each shelter run one extra session per week without added outside help. Families who want to enroll a child can ask at any of the participating centers in Cairo, Giza or Qalyubia; no registration fee applies. Details and contact lists appear on the Etijah project page at etijah.org/project/sports-for-all/.