Cairo Youth Can Access Sports for All Sessions Through Local Shelters

Children aged 10 to 16 in Greater Cairo can sign up for free structured sports sessions run by the Sports for All project at participating community shelters and centers. The initiative, launched in late 2024, operates in Cairo, Giza and Qalyubia governorates and targets young people who lack safe places to play.

The timing matters because many families in these areas still face limited options for after-school activities. Parents and guardians in Cairo report that organized sports help keep teenagers occupied during long summer days when schools are closed. The project works through existing shelters rather than building new facilities, which means sessions take place in neighborhoods already familiar to local families.

Where sessions run and who can join

Activities take place at community shelters and centers that already serve young people in Cairo, Giza and Qalyubia. Organizers prioritize girls and participants with disabilities, though boys without disabilities are also welcome. The program uses sport as a way to build physical health, confidence and academic focus while reducing risks such as substance use or trouble with the law. Project materials note that visible participation by girls helps shift community attitudes toward their involvement in public activities.

Etijah runs the project in partnership with Secours Catholique Caritas France. The work aligns with four global goals: good health, gender equality, reduced inequalities and stronger partnerships. Sessions emphasize regular attendance and skill-building rather than one-off events, which gives participants time to see steady improvements in fitness and teamwork.

How families can get started

Interested parents should first visit a local shelter or community center in their district to ask whether it hosts Sports for All activities. Staff at these sites can explain the schedule, required clothing and any medical forms needed for children with disabilities. Because the project works through established shelters, families already connected to those centers often receive priority information about new groups forming. No equipment purchases are required; the emphasis remains on consistent participation and safety. Updates on new openings appear on the project page at etijah.org/project/sports-for-all/, and staff there can direct callers to the nearest participating site in Cairo or neighboring governorates.