Friends
of Fr. Henri BOULAD
« Let’s provide a roof for homeless children in Cairo, Egypt »
English translation of the testimony written in French, by Valérie Escoffier Gallot.
In November 2021, my husband and I traveled to Cairo, Egypt, where we met with 90 years old, charismatic, Father Henri Boulad, SJ, at the Collège de la Sainte Famille, who spoke with us at length about one of his projects which is very close to his heart-The Center for Homeless Children in Cairo.
We visited this Center which currently welcomes 19 homeless boys. We experienced serenity and calm throughout, in the very well- kept and safe grounds and facilities comprised of:
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An active and dedicated director who listens to the children and is attentive to their needs.
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Competent, very present and caring educators, supervising staff, and specialists.
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Very sanitary, clean and comfortable indoor facilities which are functional and welcoming
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A field for outdoor play, with a pleasant playground for activities.
Bernard - Père Henri Boulad, sj - Valérie
Recreation and playground activities
Children between the ages of 6 and 12 who were present, were curious and were very eager to interact.
Coincidentally, a new child arrived at the Center, just as my husband who is a doctor, offered his service to examine this boy in the presence of the director and one educator.
He was about 10 years old and his state of health seemed mediocre.: He was severely malnourished, extremely thin, weak, had a fever and several infections (oral, skin rashes and other…) There were signs of physical abuse and severe beatings on his limbs. He was emotionally and psychologically worn out.
We were struck, by the spontaneous care of the other children towards this child. They came towards him, offered him some candy which he was unable to swallow due to several ulcers in his mouth and throat. We stayed next to him for a long time, attempting to engage him in some interaction…. we drew pictures with him…He smiled, spoke very slowly and painfully, He looked intently at us with his big brown eyes.
Although he still seemed a bit anxious or worried, we felt that he was reassured that the Center was going to take care of him.
The director of the Center explained that he had lived on the street for several weeks due to serious family problems, that he had struggled day in and day out to to find food, a place to sleep, trying to avoid the scuffles, the fighting and the violence inherent on the street.
We were completely and deeply troubled by this visit and encounter with the children.We returned to our accommodations in Cairo, in deep silence and with heavy hearts.
If this project “Let’s Provide A Roof For Homeless Children, in Cairo, Egypt” cannot, alone, eradicate this grave problem, it has the noble and courageous mission to help children get off the street, rebuild their lives (return to school, receive guidance to reintegrate and live a healthy life in the community…).
The objective for the children in the Center is to reintegrate them, when possible, in their family and re-establish social ties within their community.
The homeless children in Cairo need our assistance…they need us.
We must assist the Center to develop the necessary resources to provide for the children.
We must assist the Center to ensure its perennial operation and financial stability.
Before our departure, the Director showed us an empty building, consisting of three floors, across the street, facing the actual Center which would provide an extension to develop and accommodate 70 children.
For this to happen, the interior must be fully renovated: with new electrical wiring, light fixtures, bathrooms, painting, etc. The Center will also need to be furnished and ensure that all health and safety measures are in place, prior to opening.
May this modest testimony touch you, as much as the children in the Center touched us.
Distribution of masks
Valérie Escoffier Gallot
February 8, 2022