Egyptian kids?

Question

Having recently been in Egypt for the second time and loving it, we went to Cairo for a day. At the pyramids there were young boys selling things. They weren't doing any harm and didn't bother us but some people were rude to them. They are only children.
Nearer the Sphynx I came across a little boy called Farouk. He offered me a free bookmark. I sat on a wall with him chatting to him. I gave him my fan, a packet of sweets, and some money. He was the lovliest boy (about 10) that i had ever met. He was so cute and polite. He talked about football and said he liked Scottish people. There was a teenage boy hanging around him and i was worried incase he would take the things i gave him. Then this boy came over and started saying that Farouks father had three wives, and this really upset the poor little boy and he denied this and said his father had only one wife. I told the older boy to go away and leave him alone. When i had to go Farouk shook my hand and bid me farewell. continued below

I went on to my bus with a lump in my throat. I could have just taken this boy home. he was lovely.
what i want to know is why are they not at school. I know money is short but would it not make more sense if the Egyptian government made school compulsory and then they could have an education and get good jobs.
I couldn't stop thinking about Farouk for days. He melted my heart. I have two sons and am so grateful they got proper education.
I will cherish that bookmark for the rest of my life. If i were offered him i would have taken him home with me. God bless Farouk and i hope he has a happy life.

Edit....Octavia..you couldn't help but get involved with this boy..he had the saddest eyes i have ever seen.

Reikomin
thank you for your reply. I understand what yu are saying. I refused to give one other boy money as his father was standing there waiting to take it. I would love to help these children as it is such a shame that they have to live their lives like this

Answer 1

How about some facts from an Egyptian;

1- School is compulsory in Egypt. All kids have to go to school at least till they finish middle school. The law is however has long been ignored because millions of parents do that and there is no way the government will arrest half the population.

2- Getting through school and even college does not in anyway mean the child will have a better life. I am not defending the system nor the parents, but it is true. Ill give you examples. Engineers who graduate a 4 year college here are either jobless or make a max of L.E500 per month, which translate into less than 5 sterlings, doctors with PHDs make half that amount!!

Parents tend to be practical about life, they know education wont make the lives of their children any better. That is why they push them into such jobs and some even allow their kids to beg their way into making money.

Do u understand the dilemma? I see your concern and understand your sympathy, but fixing this problem needs a comprehensive macroeconomic intervention not just by telling the parents or forcing them to send their kids to school, especially with a lot of families have 5 kids or more, they would be a financial burden on their families, even though education is free.

It is sad, but believe me it is a very complex problem.

Answer 2

Hi , I lived in Egypt for one year, during my time there I saw numerous children living in the streets. I saw them on the trains while travelling at night, some conductors would be kind and let them sleep behind all the seats on the floor. The gov. of Egypt has orphanages. But I suppose many are to be desired. Yes and many children help there families that are in need. I saw this also on a very high scale while travelling in India, and other countries as well. I have even seen children in Canada asking for help and sleeping in the street due to abuse that goes on at home. Im sorry for this boy Farouk, and my best advice to anyone, give to charities, help these children. All over the world. The streets are no place for children to be. Cheers!

Answer 3

Hi elsie,

Although I have empathy with your experience, I am more inclined to be sceptical towards the motives and morals of any Government. In this Country it is compulsory and yet Children are turning out illiterate and ignorant, without the basics of social abilities. I personally think the hope of any child lies with their parents; the rest is a bonus…

There are moments in life though, that will stand out and give us a reason why and help us on our journey..

Answer 4

Egypt is a very different culture than the Western world. It is very probable that he was working with other people in the area as a method of earning an income.

It sounds very sad though.

Answer 5

:( he just need care and love , like many many other Egyptians, but Who cares?????? Government!!! president!!!! even poor people with many problems!!!!

Its what really makes me so angry last month , when I saw young boys like farouk , but they were throwing empty plastic bottles at a girl holding her young baby , she was alone in the street , I stopped with my car to make them go away , and they did , but i was wondering , why how and what we must do for them,

It really hurts, bcoz they are innocent and they need care , but even when some people care and give them money , their freaky parents , hit their kids and take the money from them , its complex hard hurting sad situation , like many other situation in Egypt ,

God , Please Mercy,

Answer 6

why would the government care , if they can sell farouk's corneas and gain more money they will , they only care for their own profits , they are a punch of military freaks and corrupted professors managing their ways by all kind of deceit and disgrace .

Answer 7

We don't realise how lucky we actually are.
Its not until you come across situations like this that it becomes real for you and that other people really do live like this.

how sad for the wee boy

Answer 8

fozio said exactly what I wanted to say..but he even said it better, my sister has three kids one of them graduated from a very good univercity..but she can't find a job ...so fozio excellent answer.

Answer 9

Maybe they were doing pyramid selling. But the best thing is not to be too involved with these kids otherwise they will come up with all sorts of stories just for money.

Answer 10

they sell goods to help their families.....

the more endearing they appear, the better the salesman they are....