In a place literally called Trash City on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, Zabeleen kids are starting school to learn what generations in their families have not: to read.
Laila Iskandar, a social entrepreneur and school founder, says she teaches these students because they are the future of Egypt. On top of basic reading the students learn useful skills like learning to read city maps, spreadsheets, and to negotiate for a better contract.
Social entrepreneurs, people who primarily seek to generate "social value" rather than profits in their businesses, are also working in rural areas of Egypt. With recycling and trash collection agreements with hotels Sherif El Ghamrawy is giving jobs to migrant workers and even creating trade with far away China.
Quotes
"In 2015 or 2017, when the other contracts are up for negotiation, or, we hope, end, these guys here will be ready to renegotiate. Contracts are part of the curriculum." Laila Iskandar, social entrepreneur
"Ghamrawy's project has turned much of that debris into profit, exporting materials like plastic to China." Fred de Sam Lazaro, NewsHour correspondent
Warm Up Questions
1. Who collects your trash? Where does it go?
2. How does recycling work in your community?
Discussion Questions
1. What is a "social entrepreneur"? How is a social entrepreneur different than other business owners?
2. What are some problems in your community that you think could use a "social entrepreneur"?
3. Would you like to become an entrepreneur? Why or why not? What kind of schooling would you need?
Additional Resources
