As the daughter and wife of garbage collectors, Ragaa Bekheit could not imagine life outside of the recycling community where her family resided. Her daily life revolved around the rhythmic routine of trash collection, engaged in sorting and salvaging waste to sustain her family’s livelihood. Lacking much formal education and work experience, Ragaa faced considerable obstacles in overcoming the cycle of poverty she was born into. 

That is, until she discovered one of HANDS’ partner organizations in her community, the Association for the Protection of the Environment. Upon entering the vocational training program, Ragaa learned a marketable skill, weaving, which she could use to support her family in addition to their waste recycling. 

With the association, Ragaa was finally able to enroll in literacy classes and high school level courses, which would have been otherwise unavailable to her. She even earned a high school diploma, which allowed her to quickly advance in the association to her current role as production and quality leader. Once a shy woman who rarely left the house, she now participates in public health and sanitation campaigns throughout the community. 

“I have changed from a woman who couldn’t go out of her home to someone who is educated now and is able to go out and meet people,” Ragaa proudly stated. “The association has taught me a lot. Without them, I do not know what I would have done.”  

We are so grateful for the investments of HANDS’ supporters in the lives of people across Egypt! Your generosity has empowered women like Ragaa to complete their education, launch careers, and build better futures for themselves and their children. Thank you for being part of their stories.