[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_single_image image=”124538″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]09/21/2021 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – One year after entering the child sponsorship program with Hope House, Mariam Anwer’s perspective has already dramatically shifted. When asked how she spends her time last year, Mariam responded as any child may: going to school if required, playing with friends, and eating at home. This month when ICC spoke with Mariam she shared more in-depth about her daily routine. “I’ve learned to read, write, and memorize Psalms,” she said. “If I have a lesson, I go to class, and after I come back, I teach my siblings and I take care of my little sister.”
At 8 years old Mariam is understanding the importance of education and is even tutoring her younger sister in her free time. Her sister, age 6, and two toddler-age brothers, already are benefiting from having their sister enrolled in Hope House. Mariam is a child herself, enjoying playing with her friends, but unknowingly or not, she is also contributing to the development of her generation.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”“If I have a lesson, I go to class, and after I come back, I teach my siblings and I take care of my little sister.” ” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1632160947387{margin-top: 50px !important;margin-bottom: 60px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1632161349310{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Hope House seeks to support this work of teaching the next generation of Egyptian Christians, equipping them with the necessary education that is severely lacking for the poorer, disadvantaged community. Mariam’s participation in the child sponsorship program also supports the whole family through the monthly food packages that they receive, providing the essentials for nutrition. Egypt’s Christians often receive inadequate attention in several areas of life, but specifically in regards to education and the parentification of children who must learn to contribute to their family’s survival and sustainability.
Because of her education at Hope House, Mariam dreams of her future life. “I want to be a doctor because my mother is tired and she goes to the doctor constantly, and I want to be a doctor and make the examination cost cheap. I want to improve my English and be a painter,” she said. Her mother encouraged her saying, “I wish for my daughter to become a doctor as she wants.”
Would you consider partnering with ICC to help fight the generational persecution that Christians in Egypt face? To learn more about ICC’s Hope House or provide a financial gift, visit this page. To inquire about sponsoring a child, contact ICC at icc@persecution.org.
For interviews please contact: press@persecution.org
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