About
About the Al_Safina
The idea of “The Ship” began after the 2011 revolution, when our eyes were opened to the greater Egyptian society, and we realized that the church’s programs and services were very limited in targeting the broader society with all its spectrums. The youth in the village of Balansoura began to get to know individuals working in civil society who contribute to the development of society and provide effective services on the ground. From here, we began to understand the potential power in our union and cooperation with those who serve the Egyptian people in various fields.
We realized the lack and absence of common spaces that bring together Muslims and Christians in an environment that supports cooperation and dialogue, and that we need a place that goes beyond the framework of the religious institution, a place that accommodates everyone and brings us together regardless of affiliations. Thus, the idea of transforming an abandoned house in the village of Balansoura into a cultural and artistic center was born that serves the children and youth in the village, which completely lacked any cultural or artistic activities, and the closest place that provided such activities was 40 kilometers away.
In 2021, the idea became a reality, as an old abandoned house in the village of Balansoura was restored to become the “Ship” center. Despite the simplicity of the building, its distinctive spirit brought new values to the community, such as peace, cooperation, and equality. We named the place “The Ship”, inspired by the play “The Day They Killed Singing”. The play talks about a divided society: one half rejects life and singing and is hostile to everything beautiful, and the other half seeks to build a ship that saves those who believe in love and peace. In the end, love triumphs and peace prevails, despite all the injustice and hatred at the beginning. This is what we reflect in our vision of the ship as a place that brings everyone together, regardless of religion or identity, in a safe and shared space full of love and creativity, reaching the comprehensive development of the Egyptian person, and creating a comprehensive service model that aims to build the person as a whole, and forming a network of volunteers and interested people.
Today, "Al_Safina" provides spaces for artistic and cultural expression and creativity, such as psychological support groups for youth and women, storytelling and expression workshops, and awareness-raising on issues of violence and community needs. It also works to empower youth to engage in dialogue and build their capacities, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
"Al_Safina" has become a beacon of change in the village of Balansoura, providing an open and safe environment that allows every individual the opportunity to grow and express themselves. We dream of expanding its influence to a national level, so that "Al_Safina" Center becomes a point of "light" in spreading the values of peace, coexistence and love, not only in the village of Balansoura, but in all of Egypt.
"Al_Safina" is not just a place, but the people who form its spirit, who come together on the values of love, social responsibility, peace and openness to others. With the ship and its people, it becomes a living model reflecting the values of social peace and sustainable development.
Our vision
Building a conscious, creative, safe and diverse community.
Our message
Empowering and developing the human ability to express himself and share his talents in a stimulating space for learning, discovery, and awareness to create a safe environment for creativity and free expression, and to support different segments of society.
Our values
Our goals
Building the human capacity to discover himself, develop his life skills, creative and artistic thinking, develop his leadership skills, and empower different and marginalized groups through psychological recovery programs.
Building trust and creating effective dialogue between different societal groups.
Providing safe spaces for learning, discovery, empowerment, and awareness for different groups of society
Developing cultural and environmental awareness.
Creating a space to spread the culture of peace and coexistence