Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" and Misr El Kheir Foundation Launch Phase 6 of the Sutra project; providing 10,000 housing units to vulnerable Egyptian families

Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global", chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud have signed a cooperation protocol with Misr El Kheir Foundation. The agreement marks the sixth phase of the Sutra project, which includes the restoration and roofing of 1,000 homes for eligible families in various governorates in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, Ministry of Local Development and the Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, with funding from Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global". The Sutra project aims to provide 10,000 housing units for vulnerable Egyptian families by 2025.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of officials, including Dr. Ali Gomaa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Misr Al-Khair Foundation; HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary General of the Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global"; Dr. Nevin Al-Qabbaj, Minister of Social Solidarity; Major General Dr. Mahmoud Shaarawy, Minister of Local Development; and Major General Mahmoud Nassar, Head of the Central Agency for Reconstruction, representing Dr. Assem Al-Jazzar, Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities. Engineer Ahmed Ali, Executive Director of Programs at Misr El Kheir Foundation, commented: “The sixth phase of the Sutra project will result in at least 1,000 new homes across ten governorates in Egypt with the aim of improving the housing environment for the most deserving families. Additionally, the project also provides various job opportunities and seasonal income for thousands of people in the select governorates.”

Engineer Ahmed Ali added that the Foundation has worked in most of the governorates of Egypt during the past five phases and has successfully developed over 5,000 homes, whether by complete construction or restoration, re-roofing and complete finishing. The renovations were carried out in more than 350 villages located in 120 administrative centers across the country. During this period, services have been provided to improve the housing environment for more than 25,000 and has created over 500,000 jobs for seasonal employment opportunities. The Sutra project aims to provide approximately 220,000 job opportunities annually to help reduce unemployment rates in Egypt.

Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary-General of Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global", said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the housing crisis globally. In the Middle East, millions of people still live in unsuitable or overcrowded homes, impacting economic opportunities and continuing a cycle of poverty.”

“As part of our commitment to developing communities and helping provide long-term humanitarian investments, Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" are working to meet the needs and requirements of community housing in Egypt. Our data-driven approach, which uses assessments, objectives and strategies, helps us expand our choices in the housing sector. Working with Misr El Kheir Foundation, we have identified and targeted priority population groups across Egypt, with the aim of improving their quality of life and provide job opportunities. We are proud that the Sutra project provides a global model for participatory efforts with focused and sustainable impact.” HRH Princess Lamia added.

Engineer Amal Mobadda, Fundraising Director at Misr El Kheir Foundation, said: “We have had a fruitful partnership with Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" for the past five years, working together to implement the Sutra project. Today, we are pleased to start executing the 6th phase, which will largely focus on the needs of people living in the governorates of Upper Egypt. A large part of the project was implemented in the governorates of Beni Suef, Minya, Fayoum, Sohag and Qena, in addition to the rest of the governorates covered by the project.”

The Sutra project was launched in 2015, receiving its funding from Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global". With participation from several ministries, including the Ministry of Social Solidarity, Ministry of Local Development, and the Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities. The project aims to improve the housing environment for 10,000 of the most deserving Egyptian families across a 10-year period with 1,000 homes distributed annually across the governorates of Egypt, except for Cairo, North Sinai, and South Sinai. The housing units are designed to meet the basic need of targeted families; ranging from 50-60 square meters per unit.