Project Basics

Project Aim:
To develop free play centers for children in Cairo, Egypt that foster free play while encouraging cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.

Target Population:
This project will aim at assisting refugee children ages four to ten years old located in Cairo, Egypt.

Center Location:
The free play centers will be developed within apartments in Cairo, Egypt. An ideal place will be a three bedroom apartment located in a central location heavily populated by refugees. Each room of the apartment will have a different station for free play (i.e. puzzles, music, art, etc).

Center Schedule:
Each center will be open four days a week (Monday- Thursday) for three hours after school.

Center Membership:
Each child will become a member of the center and receive a membership card with picture ID. This will not only help with center security, but will also assist in controlling the number of children that come to the center. Each child will be able to come to the center on a designated day(s).

Center Employment:
Each center will have one or two managers that will be expected to be at the center when it is open. They will be there to facilitate play, maintain order, and keep the center clean. Each employee will receive a monthly salary for their work.

Free Play Stations:
Each center will have several stations for free play. Station themes will include music, art, puzzles, blocks, costumes, science, geography, house, mixed toys, etc. Stations will vary depending on the available toys and resources.

Program Costs:
Costs are per center, based on estimates for average costs in Cairo, Egypt.

Start up costs (i.e. painting, cleaning, etc.) $200
Toys (plus donations) $300
Security Deposit for apartment $200
Rent/ Utilities $300/ month
Employee Salaries $100/ employee
(1-2 employees per center)

Total: $700 start up fees, $500 per month after initial start up