Two arts and culture events were held for some 150 Syrian and Egyptian children, co-organized by UNHCR Egypt and Caritas Alexandria on 28 and 29 August in the Ras El Soda and Borg Al Arab areas in Alexandria. Refugee and Egyptian children enjoyed fun activities hosted by the Mac Club including face paintings, accessory making, games and colouring followed by a theatre performance of a play called “Star of the Orient.” Produced by the Swedish NGO Re: Orient, the play depicts the story of the legendary late Egyptian singer Om Kalthoum.

The Houch Ygaman and Y’ahl El-Hay - يا 'هل الحي projects funded by UNHCR Egypt and implemented by Œcumene Studio in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population, Obour City Administration and Obour Community Development Association have made their way to Venice, Italy! The two projects are being exhibited in the Egyptian pavilion, under this year's theme "Reporting From The Front" at the 15th Venice Biennale, Italy – one of the most prestigious art and architecture exhibitions worldwide. The projects focus on an integrated development of services approach which aims to ensure better access to health services for Syrian and Egyptian communities by the upgrading of the public health clinic, the public space in the surrounding area and two kindergartens located in the social solidarity buildings.

The Syrian Sports Academy, which is a community based initiative that was recently founded in Alexandria and supported by UNHCR through its partner Caritas, hosted the first Arab Tournament for Football. The kick-off was on 9 August where 120 athletes formed 12 teams from Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Sudan and South Sudan participated in the tournament which was held with high sportsmanship. The league was held under the theme “Youth United Abroad”.

UNHCR Egypt is pleased to share the good news of the expansion of the Y’ahl El-Hay - يا 'هل الحي project (People of the Neighbourhood) this year. After its successful implementation during 2015 in Obour City, UNHCR Egypt’s Community Support Programme (CSPs) is extending the Ya'ahl El-Hay project to three further locations including a Family Health Center in 10th Ramadan city, a Family Health Unit in 6th October city, and a Health Center in El Salam Awal area.

On 10 August, UNHCR Egypt and its partner Caritas with the support of Syrian refugees opened its first community center in Damietta under the refugee programme in the governorate. The day was marked with children and adult singing performances and a poetry recital where UNHCR, Ministry of Social Solidarity, and Caritas welcomed the refugees.

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