| During 2008 we were primarily preparing for the opening of our clinic in Alexandria. During the twenty months we waited to receive the permit from the ministry of social affairs, we were very productive:
Preparation of the clinic
Whilst waiting for the permit to be granted we expanded the clinic and found qualified staff. Six local people were taken on: a director, a nurse, two doctors, a cleaner/caretaker and a catering assistant.
The permit
The wait has been worth it! From10.08.2008 our organisation, "Amal el-Kheir" – Hope of Goodness – has been granted the permission to operate. The organisation’s number is 2296. Our aid agency can now provide the following services: medical, social and cultural.
The opening
On the 2nd January 2009 we could finally open the clinic. With a minimum of equipment we were able to prepare an examination room where the two doctors could see their patients, both adults and children. About 100,000 local residents were informed of the opening of the new clinic by means of flyers, mouth to mouth propaganda and providing information in the mosque.
Active interest
Directly after the Friday morning prayer we were visited by approximately 400 men, women and children. From 13.00 pm until sunset about 120 people were examined by the doctors.
Although on the first day the medical examination was free, in the future we will have to charge the symbolic amount of one franc. Until more doctors and nursing staff have been found there will be a doctor available four hours a day except for Friday.
The future
Encouraged by the success of the opening, the association has decided to organize various other activities. Young people, men and women will have the opportunity to learn how to read and write and, following on from our philosophy of "self-help", we are considering the donation of micro-credits for family projects.
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