Beduin
The Beduin are a nomadic people, who in former times traveled across the Arab world with their camels. Nowadays, they mostly live in small villages or settlements near the desert. This is also the case in the Sinai desert, Egypt. The Beduin are often seen as 2nd class citizens and have difficulty making a profit from the extensive tourism industry along the Red Sea coast.
In the past few years, we have been fortunate enough to make incredibly beautiful camel treks through the Sinai with a group of Beduin, thanks to the inspiring enthusiasm of Joyce www.desertjoy.nl In getting to know this most welcoming community, the idea rose to be of help, where possible. By investing in them, they can continue to take care of this rich and diverse desert, pass their knowledge onto future generations and maintain a livelihood.
As in many places around the world, health care is expensive. People are expected to pay doctor's bills on the spot or in advance. The Beduin primarily rely on natural remedies to cure their ills, but sometimes more is required, such as:
- an MRI of X-ray scan
- laboratorium analysisi of blood or urine
- surgery
- medication
The 'free' state hospital (roughly 75km away) suffers from corruption and is not always provided with all the necessary means. A case is known of a (minor) surgery not being able to go ahead because there were no anesthetics available. People are often required to travel to the larger cities of Egypt, 1-2 days' travel away. For financial reasons, a hospital visit is often postponed, but not being able to work because of illness, of course means that no income is earned.
To try to break this cycle, we contribute what we can to medical care for the Beduin. All the money made from every purchase goes directly to Joyce Schröder, a Dutch woman who has lived among the Muzayna Beduin for more than 15 years. She makes sure the money goes to those who need it.