Association for the protection of the Environment (A.P.E.)

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The "Association for the Protection of the Environment" (APE) is a non-government organization, established in 1984 to improve the lives of garbage collectors - the zabbaleen.

A.P.E.´s mission is to promote environmentally safe solid waste management in Egypt through empowering garbage collectors, particularly women, youth, and children, to become technologically able to manage a viable system of household waste, including recycling. Through comprehensive development, including health, education, social, economic and cultural programs, garbage collectors become agents of change for a better environment.

A.P.E. works with the Zabaleen (garbage collectors) to improve their circumstances, promoting a ´recycle and reuse´ ethos. This is done by promoting the development of sound waste management and by introducing innovative recycling techniques.

Most zabbaleen children have not had any access to formal education. Schools, until relatively recently, were not a feature of the garbage settlements and children from an early age work with their parents either sorting waste or helping on the collection routes.

A.P.E. aim to make a real business out of the zabbaleen work by emphasis that recycling is an important industry and that development and environmental preservation are not incompatible.

Programs:
• Child Protection and Development: Literacy Program; Children´s Club; Curriculum; Nursery; Social Activities and Camps
• Health Support Services: Health Visitor Program; Awareness Programs; Prevention Programs; Treatment Programs
• Recycling Programs: Recycling Machine Production Unit; Plastic Recycling
• Income Generating Programs: Lean and Earn Programs; Sewing & Uniform Production Unit

Hany A. Erian is the Director of the Mokattam site of A.P.E..

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.