ProLiteracy Parnter in Egypt to Receive Award at USCAL

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We at ProLiteracy are proud to announce that Dr. Tandiar Samir will be receiving the Ann C. Michel award this year on behalf of two programs she started in Egypt, The Association of ANBA Mussah El-Asswad (ANBA) and Tadros El Meshreky Association for Social Services (TEM). The Ann C. Michel award is presented at ProLiteracy's National Conference to an outstanding partner that works on behalf of women. Program Founder Dr. Tandiar Samir, is a remarkable woman who has been a passionate advocate on behalf of women in Egypt for over 30 years. In spite of discrimination and political unrest these two organizations have consistently advanced literacy within the context of three just causes - women’s rights, democracy, and Christian-Muslim collaboration. We celebrate with Dr. Tandiar Samir the many advances women have made in Egypt this past year and consistently through organizations like ANBA and TEM.

Tadros El Meshreky Association (TEM) was created to address the education, health, environmental, and economic needs in Menbal village in Mattay District, in Egypt. Since its establishment in 1981, the Tadros El Meshreky Association has implemented many projects including a women’s education center, adult literacy classes, a library, health and environmental education project including HIV/AIDS awareness, a nursery for young children, and micro-enterprise projects including grocery shops, dove keeping, and access to farmland.

Al-Anba Mossaa Al-Aswad Association (ANBA) - ANBA was established to address the serious health and sanitation issues in the squatter slums of Old Cairo. These slums are home to rural Egyptians who relocate to the city trying to escape poverty. Many residents live without electricity, potable water, or health clinics. Al-Anba Mossaa Al-Aswad Association (ANBA) works to improve health and education for women and their children. Through adult literacy courses that teach reading, writing, and math, women who did not attend school can receive a formal education. Learners tackle common health problems as well as relevant social issues such as female circumcision, and reproductive choice. With literacy and micro-enterprise activities integrated into the curriculum, learners find sustainable solutions to problems in their communities and are able to make improvements in their lives.

Program Director Dr. Tandiar Samir is an Egyptian physician and public health professional with nearly two decades of experience in addressing public health issues that affect women, including ending female genital mutilation and improving the quality and availability of medical care. Dr. Samir has also lead several projects to educate Cairo’s youth about reproductive health and reduce the incidence of dangerous practices such as unsafe sex and self-induced abortions. An Ashoka fellow, Dr. Samir started both Tadros El Meshreky Association and Al-Anba Mossa Al-Aswad Association and also served for a number of years on the board of the Near East Foundation (ProLiteracy partner in Morocco). As a prominent activist from Egypt’s minority Coptic Christian minority, one of Dr. Samir’s lifelong visions is to promote greater cooperation and harmony between Muslims

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