In Koussieh, Upper Egypt, in a neighborhood plagued by poverty, lack of education, violence, and drugs, the Daughters of Charity have been caring for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children for nearly 50 years. 
The “Smiles in Koussieh” project aimed to care for the children enrolled in the “Better Life” program and the kindergarten by providing them with meals.

Starting in January 2026, the community was able to respond to the urgent need of the moment: feeding 168 children aged 3 to 12. The entire amount received was used to provide meals for three months.

75 young children aged between 3 and 6 attend the Kindergarden in Zarabie, a very poor neighbourhood. In this stable environment, they receive an education and a meal every day: a hot lunch (consisting of meat, vegetables, starchy foods and fruit) three days a week, and a snack two days a week.

A further 93 children aged between 7 and 12 are taking part in the ‘Better Life’ programme, a name chosen to reflect the aim of providing them with a better life. The sisters and educators provide academic and personal support to these street children once they have started school. They also receive a daily meal (meat, vegetables, starchy foods and fruit), as well as breakfast or an afternoon snack four days a week.

The sisters regularly receive second-hand clothes, which are given to the children.

A significant impact on children

M., aged 12, is a lively child. His mother begs for food, his father pays little attention to his children, and both suffer from a mental health condition and autism. M. found it difficult to speak, to keep up in class and to make friends.
Little by little, he is now eating properly every day, and with academic support, kind words and a patient ear, he has regained his confidence, is expressing himself better and is channelling his energy: he is making progress, and his life is gradually changing.

Her mother takes part in the mothers’ meetings to help them with their children’s upbringing, and their relationship is improving.
Since last autumn, psychologists, educators and volunteers have been coming to support the sisters with issues relating to parenting, health and family life. And the results are clear to see: more attentive mothers, slightly more peaceful homes, and even small practical favours between them that are making a difference to their daily lives.

Meals and smiles

Every year, more than 40,000 meals or snacks are served: breakfasts, hot lunches and afternoon snacks. The project has provided meals for three months, amounting to around 10,000 meals. These figures speak for themselves and, above all, represent children who eat regularly, full stomachs, smiles at mealtimes, and healthy children who are growing up normally and able to make progress at school thanks to the academic support and attention provided by the teachers who are there for them. 

Admittedly, the project is not yet self-sufficient. We constantly have to find the money to provide free meals for the children; and repairs to the house (stairs, external walls, etc.) have not been able to go ahead due to a lack of sufficient funds. But the sisters remain confident.

“The children themselves call this place ‘their home’. It is a place where they feel safe, loved and listened to. This project bears witness to a simple yet powerful reality: with love, perseverance and a little help, smiles are returning to Koussieh, where all seems lost.” Sr Nada