Activity Description:

The SEKEM initiative began as an organic agricultural business outside of Cairo that combined social and environmental objectives in its business model, through training in modern farm management, organic cultivation and the negotiation of long term supplier contracts. It currently provides reliable employment and income to 900 small and medium scale family farms while reclaiming over 3,000 hectares of farmland, almost half of which is reclaimed desert land. Over the last two decades, SCD has expanded its program activities from initial basic educational initiatives and now implements a variety of projects and programme activities in the fields of economic development, health care and education. This holistic approach to development emphasises participation, integration and the need to foster long-term independence and self-determination of community members. SCD acknowledges this principle through a programme of cultural and economic empowerment that integrates the arts and sciences and fosters moral and ethical awareness.