What It's Really Like Developing International Social Enterprise After College in Cairo, Egypt

I studied Political Science and assumed that I would work in government upon graduation. However, I joined a student consulting group during my senior year which pushed me toward working in development and entrepreneurship. The consulting group focused on social enterprises both locally and internationally and piqued my interest in the social enterprise model and the developing world. After receiving a fellowship to work in social entrepreneurship, I had the choice of going to Egypt or South Africa. I chose Egypt because of the political change that was happening.

Cairo is a very hectic city. There are nearly 20 million residents of the city the mass population is evident in every aspect of your life. Major streets are constantly filled with bumper to bumper traffic, every car honking at the next thinking that the noise will somehow relieve the stagnation. The roads are comprised of everything from cars, busses and trucks to donkey pulled carriages and the occasional man-pulled cart.

Despite the difficulties of Cairo, there is an unexplainable charm to the city. On on street corner, you'll see a butcher decapitate a goat but on the next, a family will invite you to join their modest dinner, excited to share food and learn about your story. People are warm and hospitable and always willing to give directions, even if they don't know where you're headed. There is an evident class system in Cairo. The rich live a segregated life amongst businessmen, diplomats and politicians. They send their children to the American or German university and enjoy private drivers, maids and nannies. The very poor live without running water, electricity or basic healthcare and do not have access to basic necessities not to mention good education or job training.