Three and half years ago Ans van der Valk left everything behind her in the Netherlands and went to Egypt. Together with her husband, Abdelrehim Haggag, she began a day care for children and adults with intellectual disabilities; there are many needs. At Ard el Amal they can work, learn and experience.

For their project, the city of Luxor put 5 acres at the disposal of Ans and her husband. It was a sandpit, temperature fluctuations were large and they had an empty wallet! This was no easy challenge!

The Foundation works with volunteers who assist Ans and Abdelrehim to realize Ard el Amal and at the moment they are supported by about 60 donors.
The builders and other workers are people from the local area.

So far they already have achieved a lot in the "sandbox" and hope that Ard el Amal can open the doors for the first groups of children with intellectual disabilities within 6 months.

Some things you can find on the land of Ard el Amal are:

The day centre with a outdoor playground

The farm with cows (and calves 4), donkeys, a horse, goats and pigeons.
    The mentally disabled can help with the care of the animals.
Also there is a playground where there is direct contact with the animals.

A ceramic workshop
    This is not only an activity place for the intellectual
disabled children and adults, but will be also a source of income.

The Shadow Place is a spot to drink coffee and tea.
    It is a nice workplace for intellectual disabled people who can function at a higher level.

Large fruit orchards (mango, guava and lime)
Several fields with vegetables / potatoes.

    An activity that can be done, even with a wheelchair, is picking fruit.
A start has also been made on the construction of a craft village. There are already 2 houses.

It is not easy to describe such a great project on just one A4 sheet. What is very clear is that Ans and Abdelrehim are go-getters. The end of the project is in sight.
In the year 2009 there was no financial progress. While in previous years many companies were willing to participate financially and in other ways, this year budgets have been tight.
Which is why Ans jumped in the air after hearing about such an unexpected donation like this, a gift straight from heaven! 

Photo 1) Day centre

Photo 2) Ceramic workshop

Photo 3) Farm

Photo 4) Day centre with in the background the farm and the land.