Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS)

The cornerstone of CEOSS's many initiatives is community development, which reflects commitment to a vision of broad citizen participation - especially women's participation - through local associations and committees. Its evolving concept of "partnership" is build on the following distinct strategies:

• Partnership with local communities - In geographically closed communities characterised by a lack of local organisational structures, dysfunctional and/or highly underutilised service providers, and an underrepresented community, CEOSS staff members take up residence. They begin by initiating informal structures; building links between residents, service providers and government officials; and providing the economically poor and socially excluded with access to basic rights and services. These efforts are designed to enable community needs to be channelled democratically, to help local service providers function better, and to raise the awareness of individuals to demand their rights - civil, economic and social.
• Partnership with civil society organisations (CSOs) - In economically isolated urban communities, CEOSS works as an intermediary or umbrella organisation in an effort to build the capacity of CSOs to strengthen local groups of economically poor and marginalised people so they can address issues affecting the quality of their lives.
• Advocacy partnership with CSOs and individuals - CEOSS acts as a facilitator, bringing together influential players, researchers and the media to understand the issues of economically poor or socially excluded communities and groups. CEOSS builds the advocacy capacities of CSOs so they can better function on behalf of their constituents, and influence decision-makers to change policies.

These approaches shape CEOSS's preventative health programmes and interventions, which include: family planning education and clinics; nutrition education for younger mothers; campaigns for healthful home improvements and personal hygiene; mother and child vaccination campaigns; first-aid training for community volunteers; bilharzia analyses; clean water hookups; latrine construction in needy households; and awareness-raising about causes of disability and avoiding risky behaviour. As part of its female genital mutilation (FGM) programme, CEOSS identifies 7- to 13- year-old girls who are at risk of FGM. It works with the girls, their mothers and their families. The programme recruits local leaders who act as programmers who help introduce their fellow community members to the concept of ending the practice of FGM. Programmers begin educational sessions about various health issues and gradually phase in new topics when appropriate.

CEOSS also supports literacy through its Dar El Thaqafa Publishing House. Publications include materials for use in development programmes, as well as a range of original and translated Christian books for all ages. The Audio-Visual Department records audio cassettes and produces Christian drama films for the Arabic speaking Christian community.

Health, Rights, Women, Gender.

Organisers claim that CEOSS has had success in homogenous Christian communities, where pressure to conform is a strong behavioural factor. “Progress has been made in Muslim communities, but not at the same rate.”

An assessment of the FGM programme, in particular, identified the most useful factors in the programme design as its focus on those girls most at risk; its use of positive, easy-to-understand information on abandoning FGM; and its success in involving and gaining the support of local leaders.