EDE in Nile - Embracing the Journey of Transformation

This post has been taken from Nile Journeys newsletter. It is a Gaia certified Ecovillage Design Education programme. 

You can find more info about EDEs here. 

In a world of challenges and opportunities, the Nile bio-regions stand at a crossroads, embodying the potential for unprecedented transformation. Amidst this pivotal moment, we at the Nile Journeys continue to weave a tapestry of regenerative and collaborative efforts, reflecting a deep commitment to nurturing life-affirming actions across the Nile Basin. As we navigate the complexities of environmental degradation, social divides, and the quest for economic vitality, our journey along the Nile serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action.

The Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) on the Nile—an initiative that embodies our principles of sustainability and community engagement and we share insights from the vibrant and impactful activity in Aswan, where the youth came together to build not just a community football field but also a symbol of unity and collaboration. Through these stories, we aim to illuminate the power of collective action, the spirit of resilience, and the enduring hope that guides us forward.

Reflections on EDE on the Nile: Cultivating Seeds of Change

The Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) on the Nile represents a pivotal chapter in our collective journey towards sustainable and inclusive community development. Over the span of a transformative month, this program has been a beacon of innovative education, integrating the pillars of sustainability—social, ecological, economic, and cultural—into a curriculum that transcends traditional boundaries, embracing participants from 15 countries across the globe.

Through a harmonious blend of theoretical learning and hands-on practice, the program embarked on an exploration of sustainability's four dimensions: social, ecological, economic, and worldview. Each week was dedicated to delving into these aspects, fostering a holistic understanding and application of sustainable practices.

The program's curriculum was carefully balanced to ensure a comprehensive exploration of each sustainability dimension. From permaculture design and nature connection workshops to sessions on economic sustainability and cultural diversity, the EDE program offered a rich tapestry of learning experiences. These sessions were complemented by field visits and community projects, providing participants with invaluable insights into the application of ecological and sustainable principles in the Nile Basin's unique context.

The EDE experience was not just about acquiring knowledge; it was a journey of self-discovery, connection, and empowerment. Participants, hailing from various backgrounds, shared in the richness of cross-cultural exchange and collaborative learning. From the permaculture designs at Rusinga Island to the heartwarming engagements at Tiriji Ecovillage, every activity was a step towards internalising the ethos of ecological stewardship and community resilience.

Spotlight on Aswan: Building Bridges Through Football

In the fertile crescent of the Nile, where ancient cultures echo and modern challenges beckon, our initiative in Aswan has sown seeds of unity and resilience, as part of the Nile Journeys' efforts towards collaboration and sustainable community engagement. The project brought the community together through the establishment of a football field, designed by and for the youth. This endeavour not only provides a space for recreational activities but also exemplifies the power of sports in uniting people, fostering belonging, and encouraging collective efforts towards shared objectives.

Nestled between Aswan in south Egypt and northern Sudan, Heissa Island is a cradle of rich Nubian cultural heritage, marked by its generosity, authenticity, and unity. In February 2024, Nile Journeys, alongside local leaders, embarked on a mission to realise the community's long-held dream by launching a week-long project to build the football field. This effort saw the community come together in remarkable self-organisation, tackling various tasks from irrigation to waste management, all underscored by shared decision-making and a profound sense of care.

The project was completed within a month, just in time for Ramadan, boosting the field's significance beyond sport. It became a focal point for post-fast gatherings, enhancing the communal spirit of joy and camaraderie. The initiative’s success was celebrated in March with an inauguration event that transformed into a vibrant festival, attended by families who shared local delicacies, further enriching the island’s cultural connection.

The new football field has become more than just a sports venue; it's a place that promotes genuine connections, bridging generations and backgrounds. It has revitalized community engagement, serving as a testament to what can be achieved through unity and shared purpose. This project not only reflects the community's resilience but also its commitment to enriching the social fabric of Heissa Island.

Join NILE Journeys in supporting people affected by atrocities around the world;

Your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing challenges, helping to weave a stronger fabric of support across our shared vision of the world. We invite you to extend your support to local and international organisations working tirelessly on the ground.

Sudanese affected by the civil war – 15,000 killed and 8.2 million displaced according to OCHA special report on Sudan 8.2 million people displaced inside and outside Sudan with 24.8 million in need for immediate humanitarian assistance. In these times of need, our solidarity with the communities in Sudan is unwavering.

ICRC: https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/sudan-crisis

UNHCR: https://donate.unhcr.org/int/en/sudan-emergency

Congolese affected by artisanal mining – 2,000 annually killed and 6.1 million displaced

We cannot ignore the Congolese children, women and men affected by the mining Cobalt, Gold, Lithium, Diamonds and the 3T (Tantalum, Tin, and Tungsten). The main benefits of these mines are not channeled into the country and contribute to the degradation of the second largest rain forest in the world. According to the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report issued in March fights between M23 and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) led to 1,689,260 IDP individuals over the last two months.  

Friend of the Congo: https://friendsofthecongo.org/children/

The Good Shepherd: https://congo.gsif.it/

Palestinians fleeing to Egypt from carpet bombed Gaza – 33,000 killed and 1.5 million displaced

The UN Human Rights special procedures report qualified the 100 days bombardment of the Gaza strip by the IDF as genocidal, a number of Palestinians fled to Egypt need shelter and food.  It is the second wave of displacement of people within less than a year after the Sudanese displacement from the South and now the Palestinians from Gaza from the East.    

Global Conscious Convoy: https://globalconscienceconvoy.org/

Mertsal: https://mersal-ngo.org/Donation