Child Development in Egypt Luci Doherty Stephen McCue Tim Schmotzer

Culture of Egypt Capital: Cairo Population: 67 million Climate: Desert Hot and dry summers, with moderate winters Government: Republic Official Language: Arabic Religions: 90% Sunni Muslim 8% Coptic Christian 2% Jewish and other Christian denominations

Culture of Egypt People: 99% Eastern Hamitic background (Ancient Egyptian descent) 1% Greek, Nubian, Armenian, Italian, French Half of the population consists of peasantry, they live in rural areas and earn their living through farming, the other half consists of the rich or socially elite. The people are mostly located around the Nile River and Nile Delta.

Culture in Egypt Most businesses are closed on Fridays, because it is a holy day for Muslims. Ramadan: no eating, drinking, smoking, or gum chewing while the sun is up. Egyptian Muslims are only allowed to work for 6 hours a day during the month of Ramadan. Christians can not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public either during the month of Ramadan.

Culture in Egypt Family Honor The most important thing in Egyptian society Includes the nuclear and extended family Honor Requires hospitality to friends and guests. Dress as well as financial circumstances allow. Proper respect to elders and authority. A mans word, if broken, will bring dishonor to the family. An individuals honor is tied to the reputation of the entire family.

Culture in Egypt Women Expected to be conservative and modest. Educated and normally the pride of their parents until they marry. Widely present in professional work force, often wear a head scarf as a symbol of modesty and to discourage male advances in the professional field. Expected to keep arm and legs covered.

Physical Child Development Child Labor An estimated 2.7 million (20.5%) Egyptian children between the ages of 6 and 14 are involved in some form of labor. These conditions dramatically reduce a child's opportunities as an adult. Children are being exposed to pesticides, chemicals, and pollutants these, conditions are more serious and long-lasting for children than they are for adults.

Physical Child Development Child Labor Hazardous work Has lead to spine and neck problems Excessive Work Consists of working more than 6 hours a day, without days off or regular breaks during the day. Has lead to back problems

Cognitive Development Schooling Gender differences Low literacy rate Socioeconomic status

Cognitive Development Early Child Development (ECD) Programs Started in 1996 Improved school performance Direct benefits Long-term benefits

Social Development Activities: Poverty: Families: Labor Laws: In the little time the children have to play, if any at all, most play soccer which is the most popular sport. Poverty: Lack of proper hygiene, healthcare, and unsanitary living conditions. Child labor is a big problem in Egypt with 23-30% of most families total income coming from their children who usually work for 12 hours a day. Families: Most families are very big groups of people living together in small areas. Many children are abandoned by their families. Labor Laws: Children born after 2004 have a better chance of successful lives due to child labor laws finally being set in place.

Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7ihdsjIqhI

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