Number of Foster Children in Egypt Reaches 12,323 in January 2025

The Ministry of Social Solidarity recorded 12,323 children living with foster families and 12,094 foster families by January 2025. The figures show a slight decline from August 2024, when there were 12,347 children and 12,159 families.

In November, the ministry completed training for 50 facilitators who will train foster families across 14 governorates. The training program, implemented with NGOs such as Orman, Yalla Kafala, and Ehtedan, covers the impact of physical and psychological punishment, child protection, and access to support services. The ministry has also established Egypt’s first kafala centre in Cairo’s 15th of May City.

Yalla Kafala continues to play a key role in supporting prospective foster families, offering guidance on legal procedures and ensuring children find secure and loving homes. In a recent interview with CairoScene, Rasha Makki, founder of Yalla Kafala, discussed the organization’s mission, its latest initiative, The Little Home, and their vision for an Egypt where no child grows up alone.

The Little Home is a model that reimagines institutional care by creating small, family-like environments for children in need. Unlike traditional orphanages, where large numbers of children often lack individualised attention, this initiative ensures that each child grows up in a nurturing setting with a dedicated foster mother, siblings, and an extended support system. Those interested in fostering or supporting the initiative can learn more by reaching out to Yalla Kafala.