CRAFTING THE PAST</I> - 2005-08-04

A vocational training programme will revive and preserve mediaeval handicrafts in Islamic Cairo. Nevine El-Aref reports on the first phase of the project. The Aga Khan programme provides on-the-job training courses and offers vocational training. Programme administrator Seif El-Rashidi insists that all 250,000 of Al-Darb Al-Ahmar's inhabitants are fully involved in 'the reconstruction', supplying doors, windows, furniture, tiling and accessories required by the new community centre, schools and hotels. Trained by Aga Khan specialists, the workmen now have their own tiny shops with modern equipment.