Floating Forward – United for a Clean Nile and Sustainable Change

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"Projects like Floating Forward are crucial as they address two critical issues: ecological sustainability and community education. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, it is vital for communities to understand their role and take responsibility. Leaders must know how to bridge the gap between community needs and global environmental goals."
– Omar Yasein, Facilitator
  The project officially kicked off in September 2023 with a two-day workshop attended by representatives from the Goethe-Institut, the Egyptian Ministry of Education, various environmental organizations, as well as teachers and librarians. The workshop aimed to connect project participants and prepare them for their roles in the initiative.

"The further a province is from the capital, the more pronounced the marginalization and challenges its residents face. That’s why projects like Floating Forward, which specifically support disadvantaged regions, are so important. As a young woman who has lived most of her life in a border governorate and faced challenges due to my gender, location, and age, I can attest firsthand to the impact such projects can have on many levels."
- Aml Gaber, Facilitator and Participant

In specialized “bootcamps,” individuals already active in raising awareness about plastic consumption and water pollution were trained to become youth trainers and multipliers. As part of their training, they restored old fishing boats using recycled plastic waste.
  "The project not only heightened my environmental awareness but also equipped me with practical skills I can apply to any sustainable development initiative. I enhanced my abilities in presentation, leadership, and communication, learning to design interactive workshops and training sessions that inspire and engage people. I also gained valuable experience in planning and coordinating environmental education projects."
– Aml Gaber, Facilitator and Participant

In 2023 and 2024, these newly trained facilitators conducted three-day workshops at six locations along the northern Nile. Participants explored environmental topics such as sustainability, carbon footprints, and circular economies. They discovered the Nile's remarkable biodiversity and learned about the impacts of climate change. Using SMART goals, they developed ideas for their own environmental projects, which they showcased at the end of the workshop series in an exhibition. Participants proposed solutions to combat pollution, and each workshop featured a cleanup activity where they used the restored boats to collect waste along the Nile.

"I started as a volunteer with *Floating Forward* and later became a multiplier and trainer, leading workshops in Luxor and Minya. During these sessions, we helped participants design sustainability projects tailored to their region's needs. At the end, each person presented their project. This experience showed me the value of targeted planning and support in empowering people to drive positive change."
– Omar Yasein, Facilitator

The project's “Creating Business Mentoring Program” supported participants in starting their own businesses or initiatives to promote environmental conservation and recycling. With the help of mentors, they developed their ideas, received guidance, and applied the skills they gained from the project in practical settings.

"Projects like Floating Forward are highly impactful, offering participants invaluable benefits in capacity building and raising awareness about ecological sustainability. I especially want to highlight the inspiring mentoring sessions organized as part of the project. They connected me with experts from various fields and provided substantial support for the project I’m working on."

–Marwa Gaber, Project Manager of the “Planetarium Science Center Waste Recycling Hub”

"The two-year project concluded with the EnviroMORE Festival, where past activities were reviewed, and results were showcased. Participants exchanged experiences and networked while attending workshops on sustainable consumption. The festival featured a panel discussion, a film screening, and an exhibition of creative works and solutions to combat pollution—an inspiring conclusion celebrating the project's impressive achievements."
 
© Private Omar Yasein (22), Facilitator
Omar is a student of industrial engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University. Alongside his studies, he works as a course leader and is the founder of Industrial X, an initiative that prepares students for the demands of industry through workshops, training, and mentoring programs.

"Floating Forward was a transformative experience that led to my selection for a six-week study program at the University of Massachusetts. My focus there was on leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. Out of over 20,000 applicants, only four were chosen, and it was an honor to represent Egypt in this program. This international experience deepened my understanding of sustainability and social impact on a global scale. It also enhanced my skills in project management, strategic planning, and working in multicultural teams. I now apply these skills at *Industrial X*, particularly in designing our workshops and mentoring programs."

© Private Aml Gaber (27), Facilitator and Participant
Originally from Aswan and now based in Alexandria, Aml is a climate change management researcher specializing in water resource management. She is passionate about creativity and sustainability.
"I joined this project because I firmly believe education is the key to driving sustainable change in environmental issues. It offered me a unique opportunity to combine my passion for sustainability with my desire to help others understand the importance of environmental conservation. It also allowed me to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. I wanted to be part of an initiative that empowers people to make informed decisions and equips them with practical skills to create change in their own lives and communities."

© Private Marwa Gaber, Project Manager of the *Planetarium Science Center Waste Recycling Hub
Marwa works at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, where she leads the events and public relations department at the Planetarium Science Center (PSC).

"Professionally, I was fascinated by the guided tours that connected us with nature and provided deeper insights into the Nile's ecosystem. Participating in a Nile cleanup campaign was particularly inspiring. Motivated by this experience, I plan to organize similar cleanup campaigns in Alexandria with the support of students. On a personal level, I deeply valued the collaboration with experts and the project team. Their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise was invaluable to me."