Empowering Change: Insights from Be2aty's Pilot Bootcamp 

The recent Be2aty pilot bootcamp was just the start of an exciting series of upcoming events. It offered a profound experience for a group of 11 participants, consisting of 9 females and 2 males aged between 19 and 25, who have joined and complemented the program with their unique perspectives and backgrounds to explore the topic of environmental protection in Ramadan. Held from 23 February to 9 March at Alwan wa Awtar’s learning space in Mokattam, this enriching experience was divided into three phases that aimed to spark creativity, nurture a sense of community, and inspire environmental action. At the conclusion of this journey, participants will have the opportunity to build and implement their own environmental projects with the guidance and support of qualified mentors. 

Have you ever wondered how art can be used as a tool for environmental activism? This question was addressed in the first phase of Be2aty's pilot bootcamp, where Alwan wa Awtar led an engaging theatre-based four-day session using the Theatre of the Oppressed Technique. This approach aims to inspire both personal and collective transformation by giving spectators the opportunity to become performers and enact solutions to social issues. Through these interactive exercises, participants got the chance to brainstorm, initiate group discussions, express their perspectives through improvisation, and engage in interactive role-plays that encouraged them to explore the concepts of Repetition, Change, and Impact, as well as Resources and Collective Work within the bigger umbrella of environmental protection.  

The second phase was led by two of our project partners, MIO-ECSDE and Upfuse, who guided participants through an exploration of their roles and circles of impact, daily life practices, climate justice, and the importance of upcycling and recycling. A highlight of this phase was a field trip on the 6th of March to Manshiyet Nasser, a neighborhood in Cairo known for its significant contribution to garbage collection and recycling, offering a real-world perspective on waste management and its impact on local communities. This played a special role in inspiring participants to brainstorm ideas for their environmental projects and prepare them for the final phase of the bootcamp: The Hackathon. 

During the final phase, Alwan wa Awtar worked closely with our group of participants to fine-tune their project ideas and develop implementation plans. This process started with a stimulating reflection exercise: collectively painting a mural depicting Dystopia, Utopia, and the actions needed to transition from one to the other. Intensive brainstorming sessions took place afterwards, and participants were able to successfully develop their problem trees as a first step towards the creation of practical and achievable project ideas. 
While the bootcamp may have ended, the journey towards creating positive change is just beginning for these young individuals. The next phase will involve connecting participants with mentors who will guide and support them in bringing their project ideas to life. Stay tuned for more updates!