Mashrou El Saada colors Nubians’ life

CAIRO – 21 February 2018: Near the south of Aswan lies one of the few Nubian rocky gem islands that could survive from submerging after the High Dam had been built – Heisa. Distinguished by its serene and simple living, the island has struggled since then to keep its distinct culture and heritage alive, as its beauty and colorful life with Nubian drawings have been degraded.

With the hope of protecting its heritage and keeping its Nubian colorful atmosphere, a 50-member project known as “Mashrou El Saada” (Project of Happiness) goes there every year, and 2018 is its fourth phase on the island.

Mashrou El Saada, an NGO that uses color therapy to brighten up the lives of the less fortunate, goes every year to Heisa in Nubia. This year marked their fourth stage on the island, having taken place January 25-29, 2018. During the four stages, they painted 39 houses on the island.

They also introduced human development activities in their program to preserve Nubian heritage. One of the objectives of Mashrou El Saada in this project is to support the native women of Heisa. This was done through holding a three-day brass workshop, where they were able to learn how to make handmade jewelry, aiding them with their productivity and helping diversify their sources of income.



Houses painted by Mashrou El Saada – Official Facebook Page


Houses painted by Mashrou El Saada – Official Facebook Page


Brass workshops held for women's Heisa-official Facebook Page