Egyptian Kids on Wheels!

Dear all Alhassan Foundation’s friends, believers & supporters,

We want to share with you our experience with failure who leaded us to success! This project report is a submission to GlobalGiving's 2017 Fail Forward Contest, where organizations are asked to share a story of when they tried something new that didn't go as planned and how they learned from it. Enjoy!

During the past few years we tried so hard to provide best options for our kids on wheels. The most important thing that will make their life easier is having an efficient & light wheelchair that will help them go to their schools easily, and participate in activities confidently. Unfortunately on our path for finding the perfect supplier for providing these wheelchairs we encountered lots of obstacles though we thankfully overcame all of them.

First, we had a deal with a company in UAE, but after long debates and correspondences to reach to a good deal, they didn’t met the requirements. Not only that, but also the whole deal turned to be a scam as they asked for the money in advance without giving any solid proofs for good intention to close the deal. Then we cancelled this deal and tried to find a more reliable supplier this time. Second, we found a good deal with an Italian Company, it appears to be a good company. They used to provide adjustable wheelchairs so kids can use even if they grow up bigger or taller. The issue with this company was that they had no agent in Egypt to close the deal and handle all logistics.

After all these failed efforts to reach to the best deal with the most efficient wheelchair for kids, we learned our lesson. This time we decided to make a new deal with the supplier that we deal with for our adults’ wheelchairs. They produce efficient wheelchairs tailored especially for kids, but they weren’t adjustable. By having the deal with the same supplier we had a good offer in quantity and price as they have a certified agent in Egypt. This company is mainly located in Germany. Also, we enhanced the process and made it more sustainable and efficient through taking old wheelchairs from kids after they grow up and give them to younger kids as a “pay forward initiative”. We hope that you will learn from our experience as much as we learned.

We would like to thank each and every one of you for your support. We urge you to continue supporting our cause and stay loyal donors to our cause through subscribing to a monthly recurring donation option. That will help wheelchair users in Egypt be more confident and accomplished. Please visit our Facebook page to read other success stories:

https://www.facebook.com/AlhassanFDN/

Thank you for believing in the differently abled. :)