By Christine Ayad | Senior Writer
"Imagine you’re in a helicopter looking over your country. What changes do you want to see?"
That question sparked action among 1,500 university-aged women in the Coptic Orphans Valuable Girl Project (VGP). After two years of leadership and skill-building training, they were challenged to launch initiatives that would improve life in their villages.
Thanks to your support, these young women completed 143 projects in 2025 alone—from delivering aid to families in need to installing streetlights for public safety. But one initiative stood out: the renovation of the Salah Salem train tunnel in Luxor, led by Rola and 16 of her peers.
The Problem
The tunnel, a vital link between Luxor’s East and West sides, was unclean, unlit, and unsafe. Women and girls avoided it, choosing longer, costlier routes that took four times the length of time—risking accidents along the way.
The Plan
After assessing community needs, Rola worked with her team to propose a bold solution:
With guidance from VGP mentors, the girls presented their plan to the Civil Council Chairman. Initially skeptical, he soon became their biggest supporter:
"At first, I thought they wouldn’t follow through. But their determination surprised me—I had to help them in any way I could." —Civil Council Chairman
The Transformation
Working from sunrise to sunset for a week, the young women turned a dark, dangerous passage into a vibrant, safe walkway. They adorned the walls with pharaonic murals featuring women, symbolizing empowerment and pride.
"We repainted the tunnel with love. We worked nonstop for a week, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., drawing designs that honor Luxor’s history." — Rola, project leader
The grand opening was held on October 6, a national day of heroism. Today, 1,000 women use the tunnel daily—many for the first time in years:
"Since I got married, I never crossed it. But now, what was once a place of fear is a place of joy." — Luxor resident
Word of the renovation spread quickly—so much so that the Governor of Luxor attended the grand opening, alongside the Founder and Executive Director of Coptic Orphans. At the ceremony, the Governor praised their work:
"These initiatives reflect the spirit of ordinary citizens. The girls turned a neglected tunnel into a beautiful landmark that honors Luxor’s heritage." —Governor of Luxor
Impact Beyond a Tunnel
What started as a dream became proof of what young women can achieve with the tools and confidence to lead. With your support, they didn’t just restore a tunnel—they created a path to safety and empowerment for thousands.
Today, the Luxor Salah Salem Tunnel stands as a vibrant landmark, its murals telling a story of young women transforming their communities.
Thank you for empowering these young women to turn their skills and passion into positive change. If Rola’s story inspires you, we invite you to join us in supporting this cause and helping more young changemakers thrive.
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