CAIRO — Abdulrahman Sulaiman Salama had never believed weapons alone can resolve the war between the Egyptian army and extremist groups. The activist realized that although weapons can kill extremists, they can't kill their ideology, so he decided to fight back using an ideology of his own.
Salama established the Mariam Center to educate children in North Sinai. In addition to a standard curriculum, students are taught art and prepared to face the extremist ideology they might encounter in their lives. The project started with three volunteer teachers and 15 children, who attend for free.