CAIRO — Described as “Egypt’s miracle,” Al Nour Wal Amal (Light and Hope), the blind female orchestra, is feeling the economic pangs of the revolution. Prior to the January 25 Revolution, the orchestra staged regular monthly concerts, traveled annually and had multiple donors supporting the organization and its initiatives. Today, the picture is somewhat bleak, shown by the infrequency of concerts, little or no international travel and dwindling funds.
“Since the revolution, the organization is really struggling. Most of our donors left the country and others can no longer afford to help,” Amal Fikry, the organization’s proud chairwoman, told Al-Monitor, detailing how even regular donors last year were today less forthcoming. Masr El Kheir, an Egyptian charity, is currently the main, stable funding source, according to Fikry.
