A Ramadan packing event, in which around 60 students participated, took place on Feb. 23, 2025, at ESLSCA University in Cairo, Egypt.

Organized by the university’s Rotaract Club, the event brought together students and staff to help families in need.

“It was a great day, a lot of students engaged in the activity. We had 80 boxes done by the end of the day,” said Karim Ashraf, head of the Rotaract Club.

Each box was prepared carefully, ensuring that all were equal and fairly distributed. Each one contained 1 pack of rice, 1 pack of sugar, 1 pack of hibiscus, 1 pack of mulukhiyah (jute leaves), 2 packs of lentils, 2 packs of various types of pasta, 1 bottle of red sauce, 1 pack of dates, 1 pack of tea, 2 packs of white beans and more.

The goal was to assemble 80 boxes for 80 families, and that target was reached in less than two hours.

“Some people think we stopped at 80 because it was a cost issue, but the student activity was just limited to that number, so students don’t miss their lectures,” Ashraf explained. 

He also added that the university provides more boxes and donations to the people in need throughout the year through various organizations. 

There was a fair number of leftover supplies at the end of the event, and Ashraf mentioned that these extra supplies would be packed and distributed to Abou Zaabal Leprosarium, a leprosy colony, where all infected patients are isolated at Abu Zaabal, Cairo. 

Students expressed how happy they were after the packing event and the sense of fulfilment it brought them. 

“It was wonderful, there were so many people participating, and it felt very warm,” said Laila Esmat, a media and communication student at ESLSCA.

There were smiles all around, students took shifts in order for everyone to participate in the activity. 

Esmat also added, “Honestly, helping people in need felt like a fulfilment, I heard there was going to be another packing but in New Cairo.”

She proceeded to say that although she lives in Sheikh Zayed, she would go, because this packing made her want to do more good deeds during this Ramadan. 

“If we could take a few minutes of our day to help people out, why not?” she added.

Fomel Ayman, the student body president of ESLSCA University, shared a similar feeling of wanting to participate in more charitable events.

“The packing was amazing, and the vibe was really nice,” Ayman said.

“If they do another packing on or off campus, I will probably go and invite my friends to join as well.”

Many students mentioned that they would join packing activities during Ramadan to help as many families as they can. 

Ashraf added that the Rotaract Club organizes other packing events, but not on campus, since this is only a student activity and packing activities often happen at night. 

He mentioned the “Matbakh (kitchen) initiative”, which is a group of 690 people volunteering in meal preparations, box packings, and meal distributions. It includes students from multiple different universities in Cairo, like ESLSCA University, the German University in Cairo, Coventry, the British University in Cairo, and more.

He added that the initiative works throughout the whole year in distributing meals, but especially during the holy month of Ramadan, from Wednesdays to Saturdays, and that it’s located in New Cairo. 

“All students are welcomed and encouraged to participate and come join us in the upcoming Ramadan packings, where we prepare meals and pack boxes. We’re waiting for you,” said Ashraf.