The European Union launched the “Ward El Kheir” programme on World Water Day 2026, training Egyptian women to transform invasive water hyacinth from Nile canals into eco-friendly crafts like baskets and lampshades. The initiative turns an environmental nuisance into potential livelihoods for participants.
Along quiet canals branching from Egypt's Nile River, thick clusters of water hyacinth float on the surface, long seen as a nuisance clogging irrigation channels and hindering farmers. Now, the EU-supported “Ward El Kheir” programme is changing that for a group of Egyptian women, transforming the fast-growing plant into eco-friendly handcrafted baskets, lampshades, and decorative items, fostering new skills and livelihoods. It launched at a World Water Day 2026 event organised by the EU Delegation to Egypt and Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. > “I used to see water hyacinth in the canals... but I never imagined I would hold it in my hands and turn it into something useful. Honestly, I was even afraid to touch it before,” said Rania Basyouny in an interview with Daily News Egypt on the sidelines of the event. Now, Basyouny—a Faculty of Commerce graduate unemployed for months—braids dried stems into patterns learned in introductory training sessions, using simple tools like scissors to make lamp baskets, carpets, and vases. Intensive workshops follow the Eid holiday. > “I wanted to learn something that could help me stand on my own feet,” said participant Fadia Saleh, who relies on Egypt's Takaful and Karama social protection programme. She highlighted marketing as the main challenge, though training on promotion and sales is planned. Saleh hopes the skills spread: “When I learn, my sister will learn too.” EU Ambassador to Egypt Angelina Eichhorst addressed the event, stating: > “In a country where the Nile has shaped life, memory and civilisation itself, water is never only a resource. It is dignity, continuity and shared destiny.” She noted women bear the brunt of water challenges but can drive solutions. Since 2007, the EU has provided €600m in grants to Egypt's water sector, mobilising nearly €3.5bn in investments and benefiting 25 million people.