Update on Egypt

From AFSWiki

The news from our colleagues in Egypt as of this morning is that they have again today contacted all participants hosted in Egypt and that all remain calm and safe. They have continued to reiterate to all hosted participants in Egypt that they should remain at home with their host families. AFS Egypt has also let us know that they have no news of any natural families, alumni or AFS staff or volunteers who have been harmed over the course of the events in Egypt thus far, though specifics about who may be participating is not available.

Control Risk Group, a private risk consultant group that AFS uses, has reported to us this morning that protests are still very much centered around certain government buildings, and not widespread within Cairo. Cities affected by the demonstrations are Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, and Luxor only. A curfew is currently in place during non-daylight hours throughout all of Egypt, but is only being enforced in major cities as a way of controlling the demonstrations. 

Of course, our Egyptian students hosted here in the U.S. may be concerned because it is difficult to get through via internet or cell phones to check on their families, but landlines are still working well, and calling landlines via Skype is working particularly well.

If you are a liaison for any hosted Egyptian students we would appreciate, if you haven't already, if you could check in with them to offer support and see how they are feeling. If any hosted participants have any particular concerns or need our assistance in any way please contact the AFS USA Duty Officer at 1-800-876-2376.

Thank you for all you do to make our students' experience in the US one in which they know they are well supported and surrounded by caring people.