The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Helping out those who are less fortunate can take many creative shapes and forms. This is especially true with recent advancements in technology and the proliferation of social media. Indeed, social media posts targeted at do-gooders, who are looking to give out a helping hand, have become quite common. These posts often contain information on individuals or groups who are in need of monetary assistance and other forms of support.

There are also several local initiatives which look to do the same. Tekeya is one of them. The word Tekeya goes back to Egyptian history; although the word currently carries a negative connotation, in its original use Tekeya was used to refer to a building or tent that the less fortunate would be directed to when they were need of food and shelter.

Inspired by the original usage of the word, Menna, the founder of Tekeya, decided to launch an app that would help those who are less fortunate in a unique way. In the words of Menna herself, “through Tekeya, food providers will upload information about their excess food products, and then resell them at reduced prices.” Resultantly, the app helps consumers, from various echelons of society, have access to a decent meal for a reasonable price. The app is simultaneously looking to combat the issue of food waste. Indeed, it has been proven that the average human throws away a whopping 73 kilos of food per annum. Contrastingly, starvation remains a pressing issue in several countries. The app also provides a forum for charitable organisations to communicate efficiently with food providers who are willing to donate food at no cost at all.

Starvation is a worldwide problem and there are food banks and non-profit organisations that seek to combat the issue. The idea of an application, however, seems much more relevant, effective, and communal. A host of supermarkets and restaurants have already agreed to become a part of Tekeya.

Menna hopes, and so do we, that all Egyptians download the application. If not, she hopes that at the very least we should all do something about the food we throw away each and every day.

The application is available for Android and iOS users.