Journalism of Courage
At this time of the year, Mahmoud would be on the field playing as a defender for Beni Suef, a club in Egypt’s second division. But like millions in the Arab world’s most populous country, he has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. (Source: AP)
Mahrous Mahmoud is working up a sweat in a different way these days — as a street vendor. (Source: AP)
The league was shut down mid-March and Mahmoud’s main source of income dried up. Egypt has implemented a strict curfew and closed cafes, malls and other shops as part of a government effort to stem the spread of the virus. His club told players to stay at home until they could return to playing. (Source: AP)
Mahmoud returned to his hometown not long after the country’s partial lockdown was implemented. He looked for jobs but could only find work as a daily laborer in construction. (Source: AP)
Before the crisis, he said he could find regular work on construction sites, usually making no more than $7 a day, but now he says he’s lucky if he can get two days of work a week. (Source: AP)
Then came Ramadan, and the temporary job at the pastry stall. (Source: AP)
Mahrous Mahmoud, right, makes Ramadan sweets, in Manfalut, a town 350 kilometers (230 miles) south of Cairo in the province of Assiut, Egypt. (Source: AP)
Printed photographs of football defender 28-year-old Mahrous Mahmoud, during football training at a club (Source: AP)
The 28-year-old Mahmoud is the eldest of two sons. His father worked as a part-time driver but is retired with heart problems. He supports his father, mother and brother, who live in one room of a three-story building they share with six other families of his uncles. (Source: AP)
