By Manal Abdel Fattah
The German Embassy organized a distinguished cultural evening to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the founding of the German School of the Sisters of Charles Borome in Cairo.
The event witnessed the presence of high-level guests of honour, including German Ambassador Frank Hartmann, who delivered a speech on the occasion.
The embassy said in a statement that the German School of the Sisters of Charles Borome in Cairo is a school where Germany meets Egypt, and it is among the German schools recognized outside the borders of Germany. The school’s ancient history goes back 120 years, making it one of the oldest German schools outside Germany in the world.
The German School of the Sisters of Charles Borromy is known for its high educational standards and students who aim to achieve the highest performance rate.
It is worth noting that for many female students, the connection to Germany remains an integral part of their later lives.
In his speech, Ambassador Frank Hartmann quoted the famous scientist Galileo Galilei, saying: “You cannot teach someone anything, you can only help them find knowledge within themselves.” The ambassador added: “This is the approach followed by the German School of the Sisters of Charles Borromy, where it teaches students that knowledge does not come easily, but rather requires making a great effort to form an opinion and develop oneself.”
Ambassador Hartmann pointed out that education is a basic condition for societal, cultural and economic development and the ability to assume responsibility. He emphasized, saying: “Education can make a person tolerant and enable him to assume societal responsibility. For 120 years, the German School of the Sisters of Charles Borromy has been working to provide an integrated education based on humanity and Christian morals, while preserving the Islamic religion, its values, and Egyptian culture.”
The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the school’s ancient history, which reflects its commitment to providing a distinguished education that combines openness to the world and tolerance for different cultures. This event reflects the important role that educational institutions play in building an educated and civilized society, capable of facing the challenges of the future with confidence and fortitude.
The German School of the Sisters of Charles Borome in Cairo was established in 1904 and has a long and rich history. It experienced wars, revolutions, and coups, but it persevered and continued to develop itself to keep pace with the times.
During this journey, she did not give up what distinguishes her, which is providing high-level education based on ethical foundations, which makes female students responsible adults.
The school is supported by the Sisters of the Christian Humanitarian Mission and also by competent and distinguished teachers.
Cultural, educational and scientific cooperation forms the basis of close relations between Germany and Egypt. In no other area of bilateral relations do we have such long-term and close personal contacts.
Schools play a special role here. In addition to the seven German schools in Egypt – which is more than, for example, the number of German schools in China or the United States of America – there are also 29 other partner schools.
Today, more than 4,500 students, both male and female, study in German schools in Egypt, most of whom are Egyptians, where they grew up and have ties to our two countries.
They thus become important bridge builders who contribute to understanding and exchange between Germany and Egypt.
According to the German Embassy, many female graduates of German schools today hold important positions in society, especially in the fields of science, culture, economics and politics.
