Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Dr. Reda Hegazy, the Minister of Education and Technical Education, and Dr. Michele Quaroni, the Italian Ambassador in Cairo, visited the Salesian Institute – Don Bosco as part of the celebration of “International Italian Language Week.” This annual event, organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with embassies, consulates, and Italian cultural representation offices worldwide, aims to promote the Italian language, culture, and celebrate the enrollment of girls for the first time in the institute.
The day commenced with a speech by Ramy Halim, the Egyptian Director of the Salesian Institute – Don Bosco, he expressed gratitude to Dr. Reda Hegazy for his unwavering support of the technical education sector and extended appreciation to the Italian side for their continual support of the school and provision of teaching experiences to the students.
He also highlighted the institute’s 97-year presence in supporting young individuals to become exemplary citizens by providing top-quality education, fostering personal development and communication skills, he also emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of teachers, develop and equip laboratories with modern technology, and emphasize professional development and connections with the labor market through field visits and summer training.
Father Pedro Garcia, the General Director of the Salesian Institute – Don Bosco, delivered a speech in which he highlighted the initiation of a remarkable educational project for future generations in 2018, involving the participation of all school employees.
He expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Italian Embassy and expressed pride in the school’s employees and students for their perseverance in overcoming challenges to reach their current high level of achievement.
Father Pedro underscored the annual celebration of students’ graduation with a qualified artistic mindset, guided by the necessity of self-development, collaboration using advanced technology, solidarity, and contribution to their country’s development.
Father Alejandro León, the regional inspector for the Salesian Middle East, expressed his joy in commemorating the first year of girls’ enrollment and extended thanks to the Minister of Education, as well as Egyptian officials, for expanding the establishment of Italian schools in Egypt.
He emphasized the Italian side’s commitment to developing educational curricula that align with the demands of the modern era and the labor market.
Dr. Michele Quaroni, the Italian Ambassador to Cairo, welcomed Dr. Reda Hegazy, the Minister of Education and Technical Education, and all the attendees. He praised the Italian and Egyptian cultures and their ability to mutually benefit each other through cultural exchange.
He emphasized Italy’s endeavor to achieve comprehensive growth in Egypt. The ambassador noted that the institute’s upcoming 100th anniversary of continuous and dedicated work will soon be celebrated. He expressed the dream for young people to have a future filled with peace and highlighted the Salesian Institute “Don Bosco’s” role in encouraging and preparing youth to enter the world of technology and work with modern knowledge and effective competencies.
He emphasized the significance of workshops in providing tangible experiences aligned with current industry standards and fostering continuous communication with various companies and educational institutes to keep abreast of technological advancements and market needs.
Dr. Reda Hegazy, in his speech, welcomed the Italian Ambassador and expressed his delight at his presence during the activities celebrating “Italian Language Week in the World.” The Minister lauded the Don Bosco School as one of the Italian industrial secondary schools in Egypt that focuses on developing students’ cognitive, technical, and personal aspects to prepare them for the future.
He stressed that education is an inherent human right, and the Ministry is committed to ensuring its accessibility.
The Minister highlighted that the Salesian Institute (Don Bosco) serves as a model for Egyptian-Italian cooperation in the field of technical education.
He emphasized the institute’s provision of technical training and education opportunities, enabling students to qualify for technical fields.
Under a cooperation protocol signed between the two countries, graduates of the institute can pursue admission to various universities in Italy.
The Salesian Institute has been one of Egypt’s oldest and finest technical education institutions since its establishment in 1926.
He further emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the “Don Bosco” Institute in enrolling and including girls, providing them with the opportunity to graduate as skilled technicians in accordance with the requirements of the labor market.
At the conclusion of his speech, the Minister expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Italian Ambassador to Egypt and the officials of the Don Bosco Institute for their continuous support and coordination with the Ministry, which has contributed to improving the proficiency of Italian language teachers and learners.
Following the speeches, the Minister and the Italian Ambassador proceeded to inspect the electricity, technology, and air pressure laboratories, as well as the study halls.
During the visit, the Minister engaged in a dialogue with female students, discussing their experiences and feelings upon joining the institute.
The students expressed their happiness at being part of the institute and their enthusiasm for developing and mastering the Italian language.
The visit was attended by several notable individuals, including Dr. Federico Novellino, the Italian Consul; Dr. Davide Scalmagani, Director of the Italian Cultural Center; Dr. Annalisa Wagner, Educational Coordinator at the Italian Embassy; Dr. Raffaele Pentangelo, Head of the Cultural Attaché at the Italian Center; Father Alejandro Leon, Regional Inspector for the Salesian Middle East; Father Pedro Garcia, General Director of the Don Bosco Institute; and Mr. Rami Halim, the Egyptian Director of the Institute. Representing the Ministry of Education, Dr. Mohamed Megahed, Deputy Minister for Technical Education; Dr. Amr Basila, Head of the Central Administration for the Development of Technical Education and Director of the Operation and Management Unit of Applied Technology Schools; Dr. Mohamed Emara, Head of the Central Administration for Technical Education Schools; and Ayman Moussa, Director of the Directorate of Education in Cairo, were also in attendance. Dr. Anwar Mahmoud, Director of the Sahel Educational Administration, was also present.
