On an exceptional day filled with pride and gratitude, Don Bosco Salesian Institute Cairo celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding (1926–2026), under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and in the presence of H.E. Mr. Hassan Raddad, Minister of Labour, alongside a distinguished gathering of international, ecclesiastical, and diplomatic figures. This historic celebration marked a full century of education, vocational and character formation, and dedicated service to young people in Egypt.
One of the most significant highlights of the celebration was the honour of welcoming Fr. Fabio Attard (Don Fabio Attard), Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco worldwide and the eleventh successor of Saint John Bosco. His visit held special significance for the Salesian Family, symbolising the unity of its mission and its continuity across generations.
The Institute was also honoured by the presence of Fr. Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy (Don Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy), General Councillor of the Salesian Congregation and Regional Councillor for the Mediterranean Region, and Fr. Tati (Don Tati), Private Secretary to the Rector Major.
The distinguished guests also included His Beatitude Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac, Patriarch of Alexandria for the Coptic Catholics and President of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Egypt; His Excellency Archbishop Nicolas Henry, Apostolic Nuncio to Egypt; His Excellency Bishop Claudio Lurati, Bishop of the Latin Catholic Church in Egypt; and Fr. Morcos Helmy, Director of Don Bosco Salesian Institute Cairo, together with a number of ecclesiastical and diplomatic leaders, representatives of Egyptian and Italian institutions, and the Institute’s partners, graduates, and friends.
The celebration programme included the reception of distinguished guests, the foundation-stone laying ceremony marking the centenary, and a guided tour of the Institute. The tour featured the Historical Corridor, which showcased a century of the Institute’s journey through photographs, documents, and key historical milestones. It also included the Technology Exhibition, presenting students’ projects and highlighting the Institute’s technical and technological capabilities. The day concluded with the official ceremony, featuring speeches and artistic performances.
During the celebration, H.E. Mr. Hassan Raddad, Minister of Labour, reaffirmed the Egyptian state’s appreciation for the Institute’s historic contribution to technical education and vocational training. He praised the Egyptian-Italian partnership as a successful model for preparing qualified technical professionals and aligning training programmes with labour market needs.
He also highlighted the achievements of cooperation between the Ministry and the Institute, noting that more than 27,000 young men and women had applied for free training grants, approximately 3,000 trainees had benefited from these programmes, and 1,435 job opportunities had been made available through the Job Fair, in which 40 companies participated.
Throughout its century-long history, Don Bosco has been far more than an educational institution. It has been a home that has welcomed generations of young people, helping them discover their talents, acquire valuable skills, and build their futures. The Institute has always believed that true education goes beyond teaching and transferring knowledge; it is about shaping individuals, nurturing values, fostering responsibility, encouraging the dignity of work, and inspiring service to society.
On this historic occasion, we extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone who has contributed to shaping this remarkable journey over the past hundred years: Salesian priests, teachers, trainers, technicians, and administrative staff, as well as everyone who has believed in the Don Bosco mission and played a part in shaping the future of generations of young people.
One hundred years have passed… and the mission continues.
We renew our commitment to carrying forward the mission of Saint John Bosco, rooted in education through love and preventive care, keeping the doors of this home open to new generations as we continue, together, to inspire hope and build the future.
Don Bosco Cairo: One Hundred Years of Education, Work, and Service to Young People — A Lasting Legacy That Continues to Inspire Generations.
