Sawiris Group announced the establishment of the Manara International Boarding School in El-Gouna through the Al-Manara Educational Services Company. During a ceremony on Friday evening, the school's Board of Trustees announced that all the necessary licenses required by the Ministry of Education are being applied for, and the designs of housing facilities for students, faculty members, and other school staff are being finalised. In his speech, Governor of the Red Sea Amr Hanafi said that the private sector is a partner in development and has a pivotal role to play, adding that the government seeks to enhance that role. "We are ready to provide our full support to the private sector for such projects," he said. "I am proud to announce the establishment of Manara School; a dream that I had for years and was inspired by the philanthropic legacy of my grandparents," said Naguib Sawiris — Chairperson of Orascom Development Holding "I decided to not only continue investing in education but to present an innovative opportunity for a specific purpose — giving talented, high-potential teenagers an unprecedented opportunity to make a difference in society by developing independence and cultivating leadership abilities that are only possible in an ideal educational environment both inside and outside of classrooms." Sawiris also noted that the educational programme at the school is designed to help students develop the most important life skills through a healthy daily routine, as well as instil a sense of responsibility in students and strengthen their love and appreciation for Egypt through an expedition programme that ensures throughout their years at Manara students visit the country's most important landmarks and attractions as part of their academic journey. The school provides students with a rigorous educational programme, along with an academic, leadership, and athletic programme, in addition to community service activities and daily household tasks like cooking, cleaning, etc. The school will be supported by two non-profit foundations whose focus is on providing student scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded on a sliding scale based on demonstrated financial need. Manara will accept up to 60 students who are eligible to enrol in grade eight in its first year, which will start by September 2023, taking them in for five years until the end of secondary school. Students admitted to the school will be selected according to clear criteria to ensure non-discrimination and diversity of students, whether they are students from public, private, or international schools from all over the country. With plans to follow the Advanced Placement (AP) Curriculum, Manara will use an independent learning methodology with a transformative approach focused on small classes that engage students through critical thinking and problem-solving. "What distinguishes Manara from other schools is the small classrooms that operate with an average of fifteen students. Manara established collaborative partnerships with leading residential schools in the world and has already attracted exceptionally highly qualified faculty members from diverse backgrounds, in addition to subject matter mastery," said Peter Saliba — Head of Manara School. "We will give students the chance to communicate with top professionals and industry leaders in Egypt and abroad, in addition to learning different life skills. Manara will also provide students with the opportunity to participate in national, regional, and international activities, conferences, and seminars." "The school administration will focus on making Egyptian heritage and history a core part of the school's curriculum," he added. Furthermore, he said that the school's staff will be residents on campus and will be available to students 24/7. A medical team will also be available to care for the physical and mental health of students.
