Inaugurating El Kamal Primary School in El Gamaleya District

Minister of Education Dr. Mahmoud Abul Nasr, Cairo Governor Dr. Galal Mostafa Said, Board Chairman of Takatof Association for Development Dr. Hossam Badrawi and Deputy Board Chairman Dr. Magued Osman inaugurated on September 18, 2014 El-Kamal Primary School in Gamaleya after renovations that cost LE 3 million, including LE 503,000 offered by ABB Company for Power Industries to develop the school’s Kindergarten area.
The project brings the number of schools developed by Takatof to 17 in Cairo and Giza, including four in el-Darb el-Ahmar district.
After touring the school, a documentary on the development works and the training program for the school teachers was screened.
Takatof Executive Director Mireille Nessim addressed the gathering saying: “We encourage businessmen to support non-governmental organizations as development of schools is very important but maintaining it needs efforts by the board of trustees, parents and the teachers.”
“Takatof has established an awareness program to keep the school in good shape and launched a cleanliness initiative as well as the cleanest and tidiest classroom contest as an incentive for the children to keep their classrooms clean,” she said, adding that the association also began a capacity building program during the first week of September to hone the skills of the teachers.
“Takatof’s upcoming project to be inaugurated is the Mohamed Ali Prep School for Boys,” she pointed out.
Dr. Hossam Badrawi addressed the event saying: “The school looks amazing, but any school is not just buildings and facilities but rather the students. The target is always the students and the teachers who are considered the school’s ‘beating heart’.”
“I have discovered that one of the main problems facing the school is lack of physical education and music education. These activities are important in terms of enriching the students’ sentiments and feelings,” he said, adding that Takatof is ready to fund these activities and will provide the school with the needed tools and musical instruments.
“The enthusiasm of the school teachers and their wish to create a better future is very obvious and will make anything happen.”
The school Principal Hoda Abdel Hamid said: “The training courses offered to the teachers have made a real difference. I promise that the school will remain in good condition as it is seen today and even my grandchildren will benefit from the technological progress I have reached in education.”
A number of teachers addressed the event as well, including Sherif Ibrahim, the Arabic language teacher, who stressed that everyone should cope with development and shoulder the responsibility. “We should all exert utmost efforts to make our school the best in Cairo.”
Yehia Ragab, the science teacher, said: “It is a new beginning for our school. We pledge to protect it and give everything to the students to become Egypt’s future scientists.”
Hanan Ibrahim, a homeroom teacher, praised the training program, saying “it was very beneficial and we will apply everything we have been taught in teaching the school students.”
Cairo Governor Dr. Galal Mostafa Said gave a speech saying “The school is very distinguished particularly in terms of human development, teachers, training courses and students. There are new activities in the school.”
“We thank every single one in Takatof Association for investing in the people and this is much needed in Egypt. The country will not make any progress except through the people and education particularly during the primary stage and onwards,” he said.
“The development of the school was taking place in parallel with the renovation of El Moez Street which has changed drastically,” he pointed out.
“Next year the development of Mohamed Ali School will be complete. The school needs support and the Cairo Governorate will provide it with all the needed technological devices and it will be very distinguished,” he added.
“I am very glad with the positive spirit among the teachers of El Kamal School. It is going to be one of the best schools in the area,” he stressed.
Education Minister Dr. Mahmoud Abul-Nasr said the ‘Together We Can’ plan is being represented in the development of this school. It is an excellent model of collective work.
Addressing the inauguration of the school, the minister said “every day we can accomplish anything through cooperation and working together. ‘Together We Can’.”
“The Ministry of Education will continue what is left and will provide everything needed for the development of the school,” he stressed.
“Tomorrow is going to be better. ‘Together We Can’ should be the motto of all school teachers,” he added.
Development work carried out by Takatof at El Kamal Primary School included reinforcing parts of the structure of some buildings which posed a peril to the students and the teachers. The association also established labs, including a computer lab for the primary section, a multimedia lab in the Kindergarten building as well as classrooms for drawing, sports and music. Three additional classrooms were also added to reduce the number of students in each class and ensure better education. Also, a teachers’ room was provided and the number of bathrooms for students and teachers were increased.
Takatof also gave attention to the special needs and made structural modifications and preparations in some classrooms and bathrooms.
As the association believes that development is not complete without human development and providing various services, capacity building programs for the school teachers and staff were offered before the beginning of the school year in conformity with the outcome of the needs’ assessment sessions held to study needs of the school.
Takatof will implement awareness programs for students on preserving the school after development and offer cultural and entertainment activities for the students. Ophthalmology convoys for students and teachers will also be provided.
Takatof’s philosophy is based on structural upgrade and provision of equipment in a way that creates a favorable atmosphere for education of school students, in addition to Development making use of vacant areas and reshuffling classrooms. The association also gives attention to child psychology in terms of choosing bright colors, suitable lighting and greenery to encourage them to study.