“Despite ecological challenges and economical obstacles, we achieved ongoing development and progress – SEKEM is not only celebrating the past 39 years of success, but we also look to 2017 with confidence.” By these words, Helmy Abouleish, the CEO of SEKEM started the celebration program of the initiative’s 39th anniversary.
European guests from SEKEMs partners and friends, as well as SEKEM farmers, co-workers, pupils and students, were warmly welcomed by the words of Helmy Abouleish as well as his father, SEKEM founder Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish. For two hours, they all enjoyed the festive celebration, which was quite unique this year. Co-workers of different SEKEM companies performed short skits written by themselves, showing the challenges they face in their daily work life and how they contribute to overcome them. Besides presenting the achievements in SEKEMs economical life, the ambitious SEKEM co-workers enthusiastically highlighted their plans and goals for 2017.
In addition and according to SEKEMs tradition, music, eurythmy and acting were enriching the atmosphere. Egyptian folk songs were presented by the school choir and an elaborate eurythmic play was performed by the students of Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development. Accompanied by the profound words of the Arabic poet Khalil Gibran, the play draw attention to the meaning of the earth. Also staff members of Heliopolis University showed a theatre play which involved the audience by answering the question who might be the hero within the presented story. It turned out that actually each one of us is the hero. The performance received great applause.
Furthermore, those SEKEM employees who have been working with the initiative for seven years were honored for their longstanding commitment. Helmy Abouleish praised their efforts and progress.
The CEO of SEKEM ended the celebration, which was this year strongly characterized by the great commitment of SEKEM co-workers, by emphasizing on SEKEMs 39 years-old vision: “With such a wonderful network of co-workers, partners and friends we can optimistically look to the coming years, especially when we see how the youth is more and more contributing to building a sustainable future by ambitious learning and the right awareness to the challenges we want to overcome jointly.”
Noha Hussein
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Get an impression of SEKEMs 38th anniversary