Amid an atmosphere filled with hope and optimism, as though walking through a living work of art, the city of 10th of Ramadan witnessed an exceptional opening ceremony on Tuesday for the kindergarten section of January 25 Basic Education School.
The event was far more than a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate a building. It was a living embodiment of an integrated vision led by Dr. Hossam Badrawi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Takatof Development Association, which has taken upon itself the mission of building the Egyptian individual before building physical structures.
The project was made possible through cooperation with a private-sector partner that believes in the role of civil society. Hosny Textiles Company, represented by its Managing Director, Ms. Marian Hosny, provided the funding for the project.
The moment visitors step into the newly renovated kindergarten section, they can sense the scale of the transformation. The colorful surroundings and modern facilities stand in striking contrast to what was, until recently, a deteriorating building. This reflects the approach adopted by Takatof, one of the associations led by Dr. Hossam Badrawi. The association has committed itself to a distinctive development model: taking over a dilapidated school every nine months, restoring it, breathing new life into it, equipping it fully with the latest educational tools and facilities, and then handing it over to the state as a model to be emulated.
Yet Takatof’s real achievement extends far beyond completing construction and renovation. The association’s philosophy is rooted in sustainability. For up to two years after a school’s inauguration, it remains under the association’s direct supervision and close follow-up. During this period, the school becomes a hive of activity, with teachers receiving training and professional development in the latest teaching methods. The aim is to ensure that they fully understand and embrace the modern educational system introduced at the school, while safeguarding its continued effectiveness and implementation.
This commitment to children’s well-being also includes health insurance coverage and comprehensive medical care for young pupils, providing them with a safe and supportive physical and psychological environment in which to learn and grow.
The positive spirit of the occasion was evident throughout the inauguration ceremony, which began at 3 p.m. with a guided tour of the new classrooms, allowing guests to see the results of these efforts firsthand. Everyone then gathered in the large marquee prepared for the celebration.
Ms. Mirai Nassim, Chief Executive Officer of the Takatof Development Association, opened the proceedings with a warm welcome, followed by a moving video documenting the journey of challenges and achievements that transformed the school into the bright, welcoming space it is today.
Dr. Hossam Badrawi then delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of civil society’s role in advancing education. The Chairman of the Takatof Development Association stressed that early childhood—the period before the age of six—is one of the most important and formative stages of human development. The issue, he explained, goes far beyond establishing and equipping nurseries and kindergartens; it concerns laying the foundation for the development of the Egyptian character.
Dr. Badrawi emphasized that educational success cannot be measured by curricula alone. It also depends on the child’s lived experience within the educational institution, shaped above all by teachers’ and administrators’ awareness of the value and impact of what they offer. This stage, he explained, requires a focus on nurturing curiosity, encouraging children to ask questions, and accepting their mistakes as part of the learning process. Genuine education and the development of young minds, he affirmed, are achieved through continuous encouragement—not punishment.
Dr. Badrawi concluded by referring to the fourth pillar of Egypt Vision 2030, which places strong emphasis on character-building. The objective is to raise a generation that respects its country’s history, has confidence in its present, and is equipped to create hope for its future.
The event received broad support from both the community and government representatives. Ms. Marian Hosny, Managing Director of Hosny Textiles Company, explained that contributing to this pioneering educational project was a continuation of the mission and dream of her late father, Mr. Robert Hosny, who had long sought to improve the quality of life for the people of 10th of Ramadan City.
In her remarks, she highlighted the deeper developmental significance of the initiative:
“My father invested in the land, built factories, and helped raise an entire generation of workers and employees. Today, we are carrying the torch forward and continuing that journey—but by investing in the most valuable asset our city possesses: its children.”
She expressed her firm belief that these children would soon become the nation’s future leaders. She also reaffirmed Hosny Textiles’ commitment to continuing its community service and supporting development initiatives in the city in the years ahead. She extended special thanks to the company’s managers and employees, whose sincere efforts had helped make this achievement possible.
Official attendance also reflected the high regard for the association’s work. Dr. Hala Abdel Salam delivered a speech on behalf of the Minister of Education and Technical Education, praising the exemplary project. She called on Takatof and the Investors Association to expand similar initiatives into the areas most in need across Sharqia Governorate, rather than limiting such efforts to 10th of Ramadan City.
Mr. Zuhairi, speaking on behalf of Engineer Hazem El-Ashmouni, Governor of Sharqia, and Mr. Mohamed Ramadan, First Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education in the governorate, welcomed the guests to Sharqia. He affirmed the commitment of the governorate’s executive and educational leadership to supporting and developing the educational process and providing the best possible opportunities for students.
He stressed that kindergarten should not be regarded as merely a brief preparatory stage. Rather, it is the foundation upon which a child’s character takes shape and through which cognitive abilities and skills develop. Serious investment in early childhood education, he added, is the first guarantee of reducing school dropout rates, limiting learning loss, and combating illiteracy among children as they progress through the education system.
Anyone who experienced the atmosphere of today’s opening ceremony would recognize that improving education in Egypt is not a distant dream. It is a tangible reality, made possible by dedicated hands that believe investing in the minds and health of our children is the most important investment we can make in the future of our nation.
