Nr. 149 - February 2015
The VTC
Editorial Dear Readers, most remarkable developments in history have been preceded by substantial investments made by many idealistic people. This observation can be made in SEKEM in many places. SEKEM’s Vocational Training Centre can today provide adolescents with advanced professional training because people teamed up to invest dedication, time, and financial resources into bringing good education to Egypt. It strives to promote not only the immediate benefit of the trainees, but also to strengthen the Egyptian economy and support the development of rural structures. Also thanks to the support pledged to SEKEM of many people, young men and women like Noura Nasser, which you will meet on page 6, are able to pursue careers – often despite plenty of natural and social obstacles. Noura is just one example of how a person born into a disadvantaged livelihood can, with a strong will and the help of others, develop her hidden potentials. It is your support that helps SEKEM provide that opportunity to an ever increasing number of them.
Your Team of Editors Find SEKEM also on the Internet at:
How it All Began in SEKEM
Achievements ISIS Coworkers Receive Honours
Biofach
SEKEM Presents its Newest Products
The Beginnings of Vocational Training at SEKEM
20 years ago, SEKEM‘s Vocational Training Centre could be founded thanks to a donation by the City of Biberach in Germany. Dr. Hans Werner, who assisted the initiative, recounts its beginnings.
Thanks to financial support specifically form Germany, the Vocational Training Centre is able to make use of advanced machinery.
E
gypt does not boast governmental or privately run vocational colleges. The only exception are those that are founded in the framework of a successful Egyptian-German partnership that has been in existence for many years. SEKEM’s own Vocational Training Centre (VTC), that is a part of this group of advanced colleges, could only have been realized with the support of the City of Biberach in Germany when it was inaugurated more than a decade ago. In
the context of a recent programme of lectures at the community college of this Southern German city, there has also been a presentation about SEKEM and its unique approach to a “development of the desert”. The lecture was given by Dr. Hans Werner, who was, together with his wife Elfriede, one of the key individuals who contributed to the creation of SEKEM in the late 1970s. At Biberach on 23 January, Dr. Werner spoke to a large number of people not only about SEKEM Insight | February 2015 | Page 1
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how SEKEM originally came to be and the challenges of the current situation in Egypt. He also delved deeper into the specific support that SEKEM had received from Biberach during the formation of the institution. A Close Relationship of a City and a Country Dr. Hans Werner himself had grown up in Biberach and, many years later, had met the mayor of the city, Claus-Wilhelm Hoffmann, by chance. Back then, the former politician who today serves on the board of the German SEKEM support association, himself inaugurated a development fund that enabled the citizens of Biberach to receive sponsorships for their own development projects. Thus, the town‘s council went on to decide to support the construction of a vocational training centre in Egypt to the amount of 120.000 DM. Since the SEKEM farm is surrounded by 13 villages whose inhabitants mostly live close to the poverty line, the city’s council did not see any obstacles to pledging their support. The centre was opened in 1997 and in 1999 it was officially recognized by the Egyptian state. Some time later, it joined the 40 schools of the group of German-Egyptian vocational training centres in Egypt. Since then, adolescents of both sexes can study a number of courses at the centre and acquire degrees in electrical engineering, carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, accounting, plumbing, and agricultural engineering. Currently, about 240 trainees are attending threeyear apprenticeship courses. More than 750 young people have completed courses since the foundation of the centre and were thus able to acquire professional skills that many of them could later put to good use in SEKEM’s own companies. Individuals wishing to attend the vocational school must first have completed the 9th grade, have passed an entry exam, and then have convinced a group of selected trainers in terms of motivation and commitment in a personal interview. Three times a week, the
At SEKEM‘s VTC, boys and girls always study together.
SEKEM trainees then attend school for eight hours receiving instruction in basic subjects such as English, Arabic, and religious studies. The remaining four days are filled with courses focusing on practical training in the school’s workshops and in selected SEKEM companies. 25 experienced Egyptian teachers are supervising the students.
companies can help a great deal, we are always grateful for the financial support provided by individual donors through one of the SEKEM support associations. However, we also always welcome individuals willing to put their experience to good use by assisting us in person in the development of the school”, Hans Werner said.
In fact, all teaching staff receive ongoing professional training themselves at regular intervals, for instance in English, art and pedagogy. In addition, experienced craftsmen and teachers from Europe arrive at SEKEM each year for several months and support teachers in their work and training. For instance, SEKEM’s carpentry workshop could recently be upgraded thanks to the material support of a Swiss master carpenter. The German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) also supported SEKEM in the implementation of a welding workshop, and in 2015 agricultural training will receive another expansion due to a grant by the Foundation for Development Cooperation (SEZ) in Baden-Württemberg (Germany).
Education for Sustainability
The vocational school in SEKEM is an entity that is constantly in need of financial support. “Although the SEKEM
During his expansive presentation at Biberach, Hans Werner expressly thanked the municipality for the generous donation it granted 20 years ago. Still today it is of vital importance that young people are trained to become competent craftsmen, not least because of the growing number of adolescents in the country. SEKEM also strives to contribute to the sustainable development of the Egyptian society also through education. “We thank the City of Biberach but also all those who have helped so many young people discover their potentials and acquire useful professional skills”, Werner added. “Still, we welcome all additional financial support that arrives to the benefit of the Vocational Training Centre at SEKEM.” Christine Arlt, with material by Dr. Hans Werner
SEKEM Insight | February 2015 | Page 2
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Coworkers at ISIS Receive Commendations Those coworkers who have shown exceptional performance during the past year have been honoured at a ceremony in the presence of Helmy Abouleish.
Dr. Bruno Sandkühler Visits University
After receiving this positive news, the event proceeded to a number of artistic performances, specifically those of pupils from the SEKEM School. Every Thursday before the beginning of the weekend, these children demonstrate the results of their learning of the past few days to an audience of SEKEM coworkers and friends. This time, the entire Helmy Abouleish personally commended the ISIS coworkers.
T
he annual gathering of the coworkers of ISIS, SEKEM’s biggest company, took a different turn than usual this year. In January, while participants were used to reviewing the past months and then directing their perspective to the coming year, the ISIS staff was itself at the focus of the 2015 meeting. At the event, 48 employees were honoured for their commitment and achievements during the past business year of 2014. About 100 of 360 ISIS staff members were present to celebrate what was in fact an extremely successful year in the history of ISIS. On 8 January the ceremony commenced in the auditorium of the SEKEM School. Dr. Mamdouh Abouleish, CEO of ISIS, opened the event with a summary of the key determining factors of the successes of 2014. First and foremost, the company was able to boost productivity while not having to make any substantial investments in new machinery. That kept costs down while improving its business value. The fact that ISIS’ staff could reach this goal is even more remarkable as the past months have been highly challenging for most businesses in the entire country.
community of the school chose to perform together in a recital of popular Egyptian folk songs. Upon hearing these well-known melodies, even the businessmen from ISIS joined in. The event was especially enjoyable for the new company members and the ISIS sales team as it represented the first time they were able to experience SEKEM’s cultural and social activities first hand. Afterwards, Helmy Abouleish presented the 48 ISIS staff members with certificates and medals. The CEO of the SEKEM Group also honoured them by recounting their achievements. Furthermore, four ISIS employees received special commendations on behalf of their entire departments in the form of valuable plaques. These managers also took the opportunity to address the audience directly. The afternoon was spent at a gathering at the SEKEM guest house. The entire group participated in a screening of a film that presented SEKEM as the integrated cultural and economic initiative that it is. The intention of the film was to introduce the new staff into its holistic development concept. Afterwards, the team engaged in a discussion about the film. In the true sense of SEKEM, the ISIS celebration was finished with the circle of coworkers as it is held every Thursday before the start of the weekend.
Aside from the Heliopolis University, Dr. Bruno Sandkühler also visited the SEKEM School.
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n early February, the students of the Heliopolis University had the rare opportunity to meet renowned Egypt expert Dr. Bruno Sandkühler from Germany, who had arrived to share with them his unique perspective on ancient Egyptian culture. As part of its core courses the university offers lectures and excursions to its students, some of which where now held and organised by Dr. Sandkühler. He quickly enthralled his students with his extensive knowledge of the intricate and long history of their country, providing them with plenty of details most of them had not known before. The visit to the Egyptian Museum was a high point of Dr. Sandkühler’s visit and in fact a first for many of the young people. A trip to Sakkara was hugely popular, too. The seasoned orientalist led the student group through the extensive district of the Pyramid of King Djoser, the oldest in Egypt, and recounted its elaborate construction. With offers like these, the Heliopolis University intends to familiarize its students with their roots. In fact, several participants entered these historic sites for the first time in their lives. Dr. Bruno Sandkühler also paid the SEKEM School a visit and delighted the audience with exciting stories from ancient times.
You can visit SEKEM yourself:
www.SEKEM-reisen.de
Christine Arlt
Christine Arlt
SEKEM Insight | February 2015 | Page 3
Impressions
Impressions from SEKEM
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t this year’s BIOFACH, the leading fair for the organic sector in Europe, SEKEM was able to present itself not only once, but twice. In addition to its participation at the usual booth of the Demeter community, Davert GmbH, the company distributing SEKEM products in Europe, also presented its new products attractively at its own stand. Davert has been taking care of distribution to German-speaking countries since 2013. This year, it will introduce three new products to these markets: a date spread, a date syrup, and a selection of very fine date confectionery. The date sweets, incidentally, have already met with great applause from early consumers. The booth of SEKEM was very well attended throughout the entire show. The team succeeded in establishing many new business contacts and pick up on already existing ones. The interest of the professional audience focused mainly on herbs, cereals, and dates. Other topics customers showed exceptional interest in included the preservation of very high quality Demeter seeds for wholesalers. Educational cooperation programmes in biodynamic agriculture also resonated with the interests of visitors from many different countries. Finally, the BIOFACH fair is always an event where SEKEM coworkers have the time to just idle through the aisles and receive inspiration from others in the market. SEKEM Insight | February 2015 | Page 4
News in Brief
People in SEKEM: Noura Nasser
SEKEM Austria Cooperates With Graz Universities of her father, she was overjoyed. “The teachers and classmates helped me a lot. If we had to go some place, they carried me or put me on a bike, so I could come with them wherever they went.” After school, the young woman did not have to wait long for her next challenge. To be able to attend university, she had to travel by public transport, a daily ride of two hours. “I was often approached and asked why I was on the road travelling and not at home. In Egypt, it is still customary for young girls to stay at home. It is not at all normal for physically handicapped people to participate in societal life as equals.”
Noura Nasser takes care of children with handicaps in SEKEM‘s School dedicated to them.
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t first, Noura Nasser appears small and inconspicuous. She needs crutches to get around on foot and she is not much taller than the children she cares for in SEKEM’s School for children in need of special care. But appearances can be deceptive: Noura not only has strong muscles but also an impressive personality. The former SEKEM student has already had to go through many setbacks in her young life and has learned to fight and overcome plenty of obstacles. Physically handicapped by birth – Noura’s left leg is shorter than her right one –, she can only move around by herself using crutches. For many years she has, in addition to her physical pain, suffered from the ridicule of others. “In the past we had no crutches and I tried getting around using wooden sticks.” Indeed, Noura boasts an exceptionally strong will: “My greatest wish has always been to be able to go to school and then proceed to the university to pursue advanced studies”, says the young woman who is 25 years old today. When she received the opportunity to visit the SEKEM School through a friend
But Noura did not let herself be discouraged by the many hurdles she encountered along her way. Two and a half years ago, she received her first degree in psychology. Today, she oversees a group of disabled children at SEKEM’s School for Special Education. “The work is quite demanding sometimes but I love the kids very much and they give me a lot of joy and gratitude.” In addition to her work Noura supports her six siblings, some of which also visit the SEKEM School. Moreover, she is even continuing her studies. Indeed, Noura is looking forward to one day heading an institution that offers psychological therapy. Through her life experiences and the recent death of her mother, she knows full well how important attention to the emotional lives of others is: “I wish to help people better understand themselves and assist them in healing their emotional wounds.” As compensation for her work, Noura plays the violin and occasionally lifts weights. “If I am upset, I put all my anger into weight lifting so I can run longer distances on crutches. And when I‘m sad, playing the violin helps me to better express my mood.”
S
ince the year 2014, all four academic institutions of the Austrian city of Graz are supporting members of the SEKEM support association of Austria. These universities are the KarlFranzens-University, the Graz University of Technology, the Medical University of Graz, and the University of Music and Performing Arts. A first result of this cooperation will be a series of events throughout the year of 2015 under the title “The SEKEM Development Impulse and its Connection to the Cultural Life of Graz“. Presentations will take place at all four universities on a number of subjects from textile production to biodynamic agriculture to alternative forms of energy and education for sustainability. These will be connected to an intercultural music programme. The exact dates will be announced soon by SEKEM Austria. Additionally, there are numerous scientific and artistic projects in the works in cooperation with Heliopolis University on which SEKEM Austria will report in due course. Hermann Becke
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More information: http://www.SEKEMoesterreich.at
Masthead: The editors of SEKEM Insight wish to thank all contributors to this issue. Editors: Bijan Kafi, Christine Arlt Contact: SEKEM-Insight Gotzkowskystr. 15 10555 Berlin Germany bijan.kafi@SEKEM.com Pictures: 1: Mariam Abouleish; 2: Bijan Kafi; 3l: Bijan Kafi; 3r: Andreas Kalbhenn; 4: SEKEM; 6: Christine Arlt No republication without written consent by the publisher.
Christine Arlt
SEKEM Insight | February 2015 | Page 5
Integral Polity Integrating Nature, Culture, Society and Economy Ronnie Lessem with Ibrahim Abouleish, Marko Pogačnik and Louis Herman
“
In our current situation of economic, social and environmental crisis we need new ideas to make us fit for the needed transformation processes. It will require new ways of thinking, new forms of organizations and communities. Our past experiences show that relying on governments alone cannot be the solution. The examples of integral polity are very inspiring by starting development from the local context as opposed to the prevailing top-down method. Trans4m gives a valuable orientation to our coming integral age and we all have to ask ourselves where we stand in order to proactively shape our future in a purposeful and sustainable way. Helmy Abouleish, Managing Director of Sekem Group
”
FIND OUT MORE AT
www.gowerpublishing.com/isbn/9781472442475 About the authors Professor Ronnie Lessem is a Zimbabwean political economist, and graduate of Harvard Business School, who co-founded the Integral Worlds approach to Integral Development via the Trans4m Centre for Integral Development in Geneva. www.trans-4-m.com Professor Dr Ibrahim Abouleish is an Egyptian-born, Austrian-educated engineer and pharmacologist, ecologist and spiritual scientist, who received the Right Livelihood Award for founding Sekem, a Sustainable Community in the desert.
NEW Marko Pogačnik, who studied at the Academy of Arts in Slovenia, is a conceptual artist and earth healer, and an iconic figure in his country, who designed the national flag of Slovenia and practises Sacred Geography around the world. Professor Louis Herman is a South African-born medical graduate of the University of Cambridge in England, now head of the department of political science at the University of Hawaii, West Oahu, renowned for his Primal Politics.
More about the Transformation and Innovation Series www.gowerpublishing.com/tandi • Focusing on enterprise transformation and social innovation • Presenting a unique combination of new theories and practices • Drawing on the richness of the world’s diverse cultures • Introducing a pioneering integral perspective
www.gowerpublishing.com