SFSD, University of Chicago celebrate 15 years of the Scholars Exchange Program

Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) and the University of Chicago celebrated the 15th anniversary of their joint program, the Sawiris Scholars Exchange Program. Within this celebration, Mr. Nassef Sawiris, Founder of the Sawiris Scholars Exchange Program, was honored for his inspiring career and contributions since the launch of the program. The Sawiris Scholars Exchange Program, in cooperation with the University of Chicago, offers the opportunity of spending an academic year at UChicago with a select group of Egyptian students. These students graduated from public high schools and are enrolled at Cairo University, Ain Shams University, Alexandria University, and the American University in Cairo. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development,The ceremony also witnessed the presence of Mrs. Yousriya Loza Founder & Chairwoman of the Sawiris Foundation Board of Trustees, the Founding Members of Sawiris Foundation for Social Development; Mr. Nassef Sawiris, Member of the University of Chicago’s Board of Trustees, Honorary President of Orascom Construction PLC and CEO of Orascom Construction Industries (OCI N.V); Professor John Boyer, Dean of the University of Chicago; and Mr. Hassan Abdullah, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, as well as the Presidents of Ain Shams, Cairo and Alexandria Universities, and American University in Cairo. H.E. Dr. Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development explained that the Sawiris Scholars Exchange Program equips students with wonderful skills. It motivates them to combine discipline, intelligence, wisdom, and knowledge. She emphasized that the organization of the program in Egypt was not a mere coincidence. Instead, the history of Egypt indicates that the development of human resources enhances competition and the spirit of cooperation. This led to the creation of wonderful scientific experiments that have enriched scientific life for decades. 

H.E. Dr. Hala El-Said added that studying abroad allows students to look at the challenges of the world from a global perspective. She explained that when talking about global issues such as climate change or food security, a universal language must be used. This will help us to adapt and expand our knowledge of the issues that are faced on this planet.H.E. Dr. Hala El-Said explained that Egyptian students also contribute to the promotion of the unparalleled heritage, rich culture, and civilization of Egypt. The Egyptian nation has been and will always be, since the very beginning, a source of expert knowledge and exceptional tale contributing to the advancement of humanity.H.E. Dr. Hala El-Said indicated that over the past few years, extensive work has been done to expand the Sawiris Scholars Exchange Program at the University of Chicago-Sawiris to include other Egyptian universities, in a way that supports the direction of the Egyptian state and is consistent with the goals of Egypt's Vision 2030.On this special occasion, Businessman Nassef Sawiris stated: "Honoring me today feels special as I am a UChicago alumnus, and it’s a true pleasure to witness the Scholars Exchange Program’s unceasing achievements thrive since its launch." He also expressed his pride in the successful cooperation between the Sawiris Foundation and the University of Chicago in delivering the exchange program. Over the past 15 years, the program has welcomed 110 students, including 14 graduates who obtained their Bachelor's Degrees from the University of Chicago. These graduates were in the fields of economics, political science, statistics, and finance.Sawiris added: “We have invested more than 50 million dollars over the past 15 years in order to support and develop Egyptian students’ capabilities, which benefit the education sector as a whole. We also believe in the importance of harnessing the youth’s potential and directing their capabilities to develop the Egyptian economy. With that being said, our exerted efforts contribute to creating future leaders capable of achieving economic development and advancing society."For his part, Professor John Boyer, Dean of the University of Chicago said: "We are honored to be here today in Cairo, celebrating the ambitions and aspirations of Egyptian students, who graduated from the University of Chicago through the Sawiris Scholars Exchange Program. We are pleased to build effective partnerships with Egyptian entities, to foster human ingenuity and critical thinking.”It is worth noting that the exchange program provides the scholars to spend an academic year at UChicago, studying up to 12 courses over three quarters (Autumn, Winter, and Spring). The Foundation has also ensured that the scholars are fully integrated into university life, receiving the same access to courses and educational resources as degree-seeking students, as well as access to everything the city of Chicago has to offer. Additionally, the scholars receive full funding, which covers tuition, airfare, housing, health insurance, and a living stipend.