“SEKEM for Development” Launches Egypt’s First Environmental Center Integrating Sustainability into Educational Activities
The Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme (GEF/SGP) in Egypt has added a new milestone to its Phase VII projects with the launch of an initiative to develop the “Science Club” at Qubbah El-Hassana Protectorate. The project, implemented by the SEKEM Development Association, aims to rehabilitate and transform the Science Club into an integrated environmental education center, embedding sustainability concepts within modern scientific curricula.
The Science Club development project, recently approved by the National Steering Committee of the SGP, raises the total number of environmental projects implemented under the program’s seventh phase to 27 projects across seven governorates, reflecting the growing momentum of the program in supporting local communities and promoting environmental and educational sustainability on a national scale.
Transforming a Natural Heritage Site into a Living Educational Model
The project represents a qualitative leap in the use of the Qubbah El-Hassana Protectorate, one of Egypt’s most unique natural sites, renowned for its geological and biological diversity, including rare fossils and natural formations. It is based on an integrated vision that combines infrastructure development, training of educational personnel, and the design of applied educational programs that address contemporary environmental issues, such as climate change, sustainable water management, renewable energy, organic agriculture, and biodiversity conservation.
The initiative aligns with several national policies and strategies, foremost among them Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the National Climate Change Strategy, while also contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 15 (Life on Land).
Turning Nature into an Open-Air Classroom
The project leverages the protectorate’s unique natural features to create an “open classroom” that helps bridge educational gaps by offering interactive and experiential learning content, enhancing environmental awareness among new generations.
It places youth empowerment at the forefront of its priorities by engaging young people in training and volunteering programs designed to build their technical capacities and provide them with green skills, qualifying them for active participation in the environmental job market.
Comprehensive Infrastructure and Community Engagement
The project includes a comprehensive upgrade of the protectorate’s infrastructure—from redesigning outdoor areas into interactive learning environments, to renovating and equipping indoor halls with modern educational tools, and creating eco-friendly green zones using efficient irrigation systems.
It also aims to strengthen the institutional identity of the Science Club through the development of a new logo and mission statement inspired by the protectorate’s environmental characteristics, alongside the launch of an official website and social media platforms to showcase ongoing programs and activities.
To deepen community engagement, the project plans to establish educational partnerships with public and international schools, organize teachers’ workshops and student camps, and develop a sustainable corporate sponsorship model in collaboration with private sector companies that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.
A Model for Sustainable Environmental Education in Egypt
The Qubbah El-Hassana Science Club Project stands as a pioneering model for transforming natural sites into centers of scientific and educational excellence, marking a new phase in integrating environmental education into Egypt’s sustainable development framework.
This initiative highlights a fruitful partnership between the SEKEM Development Association and the Small Grants Programme in Egypt, paving the way for a future where environmental awareness, education, and sustainability work hand in hand to shape more responsible and eco-conscious generations.