A SABIS® education focuses on developing well-rounded individuals with strong ethical values and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. For the casual critic, this may seem to be yet another snazzy slogan, but that casual critic has definitely not met students from the International School of Choueifat in Cairo!
Last year, from October 16-20, ISC-Cairo SLO® prefects held a Cancer Awareness Week to coincide with the worldwide Cancer Awareness Month. Their goal was to increase awareness about cancer, raise money for the Baheya Foundation – a breast cancer detection and treatment facility ─ and support a cause that is important to their community.
During Cancer Awareness Week, prefects delivered presentations about the different types of cancer, the risk factors associated with the illness, the importance of early detection, available treatment, and support that can be offered to patients. The presentations were very informative, and many students opened up about members in their family who are fighting or have fought and survived cancer.
Prefects also organized a variety of activities including a Pink Spirit Day where students were encouraged to come to school wearing pink shirts or ribbons to represent and show support to those who have fought and are still fighting breast cancer; a Cancer Trivia Day to test students on their knowledge of the disease; and a bake sale that raised US$ 725, which was donated to the Baheya Foundation. The week culminated with a Picnic in the Park, where over 500 students and their families enjoyed a live band, student performances, food vendors, and a special show by the Fabrica Theater performers.
The campaign was a huge success and had a great impact on the school community. In fact, some were so moved by Cancer Awareness Week that they decided to have their hair cut and donated to make wigs for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
“Cancer is a topic that hits close to home. My grandfather struggled with cancer for some time. I was motivated after Cancer Awareness Week at school and I felt empathy toward all the cancer patients that lose their hair after chemotherapy, [...] so I decided to donate my hair to them, and I am proud that I have
inspired other students to do so too.”
– Nour Hosny, Senior at ISC-Cairo
Well done ISC-Cairo and thank you for all the amazing work you do to make a difference in your community! You are an inspiration and proof that it is possible to make the world a better place. If you would like to learn more about ISC-Cairo and all the amazing activities and events they hold, follow them on Facebook.