In a nostalgic look back, Al Gomhuria newspaper is recalling the origins of its annual trip for top high school students. The first trip took place in 1968, to Lebanon, and was organized by the newspaper's education page, which was launched on January 20, 1968. This page provided educational content for various academic levels and introduced the trip as a way to encourage academic excellence. The trip was an instant success, and the newspaper has continued to organize it annually.
The newspaper's editor decided to continue the tradition in 1969, but wanted to change the destination. After considering various options, he chose Greece and Italy, citing previous visits to both countries and the ease of arranging accommodations through his contacts. He knew Dimitri Valiantatos, the Greek press counselor in Cairo, and Dr. Vittorio Politti, the Italian cultural counselor and director of the Italian Cultural Institute. Both men helped facilitate the arrangements for the trip.
With the destinations chosen, the editor turned his attention to arranging transportation. He looked into Egyptian shipping lines and discovered that the United Arab Shipping Company had a route that connected Alexandria to Greece and Italy. The company's ships, Syria and Algeria, sailed from Alexandria to Piraeus, Greece, and then on to Venice, Italy. The editor contacted Amir Wahba, the company's administrative manager, and they agreed to work together to organize the trip.
The editor traveled to Alexandria to meet with Wahba and Mohamed Yehia Ramadan, the company's president. They finalized the arrangements, and the company provided tickets for the students and their chaperones. With the logistics in place, the newspaper announced the second trip, which would be the first to Europe, in the second half of September 1968. The announcement was made on the education page, as well as on television and radio programs.
The trip was designed to encourage academic excellence and motivate top students to strive for success. By making the announcement early in the school year, the newspaper aimed to inspire students to work hard and achieve their goals. The trip became an annual event, with Al Gomhuria newspaper continuing to organize it for top high school students.
Over the years, the trip has become a tradition, with Al Gomhuria newspaper providing a unique opportunity for top students to travel and experience new cultures. The newspaper's commitment to promoting education and academic excellence has made the trip a highly anticipated event for students and their families.
Today, Al Gomhuria newspaper's annual trip for top high school students remains a popular and enduring tradition. The newspaper's reflection on its origins serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting education and encouraging academic excellence. The trip continues to inspire and motivate students to strive for success.
Key points
- Al Gomhuria newspaper's annual trip for top high school students began in 1968, with the first trip taking place to Lebanon.
- The trip was organized by the newspaper's education page, which was launched on January 20, 1968.
- In 1969, the newspaper chose Greece and Italy as the destinations for the trip, citing previous visits and ease of arrangements.
