SEKEM

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Desert Oasis: A Vision of Global Transformation.

“In the midst of sand and desert I see myself standing before a well drawing water. Carefully I plant trees, herbs and flowers and wet their roots with the precious drops. The cool well water attracts human beings and animals to refresh and quicken themselves. Trees give shade, the land turns green, fragrant flowers bloom, insects, birds and butterflies show their devotion to God, the creator, as if they were citing the first Sura of the Qu’ran. The human, perceiving the hidden praise of God, care for and see all that is created as a reflection of paradise on earth. For me this idea of an oasis in the middle of a hostile environment is like an image of the resurrection at dawn, after a long journey through the nightly desert. I saw it in front of me like a model before the actual work in the desert started. And yet in reality I desired even more: I wanted the whole world to develop.” 

Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish

In 1977, SEKEM was founded by Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish, who had a vision to address Egypt's challenges. His goals were to transform the desert into fertile land using natural methods, create employment opportunities for poor Egyptians, and promote personal development through education, arts and culture, medical care, and care for both the earth and people.

SEKEM, which stands for "through the power of the sun," has employed 1,200 people in biodynamic farms and processing plants in different regions of Egypt as of 2018. The development fund supports various social initiatives, including child care, schools, medical care and training for adults. SEKEM is affiliated with Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development and emphasizes sustainability as not only improving existing conditions, but also creating space for new values such as peace and global interest. Inspiration comes from both anthroposophy and Islam, and SEKEM respects diverse religious and philosophical backgrounds without being considered a religious initiative.

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