Pope Tawadros: “Education Is the Path to a Brighter Future and the True Investment That Endures Throughout Life”

Today (Monday), H.H. Pope Tawadros II attended the closing ceremony of the English language course within the 2026 Summer Language Program, organized by the Papal Office for Projects and Relations. The program is celebrating its tenth consecutive year, while this year’s edition marks the launch of its first partnership with the United States Embassy in Cairo to support the program and enhance English language education for students.

The ceremony, held at the Papal Residence in Cairo, was attended by Mr. Eric G. DeGudiosi, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Egypt, together with a number of embassy representatives, Church leaders, program organizers, and participating students.

During the ceremony, 230 students graduated after successfully completing the intensive six-week training program. This year’s program is the result of the first collaboration between the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the U.S. Department of State, based at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, and the Coptic Orthodox Church, represented by the Papal Office for Projects and Relations. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of both parties to advancing education and developing the capabilities of young people.

As part of this collaboration, seven American volunteers traveled from the United States to teach in the program, providing an immersive and interactive English language learning experience. The program also brought together students from Cairo, Alexandria, and Borg El Arab in a distinguished educational and cultural environment that fostered the development of their language skills while promoting cultural exchange.

In his address, His Holiness emphasized that education is the fundamental means of growth and advancement, whether in one’s personal life, service to the Church, or contribution to society. He noted that learning a new language opens a new window to the world, broadens one’s perspective, and inspires a brighter vision for the future.

Pope Tawadros also spoke about the value of time, explaining that the word “TIME” conveys a profound message:
-T stands for Today
-I for Investment
-M for Mission
-E for Endless Efforts

He encouraged the students to make the best use of their time, invest in knowledge, and persevere with diligence and determination, affirming that education is the path to a brighter future and the true investment that remains with a person throughout life.

At the conclusion of his address, His Holiness extended his heartfelt wishes for the continued success and prosperity of all the students. He commended the dedication of the teachers, volunteers, and program organizers, and expressed his appreciation to the United States Embassy in Cairo and the Regional English Language Office (RELO) for this fruitful partnership, describing it as the beginning of a promising collaboration in the fields of language education and youth development.

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