Ashraf AboArafe
Ambassador of Germany to Cairo, Frank Hartmann, commented on the controversy about the academic content of the Rann Private School in Cairo as follows:
It is untrue and unreasonable for Ran School in Cairo to promote certain sexual orientations. We are against the prior condemnation of the school because of the factual descriptive content included in the textbooks.
The Rahn School is not one of the seven German schools recognized outside Germany. However, it has been accredited since the beginning of this year as a school offering a German language diploma. By obtaining a German language diploma, graduates meet the language requirements necessary for university study in Germany. This is the result of the school’s successful school development efforts that benefit Egyptian students.
German schools outside Germany, including schools that qualify for the German language diploma (DSD schools), play an important and recognized role in the Egyptian education system. Schools respect the cultural and religious values and views prevailing in Egypt, in addition to respecting the legal framework for their work. In connection with current reports, the embassy has once again directed all German schools to take the cultural and religious values of the host country, Egypt, into account when preparing educational content.
It is worth noting that due to the current controversy, the German Embassy is in contact with the Minister of Education, His Excellency Dr. Reda Hegazy, and is striving to reach a friendly solution that achieves the interests of both parties.
The basis on which German schools abroad are based is the cultural agreement between Egypt and Germany and the relevant ministerial decisions. This agreement clearly regulates all matters related to the formulation and use of educational materials. It is normal for German schools abroad to adhere to the applicable legal rules.
