Big stage for the winners 2024/2025: The schools abroad were honored at the AHK World Conference
© DIHK / Nils Hasenau
The winner of the 9th DIHK competition for German schools abroad comes from Egypt: The German School of the Borromean Sisters in Cairo impressed in the 2024/2025 round with an extraordinary social project and took first place.
The winner of the 9th DIHK competition for German schools abroad comes from Egypt: The German School of the Borromean Sisters in Cairo impressed in the 2024/2025 round with an extraordinary social project and took first place.
Second place went to the German School London and the International German School Brussels with their joint model of the "International Digital Technical High School". Two third places went to South America and Southern Europe - to the Colegio Alemán Stiehle de Cuenca (Ecuador) and the German School Lisbon (Portugal).
The prizes were awarded on May 13 at the Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft in Berlin. The setting was the festive evening of the AHK World Conference, the central meeting of the global network of Chambers of Commerce Abroad. The jury awarded a total of 120,000 euros in prize money.
Peter Adrian
© DIHK / Werner Schuering
"Our German schools abroad are much more than places of education", emphasized Peter Adrian, President of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), at the award ceremony. "They are cultural ambassadors, bridge builders and strategic partners of the German economy worldwide. Where German companies are active, local schools create a piece of familiar home – and a network that promotes talent, creates trust and conveys values."
In a world full of geopolitical tensions and global challenges, these schools are "an important anchor", praised Adrian: "They connect regions with Germany, open up prospects for young people and strengthen economic cooperation. Their graduates think internationally, are multilingual, responsible and highly qualified – and therefore valuable specialists for the world of tomorrow."
With a special social project, the German School of the Borromeo Sisters in Cairo brings its students together with children from the informal "garbage town" in Cairo. Joint learning projects promote social responsibility, personal initiative and mutual appreciation – far beyond the classroom.
The German School London and the International German School Brussels have jointly developed an innovative school model: The "International Digital Technical High School" enables students to obtain a technical college entrance qualification with digital lessons, internships and European exchange – flexible, networked, future-oriented.
Under the motto "Little scientists with big ideas", pupils at the Colegio Alemán Stiehle de Cuenca develop environmental concepts for partner schools, carry out joint projects and promote ecological and social skills in the region.
The German School of Lisbon lives sustainability as a holistic concept – from preschool to high school graduation. As a certified Eco-Escola, education for sustainable development is an integral part of everyday life – supported by the entire school community and internationally networked.
Every two years, the IHK organization calls on around 135 German schools abroad worldwide to submit innovative projects for the "Pupils build bridges worldwide" competition. The aim is to make outstanding educational initiatives visible – for more networking, social commitment and practical preparation for studies and careers.
"Our schools abroad create prospects – for young people, for international exchange and for our economy. This commitment deserves attention – and recognition," says Peter Adrian, summarizing the objective.
