By George Boghossian (DLS- Prom 1974)
The Frere Schools founded by the Lasallian Brothers (Les Frères d’Egypte) hold a historic and profoundly influential legacy in Egypt. Arriving in the mid-19th century, with the first Frère School “Collège Sainte-Catherine” (in Mansheya, Alexandria) was built and established in 1847 in Alexandria, Egypt.
From 1847 till today, these French-language C. institutions shaped the country’s modern educational landscape. They have produced prominent heads of state, cultural icons, and architectural pioneers while serving as an enduring symbol of Egyptian cosmopolitanism and French-language education.
Since 1847, “37” Frere Schools were founded and operated for decades all over Egypt in: Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Port Tawfik, Mansoura, Tahta, Minia, Melawi, Assiout, Suez, and Zagazig. From these 37 schools, only Six (6) landmark Frere institutions still successfully operate under the network across Cairo and Alexandria today:
1. Collège Saint-Joseph (Khoronfish) in Cairo (Founded 1854).
2. Collège De La Salle in Daher, Cairo (Founded 1898).
3. Collège des Frères in Bab al-Louq, Cairo (Founded 1888).
4. Collège Saint Paul in Shoubra, Cairo (Founded 1890).
5. Collège Saint Marc in Alexandria (Founded 1928).
6. Collège Saint Gabriel in Alexandria (Founded 1900).
The Frere schools have served as an incubator, Social Cohesion, and Inclusion. While highly prestigious, the institutional philosophy has always blended social equality with elitism. The schools are celebrated for historically bridging socioeconomic gaps by welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and different religious faiths.
Proud to be part of that Legacy, and to belong to the Lasallian family.
