Nile Union Academy (NUA), a cornerstone of the Adventist community in Egypt, celebrated its 70th anniversary in June. Established in 1954 and located 10 miles northeast of Cairo, NUA has long been committed to providing quality education grounded in Christian values to Egyptian and Sudanese students alike.

The anniversary celebration was a vibrant reflection on the school's rich history and ongoing mission. Principal Hugo Cáceres and his wife Paula, who were concluding their tenure at NUA, were honored for their dedicated efforts in revitalizing campus infrastructure, including the construction of an outdoor space that served as a central venue for the event.

During the celebration, a panel of students expressed their gratitude for the unique opportunities NUA provides. They highlighted the importance of learning English, developing practical self-sufficiency skills, and fostering a habit of daily prayer, which are integral to the holistic education that NUA is renowned for.

Pr. Denis Sand, president of the Egypt-Sudan Field, reminded attendees of the school's foundational purpose: "This school was established to finish the work - to train students to devote their head, heart, and hands to the Lord." He encouraged the school leadership to reflect on how NUA could continue to fulfill its mission.

Former students also shared their personal stories, reflecting on the lasting impact NUA has had on their lives. Mario Safwat, a former student who studied dentistry in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of trusting in God's care. Meanwhile, Georgette Gindi, Amgad Doss, and Hakima Banna recounted their experiences as members of the first group of female students to attend NUA. Gindi shared a touching story about her father, who was inspired to send her to NUA after becoming Adventist through a series of meetings on the second coming of Jesus. The girls faced challenges, including living in a house with minimal facilities, but their bond remains strong to this day.

Magdy Salama, another former student, shared his deep affection for NUA, saying, "There’s no place in Egypt that I love more than NUA." He recounted how he begged his parents for three years to let him attend NUA after seeing the positive changes in his relatives who studied there. He later attended Middle East University and now works for the Middle East and North Africa Union (MENAU).

Pr. Rick McEdward, president of MENAU, delivered a key address, urging students, "Do not leave this campus without giving your life to the Lord." He shared that it was at a similar institution that he decided to make a full commitment to God and His work.

As part of the 70th anniversary celebration, staff members with over five years of service received special awards. Six dedicated individuals were recognized for serving 15 years or more: Messiha Saadallah, Rushia Aadel, AbdEl-Malak Saied, Fadyia Malak, Adel Isaac, and Nermin Nasr. 

In a special segment of the celebration, Myron Iseminger, executive secretary of MENAU, and his wife Candace, education director for MENAU, presented the academy's storied history. They shared insights into NUA's early emphasis on practical skills, such as agricultural projects and other hands-on learning experiences, a tradition that continues today and underscores the school's holistic educational approach.

They also highlighted how NUA's history is marked by resilience. Despite facing various challenges, including changes in location and struggles for government recognition, the academy has steadfastly maintained its dedication to providing education that nurtures both the mind and the spirit. 

As NUA celebrates this milestone, it looks forward to continuing its legacy of faith-based education, inspiring future generations to serve their communities and uphold Christian values.

This article was provided by the Middle East and North Africa Union Mission.