Ibrahim Abouleish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ibrahim Abouleish
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Abouleish in 2007
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| Born | 23 March 1937 Mashtul, Egypt
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| Died | 15 June 2017 (aged 80) Egypt
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| Occupation | Pharmaceutical |
| Known for | SEKEM |
| Awards | Right Livelihood Award |
Ibrahim Abouleish (born March 23, 1937 – died June 15, 2017) was an Egyptian scientist and a person who loved to help others. He was known for creating new medicines and for starting a special project in Egypt called SEKEM. He wanted to make the world a better place for everyone.
Early Life and Studies
Ibrahim Abouleish started studying chemistry and medicine when he was 19 years old. He went to school in Austria, a country in Europe. In 1969, he earned a special degree in pharmacology. This is the study of how medicines work and how they affect the body.
After his studies, he worked in important roles in medicine research. He helped create many new medicines. Some of these medicines were for health problems like weak bones (osteoporosis) and hardened arteries (arteriosclerosis). He even received special rights, called patents, for his new inventions.
Founding SEKEM
In 1977, Ibrahim Abouleish went back to his home country, Egypt. He had a big idea to help his community. He started a project called SEKEM. This project was all about making life better for people and the environment.
SEKEM began by using a special way of farming called biodynamic farming. This method helps grow healthy food without harming the earth. They showed how to farm successfully in the dry desert lands of Egypt. They proved that you could grow food even without a lot of water. This was a big step for sustainable agriculture, which means farming in a way that protects the planet for the future.
SEKEM's Growth
Ibrahim Abouleish helped SEKEM grow far beyond just farming. He wanted to create a complete community. He added a Waldorf school for children to learn in a creative way. He also built a medical center to help people stay healthy.
SEKEM also started different businesses. These businesses helped create jobs and support the community. Dr. Abouleish also focused on adult education. This included training people for jobs (vocational training). He even helped start Heliopolis University, a place where young adults could get a higher education.
Awards and Recognition
Ibrahim Abouleish received many important awards for his work. These awards showed how much he helped people and the planet.
In 2004, he was named an "Outstanding Social Entrepreneur" by the Schwab Foundation. This means he was recognized for using business ideas to solve social problems. In 2006, he became a special advisor for the World Future Council. This group works to find solutions for a sustainable future.
He also received the Oslo Business for Peace Honouree award in 2012. This award is given to business leaders who promote peace and good ethics. In 2013, he won the Global Thinkers Forum Award for Excellence in Positive Change.
One of his most famous awards was the Right Livelihood Award in 2003. This award is sometimes called the "Alternative Nobel Prize." He received it for creating a business model that was successful but also helped society and culture. He showed that businesses can do good for the world.
