Rock Developments has signed a cooperation protocol with Helshon College Academy in Sweden to launch the ACC program in Egypt— a comprehensive educational and training initiative aimed at preparing Egyptian youth with limited access to opportunities both professionally and personally. The program adopts an innovative learning model that empowers young people and reinforces the role of education in enabling them to become active and impactful members of their communities. This initiative aligns with the company’s strategy to support social development and contribute to the personal growth of youth.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Eng. Parthena Doss, Board Member at Rock Developments, and Peter Landgren, Educational Director of Helshon College Academy in Egypt, in the presence of Katja Beksir, one of the key coordinators of the ACC program, along with several senior representatives from both parties.
Eng. Parthena Doss stated that Rock Developments believes in the importance of investing in education as an effective tool for social and economic change. She added that the company is committed to supporting the development of young people’s capabilities through the ACC program in collaboration with Helshon College. The program, which runs for a period ranging from six months to three years, aims to build well-rounded individuals by combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.
She emphasized that the ACC program, inspired by the Scandinavian folk high school educational model, aligns with Rock’s strategy to support community initiatives. It also reflects the company’s commitment to providing access to education and training for deserving youth, and to building a new generation capable of making a real difference in society.
Doss noted that Rock Developments’ support has added significant value to the program by enhancing its resources and extending its reach to a larger number of youth — particularly those facing challenges in accessing similar educational opportunities.
Peter Landgren, Educational Director of Helshon College Academy in Egypt, highlighted that the ACC program is based on a “learning through application” methodology, allowing students to gain practical skills and develop critical and analytical thinking. The program includes core subjects such as Arabic, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Science, and Vocational Education, which are integrated into a comprehensive, real-world project that helps students connect academic knowledge with everyday life.
He explained that the program’s core focus is on self-development, building self-confidence, and fostering a strong sense of individual and social responsibility. He stressed that the learning environment provided by ACC promotes growth not only academically, but also psychologically and socially.
Landgren added that maintaining small class sizes is a fundamental principle of the program, with an optimal maximum of 16 students per class — a structure that encourages active participation and collaborative learning.
He also noted that the program is growing steadily, and the educational experience has consistently proven its value and impact. He credited Rock Developments for playing a vital role in providing essential learning tools, especially given that the program primarily targets financially disadvantaged students.
Katja Beksir, one of the program’s coordinators, highlighted that one of ACC’s unique features is its departure from traditional educational models. She explained that the program offers students space to express themselves and incorporate their personal experiences into the learning process, creating a genuine environment for personal and human development.
She shared stories of student transformation, saying: “Many of them were shy at the beginning, but after a short time, they gained the confidence to stand and speak in front of an audience — that’s the core impact of real education.”
Beksir also pointed out that the immersive learning environment — which includes agricultural activities and direct interaction with animals — plays a significant role in breaking psychological barriers and expanding students’ horizons.
She explained that the environment surrounding the ACC program — which includes agricultural activities and direct interaction with animals — plays a key role in breaking psychological barriers and broadening students’ horizons. This journey begins with introducing the program and its objectives, followed by meetings with teachers and students’ impressions, and concludes with graduation moments that reflect the impact of the experience on their lives.
Rock Developments is the real estate arm of El Batal Group for Investment. It oversees all of the Group’s residential and commercial projects in Egypt and Canada under the “Rock” brand.
These include Rock White in New Heliopolis, Rock Yard in Sheraton, Rock Eden in 6th of October, Rock Capital 1 in the New Administrative Capital, Rock Vera and Rock Gold Mall in Fifth Settlement, and Rock Ville in Obour.
