A Shared Journey: SABIS and Ireland Through the Years

The Historical Bond Between SABIS and Ireland

Only a century ago most girls, in what is now modern Lebanon, were not able to read and write and educating them was frowned upon by society in general. In the early 1880s, Tanios Saad, a dynamic teacher, met Louisa Procter, an outspoken Irish lady. When they met, she was working with the village women in the Choueifat area in Lebanon, teaching them how to look after their children. They both believed that girls needed education.

In 1886, they established the International School of Choueifat – Lebanon, the ‘mother school’ of the SABIS group of schools. There, they brought together their vision, dedication, and ambition to provide basic education for Lebanese girls. Soon thereafter, the school became co-educational in response to market demand.

Despite two world wars, The International School of Choueifat continued to grow over the years and embarked upon an expansion program outside Lebanon in the mid-1970s. The expansion was met with substantial success and by the 1990's, SABIS® Network schools were being established from Germany to Pakistan. Today, SABIS® has an active presence in 21 countries on 5 continents. Schools in the SABIS® Network educate over 70,000 students. Each school is financially and administratively independent, however, all these schools implement the SABIS® Educational System, following the same pace and using the same methods in teaching and quality control. New schools adopt the uniform pace as they reach their ‘cruising speed’.

Since 1976, we have been dedicated to hiring Irish teachers, cultivating a rich and diverse educational environment. This enduring tradition has helped us build a vibrant Irish community within our schools, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural and educational experiences. Today, our schools are proud to continue this legacy, benefiting from the dedicated expertise of the Irish teachers and the positive impact they have on both our students and the broader school community.

Mission Statement

SABIS® is recognized as a provider of top-quality education to a highly diverse student body. It strives to help all students achieve their full potential, prepare them for success in college, equip them with the ability and desire for lifelong learning, and strengthen their civic, ethical, and moral values. SABIS® maintains a high standards of efficiency and accountability throughout its operation.

Philosophy and Goals

SABIS® believes that university education is academically accessible to all students, not only to a small percentage of very able students. SABIS® also believes that the success of an educational institution is measured by the value it adds to each individual. The SABIS® academic goals are:

• To qualify every student for entrance into colleges/universities around the world .
• To provide a well-rounded education based on a mastery of English and Mathematics
• To enable students to acquire a firm command of a second language .
• To train students in logical reasoning and critical thinking .
• To prepare students to be able to sustain intellectual efforts for long periods .
• To generate excitement for life-long learning

The non-academic goals aim to prepare graduates who:

• Uphold high standards of ethical, moral and civic conduct
• Make informed decisions on social issues.
• Defend convictions and reverse negative peer pressure
• Participate in extracurricular activities, school management and community work
• Foster tolerance, cooperation and teamwork.
• Understand the people of the world through an appreciation of differences as well as similarities

In an increasingly competitive world, university education gives students a wider choice and a better chance. Although the system is non-selective, practically all students educated in the SABIS® Educational System graduate from reputable universities and many go on to further studies.

The Professional & Personal Benefits of Working within the SABIS® School Network

By adopting the approaches and methods of the SABIS® Educational System, teachers often find themselves more effective educators. Further job satisfaction is added by being an integral member of a team, where cooperation and support are key issues. An even greater sense of accomplishment comes from teaching students who want to learn and whose results reinforce the desire to continue to achieve. Those who are dedicated and who contribute to the goals of the SABIS® Educational System are also given the opportunity to develop a long-term career in a vibrant, innovative and worldwide organization. Staff may remain in one location or, after a minimum of two years’ service, may transfer to another school within the Network. There are many opportunities to learn and grow.