A Message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Ambassador to Libya, Sir Vincent Fean

I am very honoured to be the patron of the British School Benghazi, and delighted to post this message on the school website.

The British School Benghazi is a great source of confidence for the young people who give it such vitality, and for the parents who entrust their children to its care.  It is a cheerful place, inspiring optimism.  The school enjoys a very high reputation, which is well-earned. For this Embassy, it means that we will say to British firms and families that when they set up in Benghazi, they will find a well-established, forward-thinking school community, working hand in hand with the European School to deliver a standard of education unsurpassed in the East of Libya.  The British School Benghazi is an integral part of the very strong network of educational/cultural ties between Libya and the United Kingdom:- ties which are growing steadily, and naturally, to our mutual benefit.

One of the instinctive driving forces shared by parents in Libya and in the United Kingdom is the determination that their children should enjoy a better, broader education than they did themselves.  I have seen for myself the deep pride which people from both countries take in the attainments of their children.  It is very heartening to see intense interest here in the development of learning, through both Arabic and English.  Anyone who can master both is at a great advantage, in work and in life generally.  The British School Benghazi is an excellent place to start that learning process, and to gain an insight into other cultures, other ways of thinking:  all of them fascinating, all of them valid.

What’s more, Anthony McQuiggan and his very dedicated team succeed in making learning fun for all involved!  Except examinations;  they are necessary, if not always fun….. But an honest assessment of achievement is worth a lot.

The British School is among my favourite places in Benghazi.  My wife, Anne, and I look forward to dropping in to chart its progress, whenever we are in town.

With all good wishes to everyone connected with this good school,

 Yours,

 Vincent Fean

 British Ambassador

November 2007