Theme: Labyrinth

The word labyrinth, despite having a simple meaning is not used in normal everyday conversation. A labyrinth is “ a complex combination of paths in which it may be difficult to find one’s way.” Nice word, but why is it our theme? We chose labyrinth to symbolise how confusing our lives become as we grow older. As years pass, we start having more options and more decisions to make that may confuse us. There is more than one way you can choose to go, but you really don’t know which path you want to take.

In a way, our theme is meant to celebrate the complications of life; to normalize the idea that yes, sometimes our lives get complicated, but it’s okay, because we can get through it. Don’t be stuck in your labyrinth. Move through it. Enjoy the challenge.

Hayah International Academy Theatre
90 Axis Mahmoud Talaet
Cairo, Al Qāhirah, 0020
Egypt

Khaled Khalifa

"Hi my name is Khaled Khalifa I'm a 15 year old IB student. My talk is called إسترجل, I really think that the the stereotypes society has made of men and masculinity should have changed a long time ago, my talk is hopefully going to show how silly these self inflicted stereotypes are, and hopefully change will come out of it!"

Mai Amr

Self-taught Ukelele high school student.

Malak El Saadany

"My name is Malak El Saadany and my talk is called, Time of Myths, Its about now and when I say now I'm not talking about the date, I'm talking about every one of our current emotional states, I'm the type of person that would try everything only to end up sticking to the usual, I am also very emotionally driven and that encompasses my ability to let things go. Emotional prejudice is my burden and also my epitome."

Mohamed El Sayed

"A senior at Hayah International Academy, Muhammed El-Sayed, is an American-born Egyptian who has chosen to take the path of a student through his journey through life. To him, experiences aren't just memories, but lessons awaiting our attention."

Noran Alaa

"Noran Alaa is an 18-year old Hayah Alumni and currently a student at the American University in Cairo. She takes an interest in Graphic Design, Film and Photography. In her talk, she combines her love of photography and spoken-word poetry. "A Love Letter to Photography" expresses how photography has impacted her, the struggle of documenting every moment and her story with photography."

Nour El Shafei

"It’s about: Not waiting to be taught how but creating your own version of how. My name means light in Arabic and I’m a card with two sides who enjoys writing herself letters at 2 AM and thrives to have an adventurous life. I’m not just a 16 year old student at Hayah International Academy I’m an ageless student of life. Every morning I wash out my plate to get rid of yesterday’s insecurities and and replace the filth with a lot of confidence and a pinch of glitter. I'm an optimistic realist. I'm Nour El Shafie."

Nour Samy

Nour is a 16 year told Junior, at Hayah International Academy. According to Nour, no matter what you do, somebody is going speak about it. Its okay to go with the new and liberal path being built...but that doesn't take away from those who choose to go by the path that already existed. Open-mindedness is a spectrum, and both sides should be acknowledged. Extraordinary without the extra. Here for the normal dudes in the crowd."

Rania Youssef

"The talk is called the power of culture. Rania Youssef, a single mother, feminist, liberal, teacher and future scientist and entrepreneur."

Yasmine Galal

"Yasmin Galal. 19 year old med student who's passionate about writing and hopes to be an author/doctor one day. It's about us fast forwarding through life without pausing to see the ones that can't pull through it." #TodayIBoughtABag... See More