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History

hIstory

The idea for the American International School of Nouakchott (AISN) originated with two USAID employees who wanted to bring their children to Nouakchott, and were eager to have an American school for them to attend.  Mrs. Mary Grayzel, Founder of AISN, envisioned that as a small school, AISN could provide personalized education to each student. This concept was supported and encouraged by U.S. Ambassador Gregory Kryza and Robert Klein, USAID Director.  There was a realization that the existence of a school also encouraged State Department employees to bring their families to Nouakchott. Indeed, the family orientation of the post and the sense of community generated strength for this new school in the Sahara Desert.

 

AISN, 1978

 

The founding of the school in 1978 was very much an effort of the American and international community.  The school was initially in one wing of the Grayzel Family house.  There were only two classrooms and an atrium with a garden.  Initially, instruction was provided through the Calvert Correspondence course.

Later, a German architect working in Nouakchott agreed to do the preliminary plans for the school and eventually, Dan Dunham, architecture professor at Columbia University, took on the project of designing the extension.

As the school grew, teachers and additional grades were added.  New classrooms were built to accommodate the growing elementary-aged student body.  Eventually, the school began offering a middle school program, as well as a high school online program through the University of Nebraska On-Line High School.

After careful consideration, the decision was made in 2008-2009, thirty years after the opening of the school, to add high school classes and teachers.  In June of 2011, AISN had its first true graduate.  Since then there have been a total of 18 high school graduates from our school, many who have gone on to attend prestigious universities and colleges in America, Europe, and the Middle East.

AISN continues to be a prominent educational institution with academic, social, and co-curricular programs that strive to prepare our students for success in all aspects of life, long after they have left Mauritania.

The Story of the Fennec Fox Logo

The story of the Fennec Fox logo for AISN (American International School of Nouakchott) is a charming tale that reflects the unique connections people can form with wildlife and the environment around them.

In 1994, during basketball games held within the confines of the US embassy compound in Nouakchott, Mauritania, two adorable Fennec foxes became regular spectators. These small, desert-dwelling foxes with their distinctive oversized ears were drawn to the basketball court, perhaps intrigued by the activity or simply seeking company. For the players, the presence of these curious creatures added an extra layer of charm to their games.

As time passed, one of the foxes stopped appearing, leaving just one to watch the basketball matches. This change in attendance didn’t go unnoticed by the players. Despite the disappearance of one fox, the memory of their presence lingered among the community.

In honor of these beloved foxes and the special memories they created, the American International School of Nouakchott (AISN) decided to adopt the Fennec Fox as its mascot and logo. The decision was a testament to the lasting impact that these animals had on the school community, symbolizing resilience, adaptability, and the spirit of curiosity.

Thus, the Fennec Fox logo became more than just a symbol; it became a reminder of the unique bond between humans and nature and the importance of cherishing the connections we make with the world around us.

Our history will continue to write itself with each student, teacher, director, staff member, and parent who becomes a part of our family, leaving their own mark on the legacy of our school.

 

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