After an eight-year absence of a specialized textbook in the subject
After an eight-year absence of a specialized textbook in the subject, the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, in cooperation with the Japanese side, is making available a mathematics curriculum for first-grade primary school students in Egypt, according to Japanese quality standards, starting with the next academic year 2025/2026. This Egyptian-Japanese cooperation in the field of education is the first of its kind between the two countries.
In this context, Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, today attended a training workshop for primary school mathematics teachers and supervisors, as well as primary education directors from various governorates, on the new mathematics curriculum for first-grade primary school, based on Japanese education. The workshop was held in cooperation with the Japanese company "Sprex." This workshop comes within the framework of the comprehensive program launched by the Ministry to train educational personnel on the mechanisms of teaching modern curricula and ensure their efficient implementation in classrooms.
The event was attended by Dr. Hanem Ahmed, Advisor to the Minister for International Cooperation and Agreements; Dr. Hala Abdel Salam, Head of the Central Administration for General Education; and Ms. Manal Azqoul, Mathematics Development Advisor.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt's teachers and their pivotal role in educating generations who can shoulder the responsibility of nation-building. He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to providing them with full support. He also emphasized the critical importance of primary school teachers, as they are the foundational stage upon which all subsequent educational stages are built.
The Minister explained that the Ministry aims to consolidate the foundations of education from the beginning, starting in the first grade of primary school, by preparing a generation capable of reading, writing, and critical thinking, and developing the basic values and skills that form a solid foundation for our children's educational and professional future. He explained that teacher training is the cornerstone of the success of any educational development process, emphasizing the importance of preparing distinguished educational cadres capable of keeping pace with development.
Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif added that the mathematics curriculum, developed in collaboration with the Japanese side, will be available to Egyptian children in the first grade of primary school, who will study what their peers in Japan are studying. He added that Japanese thought focuses on developing basic skills, taking into account individual differences among children, simplifying science, and achieving the joy of learning.
The Minister also explained that the newly developed curricula are characterized by simplicity and are presented in a manner that encourages students to embrace learning, making them enjoy and benefit from it without feeling alienated or bored.
Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif pointed out that the cooperation with the Japanese side reflects the Egyptian state's commitment to developing education according to the latest international systems. He noted that the introduction of new curricula based on Japanese thought in mathematics represents a qualitative leap in building students' capacities and developing their skills in line with modern requirements.
Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif expressed his thanks and appreciation to Sprix for its fruitful cooperation with the Ministry and for implementing the new mathematics curriculum for the first grade of primary school.
In another context, Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif explained that the study of programming and artificial intelligence at various educational levels relies primarily on the mathematics curriculum, which prompts the Ministry to focus on developing the teaching of these subjects using modern methods that enhance students' scientific and technological capabilities.
The Minister also noted that cooperation has been established with the Japanese side to teach programming and artificial intelligence to first-year secondary school students according to the Japanese curriculum. This will be done via the "Koiro" platform, where students will study the subject with the assistance of their class teachers. They will also take exams via the platform, and at the end of their studies, students will receive an internationally accredited certificate reflecting their level of achievement. He emphasized that this step represents a qualitative leap in developing students' thinking and creativity, especially since Japan is a global leader in this field.
During the workshop, the Minister listened to the opinions of the trainee teachers regarding the developed curricula and the best teaching methods. They praised the new mathematics curriculum, which represents a significant shift, as it takes into account the nature and way of thinking of the Egyptian child and provides a balanced progression that matches their abilities. This is in addition to the training programs and ongoing support mathematics teachers receive, which contribute to mastery of the subject, increase confidence in performance, and achieve the desired learning outcomes.
The teachers also praised the qualitative leap and tangible development witnessed by the education system, emphasizing that the movement within schools has positively impacted student attendance and enhanced constructive communication between parents and teachers. In the same context, the trainees thanked the Minister for his significant efforts over the past year, including efforts to eliminate student overcrowding, return students to school, and fill the teacher shortage. They also expressed their commitment to providing all forms of support to teachers, enhancing their status and pivotal role in advancing the educational process.