The Minister of Education Attends the Completion of the First Phase of the National Program for Developing Arabic Language Skills
Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, attended the completion of the first phase of the National Program for Developing Arabic Language Skills for Primary School Students and the launch of the second phase. The program, in partnership with UNICEF and with support from the German Development Bank (KfW), was launched.
The event was attended by Natalia Winder-Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt; Dr. Sahar El-Sonbaty, Chairperson of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood; Dr. Mervat El-Deeb, Member of the Advisory Council of Egyptian Scientists and Experts; Mr. Shiraz Chakra, Head of the Education Section at UNICEF; Dr. Amira Fouad, Director of the Education Program at UNICEF; media personality Osama Kamal; and a number of officials from participating international organizations.
The Ministry's attendees included Dr. Ahmed Daher, Deputy Minister of Education; Dr. Ramadan Mohamed, Assistant Minister for Examinations and Educational Evaluation; Dr. Ahmed El-Mohammadi, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning and Follow-up and Supervisor of the Central Administration for Minister's Office Affairs; Dr. Hanem Ahmed, Advisor to the Minister for International Relations; Dr. Hala Abdel Salam, Head of the Central Administration for General Education; Ms. Nadia Abdullah, Head of the Central Administration for Teacher Affairs; Mr. Mohamed Attia, Head of the Central Administration for Fee-Based Education; directors of educational directorates; and a number of educational leaders.
The program aimed to improve the reading and writing skills of primary school students (grades three through six) in public schools.
In his speech, Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, welcomed the attendees, expressing his pleasure at participating in this important event. The Minister also expressed his sincere gratitude to UNICEF, the German Development Bank (KfW), and all partners for their cooperation, which has made developing reading and writing skills not just a national priority, but a reality for millions of Egyptian children.
The Minister of Education emphasized that this program is unique in that it was developed with teachers, not just for them. Egyptian teachers actively participated in designing and reviewing the literacy development program in collaboration with UNICEF. Having contributed to its formulation, they feel responsible for it and, since they embrace its implementation, have achieved success.
The Minister noted that the Ministry mobilized all resources, including teachers, supervisors, and governorate education departments, and integrated the program into its Continuing Professional Development platform. Teaching literacy skills has become part of our teachers' professional identity, integrated into daily practices, and the culture of our schools. He emphasized that, in collaboration with UNICEF, we have strengthened these efforts by developing the Arabic language curriculum from kindergarten through eighth grade to strengthen basic language skills. We have also revamped the social studies (grades 4 through 8) and English (grades 12 through 13) curricula to ensure that every child learns within a coherent, progressive framework aligned with international standards.
Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif also emphasized that developing reading and writing skills is the core axis that connects all subjects, all grades, and all learners, saying, "We are working to improve the learning environment by reducing classroom density and increasing attendance rates. Every child deserves a space where they can focus, participate, and grow. Reducing the number of students in each class and increasing attendance at each lesson means stronger educational outcomes and a brighter future."
The Minister continued that, at the same time, the Ministry has repainted the majority of public schools and planted more green spaces as a first step toward improving infrastructure. He emphasized that a bright, clean, and green school is not just a building; it is a safe and inspiring place where children learn with pride and happiness.
The Minister continued that the Ministry has brought about a qualitative shift in technical and vocational education, noting that for the first time, technical and vocational education students have access to textbooks specifically designed for their programs, whether in agriculture, commerce, tourism and hospitality, industry, or applied technology schools.
The Minister emphasized that through international partnerships with Italy, Germany, and Japan, the Ministry is aligning technical education programs in Egypt with international standards. He noted that an agreement has been reached with the Italian side to implement the ITS model in Egypt, meaning that graduates will receive an Italian-accredited certificate equivalent in value to that granted at ITS institutions in Italy.
In the same context, the Minister of Education indicated that cooperation in technical education with the Japanese Ministry of Education and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government had recently expanded through the TICAD 9 conference, as well as promoting the successful Egyptian-Japanese school model, which combines academic discipline and commitment with values education and character building. He emphasized that these partnerships are not limited to skills alone, but also relate to the values of developing literacy skills, discipline, and providing opportunities. He noted that none of these achievements stand alone, as they are the fruit of strong and sustainable partnerships.
Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif thanked UNICEF, the German Development Bank (KfW), and all the partners who worked closely with the Ministry to enhance basic skills. He emphasized that this cooperation is not just technical, but rather deeply humanitarian. Together, we give every child the right to read, the opportunity to learn, and the confidence to succeed.
The Minister added that while we celebrate these achievements, we look to the future with determination and resolve, noting that the Egyptian Baccalaureate system, the continued expansion of technical education tracks, and the renewal of our national curricula will all be based on one foundation: the development of Arabic language skills. Without literacy skills, no curriculum, reform, or innovation can survive.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister emphasized that the past year has proven what can be achieved when teachers, ministries, and partners unite around a common mission. Together, we have succeeded in removing barriers, raising standards, and expanding horizons. Together, we will continue to place literacy development at the heart of Egypt's educational transformation process for our children, for our nation, and for future generations.
In a recorded speech, Dr. Pia Beretto, UNICEF Global Director of Education and Young People's Development, expressed her pleasure at participating in the high-level event on the National Program for the Development of Arabic Language Skills for Primary Schools. She extended her sincere congratulations to the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Ministry of Education and Technical Education for their strong, multi-pronged approach and determination in confronting the learning crisis.
Dr. Beretto emphasized in her speech that Egypt's commitment, enthusiasm, and concrete actions are contributing to real change for children. She pointed to the strengthening of national assessments and their results, the piloting and impact of remedial programs, the development of high-quality Arabic language skills development books, and investment in professional development for primary school Arabic teachers. These represent evidence-based solutions. Egypt has demonstrated, through practical experience, what can be achieved on the ground when such solutions are implemented at the national level and on a large scale.
She explained that UNICEF is working with its partners with determination and strength to change this reality and ensure that every child has the basic skills they need. This is achieved through collaboration with governments and national partners through evidence- and data-based actions, investments, and the necessary partnerships to achieve tangible results for children in education.
Dr. Perito reviewed five critical mechanisms that can radically transform the response to the learning crisis: investing in the most effective programs by focusing on systematic teaching methods, teaching at the right level, and remedial programs, while empowering teachers; strengthening education systems to enable the future expansion of these programs and ensure their long-term sustainability; tracking progress using tools such as the "Basic Skills Performance Index" to help identify and close gaps; applying learning sciences and ensuring teachers receive the ongoing training, resources, and support needed to enable every child to succeed; and leveraging the power of technology as an enabler to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning, not as a substitute or magic solution.
She concluded her remarks by emphasizing that Egypt's progress to date is inspiring, and that the road ahead is still full of opportunities. She emphasized that continuing to prioritize this challenge, investing in it steadily and wisely, and finding innovative solutions will ensure that every child in Egypt acquires the basic skills needed for lifelong learning and a brighter future.
For her part, Natalia Winder-Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, emphasized in her remarks that basic education is the gateway that leads individuals and societies to progress. It is not only a fundamental right for every child, but also the most rewarding investment in children's futures and in building society. She noted that UNICEF values its long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, and is pleased to witness together today the success of the first phase of the National Program for Developing Arabic Language Skills for Primary School Students.
The UNICEF Representative in Egypt expressed UNICEF's deep gratitude for the significant support provided by the German Cooperation, represented by the German Development Bank (KfW), in implementing this phase, as well as their continued support in the second phase, which will see the expansion of the national program, led by the Ministry in cooperation with UNICEF, to include an additional 1,000 schools in ten new governorates.
During the celebration, a video was shown showing the opinions and testimonials of children and parents about their benefits from the program. They expressed their gratitude and the students' utmost benefit from the program, which improved their reading and writing skills and strengthened their language skills.
The celebration also honored the governorates that achieved the highest rates of improvement in Arabic language skills: Alexandria, which achieved the highest rates, Aswan, Assiut, Ismailia, Cairo, Giza, Damietta, Sohag, and North Sinai.