Minister of Education and Supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities Discuss Ways to Enhance Inclusive Education
In line with the Egyptian state's commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities and promoting the principles of equal opportunities and non-discrimination, Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, received Dr. Iman Karim, Supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, to discuss avenues for joint cooperation regarding support for students with disabilities, the development of the inclusive education system, and the coordination of institutional efforts to ensure that students with disabilities receive fair and equitable education.
Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif began the meeting by welcoming Dr. Karim and emphasizing that the Egyptian state places great importance on empowering persons with disabilities, stressing that developing the inclusive education system is a key pillar of the Ministry's strategy.
The Minister of Education and Technical Education explained that the Ministry has launched intellectual education curricula for the first time at the kindergarten level in cooperation with five Egyptian universities and UNICEF, in line with the latest international standards. He also noted the upgrading of the Egyptian International Leadership Center for Empowering People with Disabilities in the 10th of Ramadan City, indicating that the center will be managed by a number of Japanese experts in the coming period to implement best international practices. He added that the Ministry aims to expand the number of rehabilitation centers in various governorates.
The Minister emphasized that technical education is the future and the driving force behind sustainable development, noting that the Ministry is committed to providing technical education students with tablets starting next academic year, enabling students with disabilities to access appropriate audio-visual educational content.
For her part, Dr. Iman Karim, Supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, expressed her pleasure at meeting the Minister, praising his efforts to develop the education system, particularly inclusive education.
Dr. Iman Karim indicated that the Council will launch the National Disability Strategy (2026-2030) in the near future. This strategy is based on a participatory approach with relevant ministries, institutions, and stakeholders. She explained that prior to its drafting, a community dialogue was conducted with people with disabilities in various governorates, and meetings were held with representatives of the Ministry of Education to assess the current situation and identify gaps. The Council also worked to gather information through its Citizen Services Department.
Dr. Karim added that the Council has assessed the legislative impact of the actual implementation of Law No. (10) of 2018 concerning the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She emphasized the importance of collaborating with the Ministry of Education to provide various forms of support, including resource rooms and accessibility measures, as well as strengthening cooperation regarding intelligence tests and overcoming the challenges faced by students with disabilities at different educational levels.
Dr. Iman Karim explained that intellectual disabilities are the most affected by these challenges, followed by hearing impairments, then visual impairments, and least affected are physical disabilities. She emphasized the importance of effectively and sustainably implementing accessible technology and achieving technological inclusion and inclusivity in the education of people with disabilities.
She noted that the Council is currently intensifying its efforts to communicate with various relevant bodies and institutions to address the real challenges and problems faced by people with disabilities in accessing their rights as stipulated in the Constitution and various laws.
During the meeting, it was agreed to form a joint committee to develop standards and appropriate models for testing students with disabilities. It was also agreed to jointly produce awareness films to educate the public about different types of disabilities and how to interact with them.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister affirmed that the Ministry is committed to adopting comprehensive educational policies aimed at building a fair and equitable education system that guarantees all students the right to a quality education without discrimination. He pointed out that empowering students with disabilities represents a genuine investment in the future of the nation.
The meeting was attended on behalf of the Ministry of Education by Dr. Sahar Al-Alfi, Director General of Special Education, and Mr. Shadi Zalata, Media Advisor and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry.