President El-Sisi Meets with Prime Minister, Minister of Education and Other Officials

President El-Sisi met today with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and Minister of Education and Technical Education Dr. Tarek Shawky, in the presence of Advisor to the President of the Republic for Financial Affairs Major General Mohamed Amin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nile International Certificate Unit Dr. Mervat El-Deeb, and Director of the Nile International Certificate Unit Dr. Salafah Goily.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that during the meeting they followed up on the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Education regarding comprehensive and integrated modernization of the basic education system.

The President called upon the concerned parties to attach the utmost importance to the intellectual and pedagogical aspects when it comes to students. He referred to the importance of raising their awareness of the true teachings of religions and the freedom of belief called for therein, as well as tolerance and acceptance of others. President El-Sisi also called for devoting attention to sport, stressing the importance of maintaining a good physical health. These directives were given as part of the state’s strategic approach to shaping the Egyptian character in every aspect and enhancing Egyptians’ status when it comes to academia, knowledge and health.

The President also gave directives for expanding the use of e-learning applications and automating teaching means. This would be done through the joint coordination between the Ministries of Education and Communications, he added. His Excellency also stated that ever since the pandemic of coronavirus has erupted, we had to resort to online platforms in this regard. The lessons learned should be considered and technology should be harnessed to advance the educational process.

Dr. Tariq Shawky presented the workflow of Thanaweya Amma exams of this academic year. About 1.5 million students and half a million employees in the educational sector are taking part, he added. He also presented the integrated precautionary measures taken by the Ministry, in coordination with the Ministries of Health, Defense and Interior. These measures include providing prevention tools for students and proctors, organizing the processes of entry and exit, applying social distancing, and daily sterilizing the exam rooms. The Minister affirmed that Egypt is one of the few countries that have been able to complete the academic year with at all stages amid the coronavirus pandemic. This academic year was a success due to the efficiency of the modern electronic system related to e-learning in Egypt.

The Minister of Education also presented the implementation status of the technological infrastructure of the new education system, including the new Thanaweya Amma evaluation system via setting e-exams using tablets and online networks. This was achieved in parallel with expanding distance learning via developing the e-learning platform, especially through establishing a digital library to provide educational materials and improving the content and role of the Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), which is visited by several users as a national platform for science, knowledge and scientific research in Egypt.

The Minister also presented education development-related programs and projects. They have contributed to running teacher training programs, establishing new schools, such as the Egyptian-Japanese schools and schools for those with special needs, and developing new educational methods and curricula in coordination with experienced and specialized international bodies.

During the meeting, the education system in the Nile Egyptian Schools, which grant an Egyptian educational certificate in accordance with the international standards, was tackled. Thus, President El-Sisi gave directives for developing these schools system in an institutional framework that achieves the aspired academic goals, thus adding more value to the state’s educational system.