Related Resources

Recognizing that education is Egypt's most important investment, the Egyptian government has adopted a proactive policy towards educational reform. To achieve this reform, the Ministry of Education has identified four key areas on which to focus: 1) increased access to schools 2) sufficient technology 3) teacher training and 4) professional development.

In an effort to thoroughly modernize the system, the Ministry of Education is implementing reforms in six priority areas. These areas include improved quality of education, enhanced teacher performance, increased school quality, implementation of parent/teacher counseling, and reformed curriculum and literacy programs.

Dr. Moussa described the ministry's efforts to incorporate principles of democracy, tolerance, and women's rights into textbooks and the daily lesson plans. These principles will complement new techniques designed to teach critical thinking and analytical skills. Today many students are ill-equipped to enter the workforce because they lack employable skills. These curricular reforms are designed to make students more independent learners.

Dr. Moussa identified the illiteracy rate in Egypt as a large problem; 12.5 million Egyptians are unable to read. Dr. Moussa stressed the important link between a prosperous economy and a literate population. National plans to cooperate with NGOs, universities and regional governments are currently in motion. These groups are targeting their literacy campaigns at those who missed their primary opportunities. Dr. Moussa applauded the efficient mobilization of government resources as well as its collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.

Community involvement is essential to the reform process and its ongoing assessment. The establishment of a Board of Trustees has proven the positive impact of community participation. The board took on issues throughout the community including those related to education. Dr. Moussa reinforced the importance of such accountability within the community. Increased responsibility promotes civil participation in the political process, in effect strengthening infrastructure.

Insufficient technology has been partially to blame for the lack of research and writing skills among students. The Ministry of Education has worked closely with the Ministry of Communication over the past ten years to remedy this problem. Last year, two thousand middle schools were connected to the Internet, and the Ministry has the goal of connecting all remaining schools to broadband Internet within the next three years. To bolster its internal technology resources and regional relationships, Egypt recently graduated its first class of technical students trained in Iraq. The program, backed by Germany, is the first of many anticipated joint programs by the two countries.

When asked to address the issue of U.S. involvement, Dr. Moussa welcomed any international actors who have complementary policies toward education and democracy. Egypt's policy is to willingly discuss collaborative initiatives on an international scale with countries that share their goals.

Moving forward with a vision for the future, Egypt faces the challenge of reforming its education system in a timely manner. Equipping students with as many skills as possible to enable them for a prosperous career and life is the Ministry of Education's main goal.