UK to provide £12 million fund to support education reform in Egypt

CAIRO – 15 October 2018: The United Kingdom will grant Egypt £12 million to support education reform through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The UK fund will support the teacher training and children’s education across Egypt through the Ministry of Education's program.

“I am proud that once again the UK is at the forefront to support Egypt’s development and growth. This fund sends a global message of support to future generations of this country and will help the Egyptian government turn its education reform vision into a reality,” Middle East Minister Hon Alistair Burt said.

In the same context, British Ambassador to Egypt Sir Geoffrey Adams referred that the UK seeks to support Egypt’s educational reform for Egyptian youth to be equipped with knowledge and skills.

“An investment in Egyptian youth is an investment in Egypt’s future. Education is central to this,” Adams remarked.

The Ministry of Education has taken several steps to enhance education in Egypt, which is part of Egypt’s 2030 vision to cultivate economic and social justice and revive the role of Egypt in the region.

In a press conference held on October 4, Minister of Education Tarek Shawki stated the reforms carried out in the educational system had "exceeded all expectations".
The new educational system aims to hone students' skills of understanding and knowledge.

Under the new educational system, secondary students have access to the internet and are linked to the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, an electronic educational encyclopedia. In addition, separate science and arts sections no longer exist.

“Five million parents are satisfied with the new educational system,” said Shawki. He added that the latest shipment of 100,000 Samsung tablets had been received. The Education Ministry has set a target of 1 million tablets, worth LE 1.4 billion, to be distributed among secondary students.