Adding environmental dimension to Cairo University curricula discussed

CAIRO – 12 October 2019: Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad and President of Cairo University Mohamed Othman el-Khosht met to discuss adding an environmental dimension to the curricula of different faculties.

The move aims to raise the awareness of students, and citizens in general, of the environmental issues and encourage researches in the field.

As she praised the role played by Cairo University to support environmental work, Fouad ensured that the Ministry of Environment is taking a number of procedures to raise the citizens’ awareness, especially the youths, of environmental issues, adding that she is milling with Cairo University to incorporate an environmental dimension into graduation projects at different faculties.

She further added that the ministry is currently supporting environmental projects by youths, including the manufacturing of an electricity-powered car. This is in addition to encouraging environmental research in creating special waste recycling units at the faculties of science and engineering.

Fouad signaled the importance of increasing cooperation between the ministry and the university to change misconceptions of many environmental issues. She referred to converting rice straw from an air pollutant when burned to a product of economic value for farmers when pressed and sold as fertilizers.

During the meeting, the minister reviewed the ministry’s plan to integrate the private sector in the management of natural reserves to achieve further touristic and economic benefits from sustainable resources. She also pointed out plans to establish a science club for young people to learn the meaning of natural reserves and the sustainable use of them.

For his part, Khosht welcomed the cooperation with the ministry, and expressed his delight to integrate an environmental dimension in the various disciplines of the university. He also expressed keenness to raise the environmental awareness. “We believe in developing educational curricula, and partnership with international universities. Cairo University has engaged in a number of partnerships with major universities during the past years,” Khosht stressed.