In the Presence of the Minister of Higher Education: President of Benha University Participates in Launching the "Empowerment" Initiative to Raise Awareness of the Rights of Students with Disabilities in Egyptian Universities

In the presence of Prof.Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof.Nasser El-Gizawy, President of Benha University, participated in the celebration of the launch of the "Empowerment" initiative, implemented by the ministry in collaboration with the global "Hope Givers" campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities within Egyptian universities and to provide equal opportunities for them.
The event took place at Cairo University, attended by Prof.Mohamed Sami, President of Cairo University, presidents of universities in the Greater Cairo region, and a group of ministry and university leaders, along with representatives from the Hope Givers campaign.
At the beginning of his speech, Prof.Ashour expressed his deep gratitude to Mr. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for his unwavering support for our children with disabilities and for working to integrate them into all aspects of life. He noted that this initiative comes in line with the President's directives to strengthen communication with individuals with disabilities in Egypt, stemming from a firm belief in their right to appropriate training and rehabilitation services, and granting them equal opportunities to participate actively alongside other members of society. This includes engaging in comprehensive activities with their peers and enhancing cooperation and teamwork among all students.
He emphasized that focusing on university youth and developing their capabilities is a fundamental pillar of Egypt's sustainable development strategy and Vision 2030, as the ministry spares no effort to provide an appropriate environment for nurturing student talents and promoting their leadership roles in building Egypt's future.
The minister also thanked the Hope Givers campaign and its founder, Captain Anwar El-Kamouni, for their collaborative efforts in implementing the initiative, as well as the renowned artist Safaa Aboul-Saud, the artistic president of the initiative, for her outstanding contributions in supervising the artistic performances and enriching them with her unique creative expertise.
Prof.Ashour explained that the initiative will launch across Egypt's seven regions, according to the geographical division outlined by the "Alliance and Development" initiative in the national strategy for higher education and scientific research.
The first phase of the initiative will Launch today from the prestigious Cairo University, representing the first region—Greater Cairo—alongside other universities in the region, including: Ain Shams University, Helwan University, Benha University, the Egyptian-Chinese University, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, and Future University. He extended his greetings to Cairo University and the other university presidents in the alliance, partners in this phase of the initiative, and to all participants from the ministry's affiliated entities.
He expressed his hopes for achieving the best outcomes for our children with disabilities, highlighting plans for a major international celebration at the end of the final phase of the initiative in the seventh region, in Luxor, with wide international participation.
Prof.Ashour reviewed the logistical support provided by the ministry for students with disabilities, explaining the establishment of 20 centers to serve students with disabilities at public universities, offering educational support, psychological counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and facilitating their participation in academic activities. He noted that work is ongoing to establish seven additional centers in other universities, thanking AMIDEAST for its role in supporting the establishment of these centers.
The minister emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to provide integrated services for these students and organizing various events and forums under the supervision of the ministry's Student Activities Sector, ensuring participation from students across public, private, community, and technological universities.