In a move to deepen bilateral cooperation in social development, Eng. Margret Sarofim, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity, met with H.E. Ambassador Ragy El-Etreby, Egypt’s Ambassador to Japan, to discuss expanding collaboration in early childhood development (ECD) between Egypt and Japan.
The high-level meeting, held at the Ministry of Social Solidarity, emphasized the value of Egypt’s ongoing partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in applying Japanese models in preschools, including the innovative Tokkatsu (Tokubetsu Katsudō) educational activities.
Japan’s Tokkatsu Model Gains Traction in Egyptian Preschools
Sarofim praised JICA’s support in integrating the Tokkatsu approach into Egyptian early learning environments, calling it “a pioneering step toward building quality education rooted in personal development and social values.”
She added that early childhood development remains a strategic priority for the Egyptian government, with the Ministry currently conducting a nationwide census of nurseries. This census aims to map all institutions involved in ECD and build a comprehensive geographic and data-driven registry to support policy-making and resource allocation.
Creating High-Quality Learning Environments for Egypt’s Future
“The collaboration with JICA has become a model in fostering stimulating and inclusive early learning spaces,” said Sarofim. “It focuses not only on infrastructure but also on empowering qualified facilitators, adopting modern pedagogical techniques, and promoting holistic child development.”
Site Visit to the Ministry’s Nursery in the New Administrative Capital
Following the meeting, the Deputy Minister accompanied Ambassador El-Etreby on a tour of the Early Childhood Reception Center for Ministry Employees’ Children at the Ministry’s headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. The ambassador praised the center’s high standards of care and education, expressing hope to replicate and expand such models across the country.
Egypt-Japan Collaboration Set to Expand
Ambassador El-Etreby expressed his admiration for Egypt’s efforts in ECD and reaffirmed Japan’s interest in deepening ties in social development areas. “The focus on children reflects our shared values, and the quality of service I witnessed today is impressive,” he stated, underscoring his aspiration for continued partnership in early education, senior care, and disability inclusion.
Attendees and Future Outlook
The meeting brought together Randa Fares, Advisor to the Minister for Family, Women, and Child Health and Director of the Mawadda Family Awareness Program, Mona El-Shabrawy, Head of the Central Administration for Family and Women Affairs, and Dr. Hanem Omar, Director General of the Child Affairs Department
With strong government backing and international collaboration, Egypt continues to position early childhood development at the heart of its human capital investment strategy.
