Egypt’s Ministers of International Cooperation and Education convened at the Ministry of International Cooperation headquarters to discuss ongoing development cooperation programs and international partnerships in education. The primary focus of the meeting was to enhance the efficiency of the educational system and improve the quality of education, in line with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s directives and Egypt’s priorities.
Discussions centered on the successful USAID-funded STEM school program, and projects within the $100m Egyptian-Italian debt swap program’s third phase for development. Some funds are directed to education and technical education initiatives, including applied technology schools and teacher skills development. Ministers explored expanding this initiative, which prepares students for international competitions.
In this regard, Minister of International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, emphasized comprehensive coordination with development partners. The collaboration aims to implement programs aligned with government priorities for educational system improvements, including human resources and infrastructure.
Al-Mashat, further, highlighted international partnerships’ role in pioneering educational experiments like STEM schools. These schools educate around 5,000 students across Egypt’s governorates. Al-Mashat listed key cooperative programs, including the Egyptian-Japanese Educational Partnership Program, the national pre-university education development strategy, basic education improvement program, the Center of Excellence for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and the comprehensive technical education initiative’s support project.
On the other hand, Minister of Education, Reda Hegazy, applauded existing cooperation with the Ministry of International Cooperation. The ministry focuses on expanding applied technology schools across governorates, equipping students with skills for local and international job markets.
Hegazy emphasized the importance of STEM schools, stating they inspire educational progress. He highlighted the government’s commitment to innovation, aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030. Increasing the number of STEM schools, currently at 21 across 18 governorates, is a priority.
The Ministry of International Cooperation secured approximately $490 million for education, technical education, and higher education sectors from 2020 to 2023. Supporters include the United States, the European Union, Germany, France, South Korea, and Switzerland.
