Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity and Vice President of the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC), Dr. Maya Morsy, and Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abidine, President of Ain Shams University, on Tuesday witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between Ain Shams University and the Egyptian Red Crescent. The two officials also inaugurated the university’s new Volunteer Center and Community Observatory, established in partnership with the ERC.
The protocol was signed by Dr. Amal Emam, Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent, and Dr. Ghada Farouk Hossny, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Community Service and Environmental Development. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohamed El-Oqabi, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity and General Supervisor of the Social Solidarity Units Project, along with a number of Ain Shams University deans.
Strengthening Partnerships Between Academia and Humanitarian Action
In her remarks, Dr. Morsy said the event brings together a distinguished national academic institution and a humanitarian organization with a long-standing history of fieldwork and public service. She described the protocol as a reflection of the shared belief that humanitarian action and community development can only be achieved through genuine partnerships between state institutions and civil society, and through the integration of academic knowledge with practical field experience.
She highlighted Ain Shams University’s role as one of Egypt’s oldest and most prestigious universities, emphasizing that its contribution extends beyond education and research to active engagement in community service and the development of practical solutions to national challenges.
“With its distinguished academic staff and ambitious youth, Ain Shams University has the capacity to make a tangible difference in development paths and to strengthen a culture of social responsibility among younger generations,” Dr. Morsy said.
Supporting Volunteerism and Youth Engagement
The Minister noted that cooperation with Ain Shams University represents a valuable addition to the Egyptian Red Crescent’s humanitarian mission, given the university’s human and scientific resources that can be mobilized to support humanitarian programs. These include health awareness campaigns, disaster and emergency response, support for vulnerable groups, and the promotion of structured volunteerism among students and youth.
She also reviewed the Egyptian Red Crescent’s long-standing role since its establishment in 1911 as a national humanitarian organization and a key partner to the state during crises and disasters. The ERC, she said, has consistently played a vital role in responding to natural disasters, health emergencies, and humanitarian needs, relying on a broad network of trained volunteers who form the backbone of its work.
Community Observatory as a Hub for University Volunteer Work
Dr. Morsy stressed the strategic importance of the newly launched Community Observatory at Ain Shams University, describing it as a central hub for activating and organizing volunteer work within the university. The observatory will be responsible for supporting and coordinating the establishment of student volunteer units across university faculties, serving as structured platforms for trained student volunteers engaged in humanitarian action.
Through the observatory’s activities and training programs, the Egyptian Red Crescent aims to deepen volunteer culture among university students, equipping them with awareness of humanitarian and social issues such as supporting vulnerable communities, crisis response, and promoting social solidarity.
She added that students will benefit from field activities, workshops, and interactive sessions that translate the concept of volunteerism into real-world practice with measurable impact.
Building Skills and Future Leaders
The ERC, Dr. Morsy said, places strong emphasis on both the cognitive and practical development of students, offering specialized training programs designed to build personal and leadership skills, including teamwork, time management, effective communication, and responsibility.
Students will also participate in hands-on field activities, allowing them to apply what they learn in real-life settings, build confidence, and gain practical experience. Through this comprehensive approach, the Egyptian Red Crescent contributes to fostering values of giving, citizenship, and belonging among Ain Shams University students, preparing a new generation capable of responding to community needs with awareness and compassion.
A Model Partnership for Sustainable Development
Dr. Morsy concluded that the protocol opens new horizons for cooperation through knowledge exchange, capacity building, practical training opportunities, and direct student engagement in humanitarian and community initiatives. She emphasized that the partnership reflects confidence in youth as a driving force for change and a key pillar in supporting the state’s efforts toward sustainable development.
She expressed hope that the collaboration would serve as a model for effective cooperation between academic institutions and humanitarian organizations, translating the protocol’s provisions into concrete actions that benefit the Egyptian people and support national development goals.
