Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity and the Housing & Development Bank have signed a cooperation protocol to provide vital support to university students with disabilities in Egypt. This partnership aims to ensure that students from disadvantaged families, particularly those enrolled in the Takaful Wa Karama social protection program, can continue their educational journey in an environment that fosters equality and opportunity.
The protocol was officially signed by Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, and Mr. Hassan Ghanem, CEO and Managing Director of the Housing and Development Bank. Dr. Mohamed El-Aqabi, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity and Supervisor of the Social Solidarity Units Project in Egyptian Universities, and Mrs. Gihan El-Goly, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainable Development at the Housing and Development Bank, also attended the signing ceremony, underscoring the importance of this initiative.
A Step Towards Sustainable Empowerment
Dr. Maya Morsy expressed her deep appreciation for the partnership with the Housing and Development Bank, highlighting that this collaboration is part of an ongoing and productive relationship between the two organizations. She emphasized the significance of the Social Solidarity Units Project in Egyptian universities, which is designed to bridge the gap for students with disabilities by providing both tangible resources and opportunities for social integration. “This protocol represents a vital investment in the future of Egypt—our students,” Dr. Morsy remarked, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that marginalized groups, particularly students with disabilities, have equal access to educational and social opportunities.
With a focus on human development and capacity building, Dr. Morsy further stated that the Ministry is dedicated to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable groups in society, working to create a more equitable educational landscape for students with disabilities.
A Strategic Partnership for Social Inclusion
Mr. Hassan Ghanem of the Housing and Development Bank emphasized that this partnership is a critical step in enhancing both the educational and societal integration of students with disabilities. “By providing an accessible and supportive university environment, this initiative will not only enable students with disabilities to continue their academic journeys but also ensure they can actively participate in university life,” Ghanem said. He added that the initiative aligns perfectly with the Bank’s corporate social responsibility strategy, which is deeply rooted in Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development.
The Housing and Development Bank has long been a key player in efforts to promote social protection and uplift Egypt’s most vulnerable populations. This collaboration further underscores the Bank’s commitment to improving the lives of marginalized communities, including people with disabilities, who are integral to the fabric of society. The project will foster equal opportunities for students with disabilities, ultimately contributing to greater societal inclusion and mobility.
Details of the Initiative: Enhancing Educational Access and Opportunities
The protocol outlines a robust series of support measures aimed at empowering university students with disabilities, particularly those from families benefiting from social assistance programs. The support provided includes:
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1,000 Laptops for Visually Impaired Students: The Bank will supply speaking laptops to ensure that students with visual impairments have the tools they need to engage with course materials and academic resources.
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1,000 White Canes: In addition to technological support, the initiative includes providing white canes for students with visual impairments, ensuring they can navigate university campuses with greater ease.
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1,000 Prosthetic Limbs and Wheelchairs: The project will also address the physical needs of students with mobility impairments, providing them with prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs, helping to ensure they can move freely and independently on campus.
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Awareness Programs: A total of 168 students will benefit from targeted awareness programs designed to build confidence, foster self-empowerment, and ensure students are equipped with the skills necessary for academic and social success.
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Training Programs for Workforce Integration: In preparation for life beyond university, 42 students will receive training aimed at improving their employability and preparing them for a competitive job market.
Vision for an Inclusive Future
Dr. Mohamed El-Aqabi, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity and Supervisor of the Social Solidarity Units Project, emphasized that this initiative is not just about immediate support, but about long-term empowerment. “The Ministry will ensure that we maintain an updated database of all eligible university students, and that we continuously monitor and assess the impact of our interventions,” he explained.
Dr. El-Aqabi also confirmed that the initiative’s focus will not only be on providing material support but also on developing a sustainable model for social integration and inclusion that will resonate across all levels of society.
A Promising Path Forward: Strengthening the Social Fabric
This partnership represents more than just an agreement between two entities—it’s a commitment to creating an inclusive, equitable society where every student, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to succeed. The collaboration aligns perfectly with the broader goals of Egypt’s Vision 2030, which seeks to build a sustainable, inclusive society where all citizens, including those with disabilities, are able to contribute meaningfully.
As part of Egypt’s broader vision for social protection and disability rights, this partnership represents a continued commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 10: Reduced Inequality.
