Educational and Cultural Empowerment for People with Disabilities

Under the patronage of Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University The Faculty of Education Discusses Educational and Cultural Empowerment for People with Disabilities

 On April 23, 2025, the Faculty of Education at Mansoura University organized a seminar for students in the Special Education Program entitled "Educational and Cultural Empowerment for People with Disabilities - A Second Chance for Learning." The seminar was led by Prof. Mohamed Abdel Azim, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, and in collaboration with the Mansoura University Center for Adult Education Services and the General Authority for Adult Education.

The seminar was attended by Prof. Ali Abd Rabbo Hussein, Dean of the Faculty of Education; Prof. Abdullah Ali Abu Shabana, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development; Dr. Asmaa El Hadi Abdel Hay, Director of the Mansoura University Center for Adult Education Services; Prof. Hammad El Husseini, Director of the General Authority for Adult Education Branch; and Dr. Mohamed El Sayed Amoud, Director of the People with Disabilities Unit at the General Authority for Adult Education, a number of experts, officials, faculty members, and students from the faculty's special education program also attended.

The symposium aimed to raise community awareness and contribute to providing real learning opportunities, with the goal of empowering illiterate people with disabilities educationally and culturally. This is part of the university's Community Service and Environmental Development Sector's plan to achieve sustainable development goals through effective community partnerships.

Dr. Sherif Khater said that empowering people with disabilities educationally and culturally is one of the fundamental pillars of achieving social justice and sustainable development. He highlighted the university's commitment to its mission of serving the community and supporting all segments of society, especially those most vulnerable. He praised the efforts of the Faculty of Education and the Adult Education Center, in cooperation with the General Authority for Adult Education, which reflect the spirit of integration among state institutions to achieve a better future.

Prof. Mohamed Abdel-Azim said that this symposium falls within the framework of the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector's plan, which seeks to activate the university's role in supporting literacy and adult education, particularly for people of determination, as they are an integral part of the nation's fabric. He emphasized that educational and cultural empowerment is a fundamental right for people with disabilities, requiring effective partnerships and integrated efforts, as embodied in this fruitful cooperation between the university and the General Authority for Adult Education.

The symposium opened with a speech by Dr. Asmaa El-Hadi, in which she discussed the university's commitment to supporting the empowerment of people with disabilities. She noted that disability is not a handicap, but rather a potential that requires someone to do his best. She emphasized that empowerment is not limited to providing services, but rather begins with a true belief in this group's right to learn, create, and express themselves.

Prof. Hammad Al-Husseini also commended the university's efforts in cooperating with the Authority, emphasizing that this meeting reflects a serious interest in adult education for people with disabilities. He commended the effective role of the Faculty of Education and the Adult Education Center in this regard.

Prof. Ali Abd Rabbo welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the Faculty’s support for literacy initiatives, particularly among people with disabilities, given their potential and skills that qualify them for active participation in society.

Prof. Abdullah Ali Abu Shabana spoke about the importance of students' role in adult education for people with disabilities, explaining that participation in this project is a national and religious duty that achieves equal opportunity and social justice.

Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed Amoud discussed the vision of the General Authority for Adult Education, noting the establishment of a special unit for adult education for people with disabilities, which is working to develop curricula and examinations to meet their needs, in addition to training teachers in this field.

Prof. Sayed Masoud Al-Alfi concluded the scientific session by emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning to empower people with disabilities. He noted that the state pays great attention to this issue through qualitative initiatives and ongoing programs.

 At the end of the meeting, thanks and appreciation were extended to the participants, and certificates of appreciation were distributed to those who contributed to the success of this event.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Mustafa Amin, Director General of the University's Projects Department; Ms. Aya Al-Sayed Al-Arabi, Secretary of the Adult Education Center at the University; Ms. Jihan Al-Nabawi, Director of Public Relations at the Authority's Dakahlia Branch; and a number of faculty members from the Faculty of Education and students from the Faculty's Special Education Program.