The first week of the presidential initiative "Tamkeen"(Empowerment) to support students with disabilities concludes

In the presence of Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University

The first week of the presidential initiative "Tamkeen"(Empowerment) to support students with disabilities concludes.

Within the framework of the presidential initiative "Tamkeen," "(Empowerment)  launched by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to support and empower students with disabilities in Egyptian universities, and under the auspices of Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mansoura University concluded the first week of the initiative's activities on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

The events were attended by Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, Vice President of the University for Education and Student Affairs; Mr. Saad Abdel Wahab, Secretary General of the University; Dr. Nanees El-Beltagy, Director of the Center for Services for Persons with Disabilities; Dr. Ibrahim Abu Zeid, Deputy Director of the Center; Dr. Dalia Khalifa, Director of the Artistic Activities Department at the Student Welfare Administration; and a number of faculty staff, students with disabilities, and university students.

The initiative aims to promote the inclusion and empowerment of students with disabilities within the university community by raising awareness of the culture of inclusion and equality among university students and faculty staff. It also aims to highlight the services offered by university centers supporting students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities in education and participation in university activities.

Prof. Cherif Khater toured several sporting activities organized in coordination with the Student Welfare Department at the Faculty of Early Childhood Education. These activities included games such as chess, Snakes and Ladders, and other games. He also engaged in friendly conversations with a number of outstanding students, both academically and in various extracurricular activities, listening to their opinions and aspirations and discussing their needs and experiences within the university.

The center's sign language team performed the song "The Hero of the Story" with sign language interpretation. The university president also visited the art exhibition, which featured graduation projects from the Educational Technology Department at the Faculty of Specific Education. The exhibition included outstanding works by students with disabilities, such as training models created in collaboration with the Faculty of Nursing, which played a prominent role in the initiative's activities. The exhibition also showcased numerous other artworks and handcrafted creations. The students presented the president with a resin clock they had made themselves.

The president also toured the center's library, praising the books printed in Braille and the assistive technology that provides technical support to students with disabilities, facilitating their learning.

The tour also included a visit to the computer labs, followed by an open interactive session with the students, conducted in sign language to ensure everyone's participation. The president listened to their opinions and suggestions on how to improve the services provided to them.

Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, affirmed that activating the presidential initiative "Tamkeen" (Empowerment) is an extension of the political leadership's vision to build a university community that upholds the principles of justice, equality, and equal opportunities. He noted that the university gives special attention to students with disabilities by developing and expanding the Center for Services for Persons with Disabilities to include academic, technological, psychological, and social support. He added that Mansoura University was among the first Egyptian universities to establish a specialized center for the integration and empowerment of people with disabilities. This center works to raise community awareness within the university campus, provides specialized training for students and faculty members, and offers an inclusive learning environment that allows students with disabilities to fully participate in educational and student activities. He also expressed his delight at the creativity and determination he witnessed among the center's students, emphasizing that their artistic and innovative work reflects their ability to excel and compete. He affirmed that the university will continue to provide them with all means of support.

Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi said that Mansoura University adopted a comprehensive approach years ago to supporting students with disabilities, through their full inclusion in university activities and by providing an accessible learning environment that ensures their active participation in various fields. He added that the "Tamkeen" initiative reflects this institutional commitment into practical steps that contribute to raising community awareness of the rights of people with disabilities both within and outside the university.

Dr. Nanees El-Beltagy said that the first week of the initiative at Mansoura University witnessed broad participation from students with disabilities and other university students. She affirmed that the center continues to develop its programs to meet students' needs and support their academic and personal development. She also expressed her deep gratitude to the university administration for its ongoing support of people with disabilities and for promoting a culture of inclusion.

The university president also attended an art workshop titled "Casseroles of Happiness," an innovative workshop conducted by students under the supervision of the Arts Activities Department. The workshop involved students designing and decorating cakes with safe colors, creating an artistic expression that combined skill, creativity, and joy.

At the end of the day, the center's administration honored Prof. Cherif Khater and Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi in recognition of their ongoing support for the center and students with disabilities. They were presented with commemorative gifts crafted by the students, followed by a group photo of university leaders and participating students.

This day marked the conclusion of the first week of activities for the presidential initiative "Tamkeen" (Empowerment), which is being held across Egyptian universities. Events will continue every Thursday in November, culminating in the initiative's final day on December 4, 2025, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This reflects Mansoura University's continued commitment to implementing the goals of the "Tamkeen" presidential initiative and supporting the principle of equal opportunities within the university community.