Mansoura University Organizes "Empowerment and Inclusion in Pharaonic Civilization" Event at the Faculty of Arts

Within the framework of the presidential initiative "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. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, and the supervision of Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, the Center for Services for Persons with Disabilities, in cooperation with the Faculty of Arts, organized an event entitled: "Empowerment and Inclusion in Pharaonic Civilization." The event, held at the Faculty of Arts Museum, marked the beginning of the university's November activities under the initiative, and was part of a series of events coinciding with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

The event was held under the supervision of Prof. Mahmoud El-Gaeidy, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Ayman Wahby, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs, and Dr. Nanees El-Beltagy, Director of the Center for Services for Persons with Disabilities. Also in attendance were Dr. Ibrahim Abu Zeid, Deputy Director of the Center, Dr. Sherine Abdel Wahab, Faculty of Arts Coordinator at the Center, members of the Students for Egypt initiative, several faculty members, and students with disabilities and their families.

The event explored the role of people with disabilities in ancient Egyptian civilization, highlighting how this rich civilization viewed them as active members of society with unique abilities and skills that contributed to the development of human civilization. This reflects the deep roots of the concepts of empowerment and inclusion in Egyptian history.

The event also included the "Hands That See" initiative, through which visually impaired students participated in a simulation of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Using tangible archaeological models, they were able to experience and explain the artifacts to their fellow students and the public, in a moving display of genuine inclusion that showcased the creativity of visually impaired individuals.

A documentary film was also screened about the role of people with disabilities in ancient Egyptian civilization, along with images of the statue of the dwarf Seneb, whom King Khafre honored by building him a tomb next to his pyramid and marrying him to one of the royal princesses. A statue of a man with a back injury who worked as a priest was also displayed, emphasizing that disability was not an obstacle to participation in leadership, spirituality, and intellectual pursuits.

Student Magda provided sign language interpretation for the presentation given by students from the "Kemet Ta Nefer" family, demonstrating a practical model of inclusive university communication.

The day also included sports and entertainment activities, as well as interactive competitions among the students. The event concluded with the distribution of cash prizes to the winning students with disabilities.

Prof. Mahmoud El-Gaeidy said that this event underscores the university's leading role in supporting students with disabilities and fostering their awareness of their national history. He noted that the Faculty of Arts is committed to integrating them into various cultural and intellectual activities to enhance their confidence and creative abilities.

Prof. Ayman Wahby added that the participation of students with disabilities in preparing and implementing this event truly embodies the concept of empowerment and affirms the faculty's belief in their ability to contribute effectively to university and community life.

Dr. Nanees El-Beltagy expressed her delight at the fruitful collaboration with the Faculty of Arts, stressing that these events are part of implementing the pillars of the presidential initiative "Empowerment," reinforcing the concept of positive inclusion, and providing genuine opportunities for expression and creativity for students with disabilities within the university community.

This event is part of Mansoura University's plan to maximize the benefits of the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening and to solidify the values ​​of belonging and awareness of Egyptian civilization, which has honored humanity in all its diversity.

It also affirms the university's mission to uphold the values ​​of inclusion, equality, and empowerment, and its deep belief in the capabilities of its students with disabilities and their role in enriching university, cultural, and human life.