Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Sherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, and Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Azim, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development,

Faculty of Education Discusses the Educational and Cultural Empowerment of People of Determination

The Faculty of Education at Mansoura University organized today, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, a seminar for students of the Special Education Program titled "Educational and Cultural Empowerment for People of Determination – A Second Chance for Learning", in collaboration with the Mansoura University Center for Adult Education Services and the General Authority for Adult Education.

The seminar was attended by Prof. Dr. Ali Abdel Rabbo Hussein, Dean of the Faculty of Education; Prof. Dr. Abdullah Ali Abu Shabana, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs; Dr. Asmaa Elhady Abdel Hay, Director of the Mansoura University Center for Adult Education Services; Mr. Hamad El-Husseiny, Director of the General Authority for Adult Education Branch; and Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed Amoud, Director of the People of Determination Unit at the General Authority for Adult Education, along with several experts, officials, and students.

The seminar aimed to raise community awareness and contribute to providing real opportunities for learning to empower illiterate people of determination both educationally and culturally. This initiative falls within the university's Community Service and Environmental Development Sector’s plan to achieve sustainable development goals through active community partnerships.

Prof. Dr. Sherif Khater emphasized that empowering people of determination educationally and culturally is a key pillar for achieving social justice and sustainable development. He highlighted the university’s commitment to serving the community and supporting all segments, especially those most in need, praising the efforts made by the Faculty of Education and the Adult Education Center in cooperation with the General Authority for Adult Education, reflecting the spirit of integration among state institutions to create a better future.

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Azim affirmed that this seminar is part of the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector’s plan, aiming to activate the university’s role in supporting literacy and adult education issues, especially for people of determination, as they are an integral part of the nation's fabric. He stressed that educational and cultural empowerment is a fundamental right that requires effective partnerships and integrated efforts, clearly demonstrated through this fruitful cooperation between the university and the General Authority for Adult Education.

The seminar opened with a speech by Dr. Asmaa Elhady, who emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting the empowerment of people of determination. She noted that disability is not a deficiency but a latent energy that needs opportunities to be unleashed, and that empowerment starts with genuine belief in their right to learn, create, and express themselves.

Mr. Hamad El-Husseiny also praised the university’s cooperation with the Authority, stressing that this meeting reflects a serious interest in the issue of adult education for people of determination, and commended the active role played by the Faculty of Education and the Adult Education Center.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Ali Abdel Rabbo welcomed the attendees, affirming the Faculty's support for literacy initiatives, especially for people of determination, given their capabilities and skills that qualify them for active participation in society.

Dr. Abdullah Ali Abu Shabana spoke about the important role students can play in educating adults with disabilities, noting that participation in this project is a national and religious duty that helps achieve equal opportunities and social justice.

Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed Amoud discussed the General Authority for Adult Education’s vision, highlighting the establishment of a special unit dedicated to educating adults with disabilities. This unit focuses on developing curricula and exams tailored to their needs and training teachers in this field.

Mr. El-Sayed Massad El-Alfy concluded the scientific session by emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning for the empowerment of people of determination, pointing out that the state places great importance on this issue through specialized initiatives and ongoing programs.

At the end of the seminar, appreciation was expressed to the participants, and certificates of appreciation were awarded to those who contributed to the success of the event.

The seminar also saw the participation of Dr. Mostafa Amin, General Director of Project Management at the University; Ms. Aya El-Sayed El-Araby, Secretary of the Adult Education Center at the University; Ms. Gehan El-Nabawy, Director of Public Relations at the General Authority’s Dakahlia Branch; several faculty members from the Faculty of Education; and students of the Special Education Program.