Under the gracious patronage of Prof. Dr. Sherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, and Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Azim, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development, and hosted by Prof. Dr. Mahmoud El-Gaidi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Mansoura University, the General Administration of Environmental Projects at Mansoura University, led by Eng. Sherif Fawzy, General Manager and Coordinator of National Initiatives and Programs, organized an awareness seminar in cooperation with the Community Awareness Committee of the Community Service Sector, chaired by Prof. Dr. Sahar Tawfiq, Dean of the Faculty of Early Childhood Education.

The seminar took place on Wednesday, 10/12/2025, targeting students of the Faculty of Arts in coordination with Misr El-Kheir Foundation. Attendees included Dr. Aya El-Arabi (Literacy Center Secretary), Ms. Mona Nebih (Technical Office, Environmental Projects Administration), Ms. Iman Aouni (Follow-up Officer), and Mr. Michael Nagi (Media Officer), alongside the seminar speakers.

Eng. Sherif welcomed the attendees and conveyed greetings from Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Azim. The seminar was then presented by Prof. Dr. Dina Aboul-Ala, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts for Community Service and Environmental Development, and Dr. Abdullah Ishaq, Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty of Law.

The seminar addressed the meaning of a “Gharim” (debtor), the causes, types, and regulations of “Gharam,” as well as its consequences. The speakers provided statistical insights into the problem of “Gharam” in Egypt and highlighted the efforts of the government and various institutions to alleviate the burdens of debtors.

The seminar aimed to offer a comprehensive perspective on the phenomenon of “Gharam” as a significant social issue impacting individuals, families, and society. The speakers explained that a “Gharim” is a person whose debts have accumulated to the point that they are unable to repay them, whether these debts arise from basic needs, emergency situations, or social responsibilities beyond their capacity.

The discussion explored the factors contributing to the worsening of this phenomenon, including difficult economic conditions, rising living costs, reliance on borrowing for essential needs, low financial awareness, and the use of informal lending sources with high interest rates, which often trap individuals in a cycle of debt.

The seminar also clarified the distinction between debtors eligible for support and those whose debts result from imprudent financial decisions or excessive consumption. Different types of “Gharam” were outlined, ranging from debts incurred due to basic necessities to those arising from sudden crises, family obligations, or small business losses.

The speakers then discussed the consequences of “Gharam,” highlighting that its effects extend beyond financial hardship to psychological impacts, such as anxiety and stress, social effects, including family pressures and disintegration, and legal consequences, potentially leading to imprisonment. The seminar emphasized that debtors require comprehensive support, not merely financial aid.

Statistical data were presented to illustrate the magnitude of the problem in Egypt, identifying the most affected groups and common causes, emphasizing the need for unified efforts by the government and civil society organizations. In this context, the initiatives of the government, Misr El-Kheir Foundation, and other organizations aimed at relieving debt burdens and raising awareness through economic empowerment programs were highlighted.

The seminar saw active engagement from students and attendees, who asked questions about ways to mitigate this phenomenon and the role of youth in raising awareness, expressing appreciation for the topic as an important social issue worthy of attention and discussion.