A workshop for the children of the Center for the Care of Children with Special Needs at Ain Shams University and their families to spread archaeological awareness

Within the framework of fruitful cooperation between the faculties of Ain Shams University, the Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs Sector at the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Childhood, in cooperation with the Faculty of Archeology, Ain Shams University, organized an educational and awareness workshop entitled “Messages from Ancient Egyptian Civilization”, to preserve the Egyptian identity with community participation for hesitant children. At the Center for the Care of Children with Special Needs and their Families, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

The workshop was sponsored by Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain Al-Abedeen, President of Shams University, Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, Prof. Howaida Al-Gebali, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Childhood, Prof. Hossam Tantawi, Dean of the Faculty of Archeology, and Major General Hossam El-Sherbiny, Assistant Secretary of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs.

Under the supervision and organization of: Prof. Randa Kamal, Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Childhood for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, in cooperation with Prof. Bassem Mohamed, Acting Vice Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, Prof. Sarah Nabil, Chair of the Council of the Department of Ancient Egyptian Antiquities, Faculty of Archaeology, Prof. Ahmed Al-Kahki, Director of the Center for the Care of Children with Special Needs.

Children of different ages were selected, with the mental age ranging from 5 to 12 years. Emphasis was placed on selecting children who had an artistic sense, and their number was about 45 children.

The workshop started by Prof. Randa Kamal who welcomed the attendees. She pointed out the importance of spreading archaeological awareness in society and introducing the new generation to the history of his country and his ancestors, to raise an educated generation aware of the great civilization of its ancestors. She stressed that the ancient Egyptians had a culture that accepted difference and were the first to launch the idea of societal integration. Her Excellency thanked the team of the Faculty of Archeology for their response, calling for different activities for children and bringing them joy and happiness.

The workshop activities included an educational symposium on “The Family in Ancient Egypt,” during which Dr. Sawsan Issa, teacher and coordinator of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Program, on the role of the family in raising and caring for children in the various classes and groups of ancient Egyptian society, ensuring a healthy environment and positive behaviors and practices, emphasizing the culture of difference between individuals and society’s acceptance of that, and sending text messages to the poor in the form of advice and wisdom from ancient Egypt.

This was followed by the practical aspect of the workshop, which included some interactive activities with the children and their parents, including explaining and coloring some Pharaonic pictures that express symbols from the ancient Egyptian civilization, writing their names in hieroglyphic script, introducing them to the letters of the ancient Egyptian language, making crowns of colored leaves, and photographing them in Pharaonic costume, which added a spirit of joy and happiness to the attendees. Then, introductory brochures were distributed about one of the most important Egyptian museums, which is the National Museum of Civilization in Fustat, and families were encouraged to visit it.

To motivate children to participate in the activities and spread the spirit of competition among them, gifts were distributed to the winners of the competitions. Parents praised the educational and recreational activities presented on this day and demanded that more such workshops be held to teach their children and educate them about the civilization of their country.

The workshop concluded by taking group photos with messages from the ancient Egyptian civilization: Egypt - peace - safety - life - stability - strength - protection - science - right - honesty - justice - health - safety.