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Under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, the University, represented by the Education and Student Affairs Sector, hosted the introductory meeting for the National Reading Project, in which the University is participating in its fifth season. The event was organized by the Education and Student Affairs Sector and executed by the General Administration for Student Welfare (Cultural Activity Department), with administrative coordination and supervision by Mr. Ibrahim Saeed Hamza, Assistant Secretary-General for the Education and Student Affairs Sector.

The University’s participation in the project reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting a culture of reading and enhancing cultural awareness among students and faculty members, continuing its efforts to instill the values of knowledge and creativity and to cultivate an aware generation capable of critical thinking.

At the beginning of the meeting, Prof. Abdel Moneim Zaki, Coordinator of the National Reading Project at the University, extended his sincere gratitude to Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen for his unlimited support of initiatives aimed at developing students’ awareness and culture. He emphasized that the University is committed not only to providing academic education but also to offering a comprehensive learning experience that contributes to identity building and talent development.

The project coordinator also offered special congratulations to Prof. Rami Maher Ghali on his new appointment as Vice President for Education and Student Affairs. He further expressed thanks to Prof. Abdo Ibrahim, Head of the National Reading Project, former Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language at Al-Azhar University and Director of Educational Projects at the Scientific Research Foundation, along with the accompanying delegation from the Foundation, and to the attendees, including Prof. Mohamed Ragaa, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and the faculty deputies.

The coordinator highlighted the strategic dimensions of the initiative, noting that reading is a top priority for Egyptian national security, particularly in confronting “wars targeting minds, distorting awareness, and erasing identity.” He summarized the role of reading by stating: “Reading is the first line of defense against extremist and destructive ideas.”

He concluded by stressing that the modern labor market seeks “encyclopedic minds, flexible personalities, and strong analytical and critical thinking skills,” which can only be acquired through reading, emphasizing that the future belongs to enlightened minds capable of making a difference in building the nation.

During the meeting, Prof. Abdo Ibrahim presented a comprehensive overview of the project’s implementation mechanisms and details, followed by an open discussion in which he answered questions from students from various faculties.

The event concluded with an educational competition among students, and several awards were distributed to the winners.

Notably, the meeting was attended by students from various faculties, coordinating committees from the faculties, as well as student welfare officers from the faculties.