A S U

As part of the Ministry of Higher Education's initiative to rationalize electricity consumption in Egyptian universities, the Faculty of Arts organized an awareness workshop entitled "Not Austerity or Deprivation... Rationalization Keeps You Safe," with the participation of students, workers, and administrative personnel.

The event was held under the auspices of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University; Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development; and Prof. Hanan Kamel Metwally, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and under the supervision of Prof. Hanan Salem, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development.

In her address, Prof. Hanan Kamel Metwally, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, emphasized that promoting a culture of conservation has become a societal necessity requiring concerted efforts within educational institutions. She pointed out that the university's role extends beyond simply providing academic knowledge; it also encompasses building students' awareness of issues related to their daily lives and the future of society.

She added that rationalizing consumption is a civilized behavior that reflects an individual's awareness and responsibility towards their nation and its resources.

For her part, Prof. Hanan Salem, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development, explained that organizing this workshop comes within the framework of the sector's plan aimed at enhancing environmental and social awareness among students and staff. She pointed out that the concept of conservation is not linked to deprivation, but rather is based on the sound management and optimal use of resources, which contributes to achieving a balance between individual needs and the requirements of sustainable development.

The workshop aimed to correct misconceptions related to conservation and to present a more informed view of this concept as a civilized behavior that reflects sound resource management, far removed from its association with deprivation or austerity. It also emphasized the importance of adopting simple daily practices that contribute to preserving resources and achieving sustainability.

During the workshop, Dr. Mohamed Farid El-Metwally, a faculty member in the Geography Department and Deputy Director of the Innovation and Project Support Unit, addressed several topics related to the importance of conservation in daily life. He explained the impact of individual behavior on reducing waste and promoting the optimal use of available resources, in addition to presenting practical models applicable within the home and workplace.

The event also witnessed significant interaction from the attendees, who were keen to participate by asking questions and seeking clarifications regarding mechanisms for conserving water, electricity, and food, and how to transform this concept into a widespread societal culture.

The workshop was organized by Dr. Amr Mahmoud Ismail, Director of the Crisis and Disaster Unit at the Faculty, as part of the Community Service Sector's plan to implement awareness activities aimed at raising student awareness of priority social and environmental issues.