A S U

Under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University; Prof. Mamdouh Moawad, Acting President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology; Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Research; and Prof. Sherweit El-Ahmedy, Executive Director of the International Relations and Academic Collaboration Sector; and under the supervision and coordination of Dr. Noha El-Rafaei, Deputy Director of the Grants and Projects Administration and Coordinator of the Children University Program at Ain Shams University, the Faculty of Archaeology, headed by Prof. Hossam Tantawy, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology, and coordinated by Dr. Ahmed Naqshara, Lecturer in the Department of Museum and Archaeological Sites Management and the Faculty’s Program Coordinator, hosted students from the ninth and tenth cohorts of the “Children University” Program on Wednesday, August 26.

The activities began with an introductory lecture on the Al-Zaafaran Museum and its collections, delivered by Prof. Mamdouh El-Damaty, Professor of Archaeology at the Faculty and General Supervisor of the Museum.

This was followed by the implementation of the “Little Explorer” activity, an interactive and practical activity aimed at training students in research and exploration skills inside the museum. Dr. Ahmed Naqshara began the activity by explaining its steps. Each student then received a writing board, colored pencils, and a sheet containing part of an image of one of the archaeological artifacts displayed in the museum, along with a set of questions designed to stimulate critical and creative thinking.

Each student was asked to independently search for the artifact inside the museum, answer the questions related to it, and draw one of the elements that caught their attention.

Upon completing the task, each student received a museum stamp bearing the Children University logo, then returned to the lecture hall to share their experience with their peers, explaining how they found the artifact and highlighting the key information they had learned about it. This contributed to developing their presentation skills and enhancing their self-confidence.

The activity concluded with the students receiving a Faculty of Archaeology stamp bearing the Children University logo in recognition of completing the task.

The activities concluded with an open discussion and answers to the students’ questions arising from the practical training inside the museum.

This activity was implemented in line with the Faculty of Archaeology’s vision and its administration’s commitment to utilizing field and practical training and adopting non-traditional educational methods and approaches. These efforts support the development of students’ creative and critical thinking skills, among the key skills that the study of archaeology helps to instill in its students.

It is worth noting that student activities at the museum were supervised by Ms. Radwa Abu Senna, Ms. Mariam Atef, and Mr. Shawky Andraous, Teaching Assistants at the Faculty, and by the museum administration, represented by Dr. Walaa Badawy, Museum Director, and the museum curators: Dr. Abeer Omar, Mr. Hossam Mohamed, and Mr. Hisham Khamis.

It is also worth noting that the activities of the “Children University” Program at Ain Shams University continue from August 16 to 27, as part of the University’s commitment to providing an inspiring educational environment that contributes to building a generation capable of creativity, innovation, and shaping the future.

The scholarships and Projects Administration plays a pivotal role in coordinating and managing the Program s logistics, in cooperation with the “For Egypt” students, by welcoming the children, monitoring them, and accompanying them throughout the day’s activities, ensuring their safety and the smooth implementation of the activities in a safe and well-organized educational environment.