A S U

As part of Ain Shams University’s commitment to supporting and empowering students with disabilities and promoting their active participation in various student activities and events, a university delegation participated in the 4th National Forum for Students with Disabilities at Egyptian Universities and Institutes, “Inspirational Figures of Egyptian Universities,” held under the theme “Creative in Our Differences.” The forum was organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, represented by its Student Activities Sector, in cooperation with the Leadership Development Institute, with the participation of students from various Egyptian universities and institutes.

The forum was held under the patronage of Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, and under the supervision of Dr. Eman Karim, General Supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, and Dr. Karim Hemam, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Student Activities and Director of the Leadership Development Institute.

Ain Shams University’s participation was held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, and Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President of the University for Education and Student Affairs, and under the supervision and coordination of Ibrahim Saeed Hamza, Assistant University Secretary for the Education and Student Affairs Sector.

The Center for Services and Support for Students with Disabilities at Ain Shams University, headed by Dr. Samar Ragab, played a key role in preparing, organizing, and following up on the participation of the University’s students in the forum. This included nominating students, selecting that best positioned to benefit from and engage with the forum’s activities, coordinating their participation, maintaining communication with them before and during the events, and providing the necessary support and accommodations to ensure their effective and independent participation in various activities and programs.

The Center also worked to prepare students to engage with and benefit from the forum’s content and utilize it to develop their capabilities and skills. This included field follow-up during the activities and continuous coordination with the organizing bodies, reflecting the Center’s comprehensive role in supporting the participation of students with disabilities both within and beyond the university, rather than limiting its efforts to academic services and accommodations.

Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Education and Student Affairs, affirmed that the University’s participation in the “Inspirational Figures of Egyptian Universities” forum stems from its belief that students with disabilities are essential partners in the University’s journey, and that empowering and integrating them into various activities and fields is an integral part of the University’s vision of building an educational and human-centered environment based on justice and equal opportunities.

He noted that the University is committed to providing an integrated support system for students with disabilities that goes beyond academic services to include discovering their talents, developing their abilities, and providing opportunities for participation in cultural, artistic, sports, and social activities. This approach strengthens their self-confidence and affirms their ability to innovate, excel, and make a meaningful impact.

He added that the Education and Student Affairs Sector, through the Center for Services and Support for Students with Disabilities and the General Administration for Student Welfare, continues to develop mechanisms for supporting students and expand their participation in university life. These efforts contribute to consolidating the concept of genuine inclusion and transforming equal opportunities into a tangible practice that enables every student to discover their potential and achieve their aspirations.

The Vice President emphasized that the inspiring models and experiences presented during the forum demonstrate that differences are not an obstacle to success, but can instead be a source of strength and creativity. He stressed that Ain Shams University will continue to support its students with disabilities and create a university environment that enables them to participate actively and achieve excellence across various fields.

The forum featured a diverse program combining training, education, dialogue, and creativity, with the aim of discovering the abilities of students with disabilities, developing their skills, and enhancing their participation in university and community life.

The activities included “The Inspiring Experiences Theater: Speak Up,” which hosted several successful and inspiring figures, including Egyptian Paralympic powerlifting champion Rehab Ahmed Radwan and athlete Mohamed Hazem, who shared their experiences in overcoming challenges and transforming them into achievements and positive impact.

The forum also featured a session on the “National Strategy for Empowering Persons with Disabilities,” which addressed the importance of developing inclusive education systems, strengthening support services for students with disabilities at universities, and providing assistive technologies and digital services to ensure equal opportunities and support students’ participation in university and community life.

The program also included specialized workshops on developing student activity plans at Egyptian universities. The workshops explored mechanisms for transforming ideas into initiatives that are implementable, measurable, and sustainable, in addition to a discussion session on “The Role of Social Responsibility in Supporting and Empowering Persons with Disabilities,” which highlighted the importance of partnerships between educational and community institutions in supporting and empowering persons with disabilities.

On the cultural and artistic front, the forum featured a session titled “Egypt: History and Civilization,” with the participation of artist Mohamed Khamis, as well as a visit by the students to the Grand Egyptian Museum.

The activities also included a session titled “Art, Drama, and Shaping Awareness,” featuring renowned actor Tarek Desouky, as well as a session on “Psychological Resilience and Self-Protection,” delivered by Dr. Ahmed Haroun. These sessions provided students with opportunities for learning, dialogue, experience-sharing, and capacity building.

The forum concluded with a theatrical performance titled “1 Al-Moez Street” at El-Samer Theatre, featuring several artists with disabilities. The performance brought together art, history, and the message of inclusion and empowerment, demonstrating that talent can overcome a wide range of challenges when given the opportunity and necessary support.