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Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Community Service and Environmental Development, attended the inauguration of the presidential initiative “Tamkeen,” launched by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic. The initiative is held under the auspices of Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and reflects a new vision for Ain Shams University under the leadership of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, University President.

This initiative comes within the framework of the ongoing national efforts to promote the rights of people with disabilities, support their full inclusion in society, and raise awareness of their rights and responsibilities.

In her opening speech, Prof. Ghada Farouk expressed her pride in the launch of the campaign, noting that it reflects the commitment of the Egyptian state and Ain Shams University to the principle that quality education is a right for all, and that diversity is a source of strength and enrichment for the university community.

She emphasized that the mission of Ain Shams University goes beyond providing academic curricula to include creating an inclusive environment that ensures equal opportunities for all students. She stressed that the “Tamkeen” campaign aims to change social perceptions and break down imaginary barriers, explaining that “the real disability lies in the lack of a suitable environment for success.”

Prof. Farouk called on all members of the university community to participate actively in consolidating a “culture of inclusion and equality,” reaffirming that Ain Shams University is truly a “University for All.”

Dr. Doaa Mabrouk, Executive Director of the Basira Foundation, praised the long-standing and successful partnership with Ain Shams University, which has continued for nearly four years to support students with visual impairments. The cooperation focuses on facilitating access to tools and preparing students for the labor market. Dr. Mabrouk affirmed the principle that disability is “a gift, not a trial,” encouraging every student to rely on self-dependence in daily life and reduce reliance on external assistance.

Dr. Rana El-Helaly, Director of the Center for Students with Disabilities at the University, explained that the center was established to be “a home for every student” and a comprehensive support umbrella. She emphasized that the main goal of the campaign is not only to provide assistive tools, but more importantly, to “empower students socially and psychologically” by raising awareness among all members of the university community.

Dr. El-Helaly pointed out that the greatest challenge lies in “building minds and changing perceptions,” calling for the consolidation of the principle that “a student’s abilities matter more than their disability.” She also stressed the need to approach disability from a human rights and humanitarian perspective, away from pity or exclusion, and to establish the culture of difference and diversity as a core value.

The opening ceremony featured a musical performance by student Ahmed Mansour. The campaign’s program, organized by the Education and Student Affairs Sector, represented by the Center for Students with Disabilities, includes a series of awareness and interactive activities focusing on various disability groups, aiming to promote the full inclusion of students with disabilities in university life and society.

The first day focused on visual impairments, with Basira Foundation organizing an event titled “Adapting Life from the Perspective of the Visually Impaired”, followed by a seminar at the Faculty of Computers and Information on “Academic Accommodations and Accessibility Services” presented by Dr. Mostafa El-Shahed.

The second day focuses on mobility impairments, featuring an interactive event by Al-Hassan Foundation and a lecture titled “Mobility Disabilities” by Eng. Alaa El-Nady.

The third day addresses intellectual disabilities, beginning with a morning event titled “How People with Intellectual Disabilities Think and Express Themselves” in collaboration with Caritas Egypt, followed by a seminar on “Intellectual Disability in the University Community.”

The fourth day includes sign language basics training, a drawing workshop by students with hearing disabilities, and interactive activities to raise awareness about hearing impairment.

The week concludes with a seminar for parents at the Republic Hall in the University Dorms titled “Psychological Challenges of Parents of Students with Disabilities,” presented by specialists Dr. Mayar Nawareh (Department of Psychiatry) and Dr. Maryam Mandi (Faculty of Arts), in collaboration with the Youth Welfare Department and the Center for Students with Disabilities. The closing also includes sports activities integrating students with and without disabilities.

Additional events and seminars on the rights of people with disabilities will continue across university faculties throughout November.

The activities are held under the administrative and executive supervision of Mr. Ibrahim Saeed, Assistant Secretary-General for the Education and Student Affairs Sector.

It is worth noting that the campaign achieved great success last year, reflecting Ain Shams University’s growing commitment to the issues of people of determination and affirming the importance of continuing these efforts to promote inclusion and equal opportunities.