A S U

The activities of the presidential initiative " Tamkeen," launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to support and empower students with disabilities in Egyptian universities, concluded today at Ain Shams University. The initiative, themed "Together Towards an Inclusive Future," was held under the auspices of Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; 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. The initiative was fully organized by the Education and Student Affairs sector at Ain Shams University through the Center for Services for Students with Disabilities and the General Administration for Youth Welfare, with general coordination and administrative supervision by Mr. Ibrahim Saeed Hamza, Assistant Secretary of the University for Education and Student Affairs. The event included numerous activities.

The ceremony was attended by a group of deans of faculties, including Prof. Farid Muharram, Dean of the Faculty of Business, a number of vice deans, Prof. Nevin Assem, CEO of the Innovation and Training Sector, Prof. Rana Al-Hilali, Director of the Students Disability Service Center, Dr. Maha Hilali, Advisor to the Minister of Social Solidarity for Disability, Mr. Ibrahim Saeed Hamza, Assistant Secretary of the University for the Education and Students Sector, and a number of representatives of civil society institutions and companies from different sectors, in addition to parents and students.

In his address during the ceremony, Prof. Rami Maher Ghali expressed his delight at being among his students at the conclusion of the " Tamkeen… Together Towards an Inclusive Future" initiative. This initiative embodies the Egyptian state's vision for a more conscious and equitable society, and it comes in implementation of the directives of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who has given unprecedented attention and care to the issue of people with disabilities.

He added that this attention reflects the state's deep belief in the capabilities of its citizens with disabilities and their vital role in the process of building and development. For us at Ain Shams University, it represents a strong incentive to enhance our efforts in supporting people of determination and resilience in every location within the university.

He noted that the "Tamkeen" initiative underscores the commitment of both the state and the university to providing an inclusive learning environment that offers equal opportunities for all students without exception, transforming differences into a driving force for creativity and excellence.

He emphasized that despite the conclusion of the events, Ain Shams University's services for its students with disabilities never cease. This is part of a new vision adopted by the university under the leadership of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, the President of University, who continues to work on building an inclusive learning environment that encourages excellence, creativity, and equal opportunities for all. He added, "At Ain Shams University, we believe that accessibility is a right… inclusion is strength… and that society is incomplete without all its members."

Prof. Rami Maher Ghali explained that developing services for people with disabilities is a strategic goal adopted by the education and student sector through integrated action plans. These plans are based on continuously identifying students' needs and the challenges they face, providing practical solutions and constructive suggestions, supplying equipment and tools that create a suitable learning environment, integrating them into all aspects of university life, providing genuine opportunities for their active participation in activities that suit their abilities, and achieving universal accessibility on campus through accessible facilities, safe pathways, and supportive educational services that ensure equal opportunities.

He emphasized that at the heart of these efforts, the Students Disability Service Center works to provide an integrated support system that includes specialized training and development programs, courses to prepare students for the job market and enhance their skills, awareness campaigns to promote a culture of disability rights, training for staff in effective communication, and other activities, events, and services that respect diversity and support inclusion.

He added that at Ain Shams University, they are working diligently to prepare students with disabilities to become active participants in the job market and a valuable asset to society, given their exceptional determination and abilities. He emphasized the importance of aligning students' skills with the demands of the job market and enhancing their capabilities in accordance with the state and university's vision for achieving full inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities.

In closing, Prof. Rami Maher affirmed Ain Shams University's unwavering commitment to expanding the range of programs and services that enable students with disabilities to unleash their potential and actively participate in the educational, research, and administrative processes. This commitment stems from the belief that they are an integral part of the university community and true partners in shaping its future, and that everyone—faculty, students, and administrators—is a partner in building an inclusive, barrier-free society.

He expressed his gratitude to the partners in success from various institutions, the Center for Supporting Students with Disabilities, and the education and student sector for their ongoing support of students.

In her address, Prof. Rana Al-Hilali, Director of the Students Disability Service Center, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that this day is not merely an event, but a genuine step towards building an inclusive society in which the university, the private sector, ministries, and civil society organizations participate, making everyone a partner in achieving empowerment for people with disabilities.

She stated that the university believes inclusion is not just a slogan, but a practical reality and a shared responsibility among various stakeholders. She noted that the private sector is a key partner in the empowerment process through providing job opportunities, vocational training, and the necessary facilities to enable students to effectively integrate into the labor market.

Prof. Rana explained that the private sector's involvement in this initiative underscores the shift from theoretical awareness to a genuine commitment to implementation, giving students a clearer vision for their future after graduation.

She added, "We believe in you, and we are working to expand our services, strengthen our partnerships, and develop new programs that will help you become active and productive members of society."

She expressed her gratitude to Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, the University President, for his continuous support and encouragement, as well as to the ASU Career Center, the deans and vice deans, and civil society organizations that contribute to opening doors for students with confidence and respect, providing real opportunities that enhance their aspirations. She also thanked the education and student affairs sector for its ongoing support, the Youth Welfare Department, all participating students in the events, and the outstanding students who participated in the closing ceremony.

During the event, Ms. Doaa Mabrouk, Executive Director of the Basira Foundation, showcased examples of the foundation's successful partnerships and the services it provides. She also presented several success stories of students who have been trained through the foundation, and attendees watched a documentary film highlighting the foundation's efforts.

The celebration included presentations of inspiring success stories, as well as a panel discussion on empowering and employing students with disabilities. Participants included Ms. Noha Shaarawy, Human Resources Director at Siemens; Dr. Walaa Buraiga, Medical Affairs Director and Talent Development and International Relations Manager at PNG; Ms. Amal El-Sayed, Skills Development Manager at QNB Bank; Ms. Doaa Mabrouk, Executive Director of the Basira Foundation; and Eng. Alaa El-Nady, Projects Manager at the Al-Hassan Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Mustafa El-Shahed, Deputy Director of the Students Disability Service Center.

A feature film about the lives of students with disabilities at Ain Shams University was also screened. On the sidelines of the celebration, a theatrical performance titled "Yassin" was presented, which included a song called "I Am Human," performed by student Abdullah Al-Najdi, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Prof. Rami Maher praised the outstanding artistic performances presented by the students, commending the level of integration within the education and student sectors. This integration facilitated the collaboration between student welfare—represented by the departments of artistic, cultural, and social activities—and the Center for People with Disabilities, thus enhancing the development of students' talents and refining their abilities.

His Excellency affirmed that the students' dazzling performances reflect the fruitful efforts of the Youth Welfare Department, particularly the Arts Activities Department, in discovering and nurturing talent, whose performances garnered the admiration and appreciation of all attendees.

It is worth noting that a sign language interpreter was provided for the event to enable all attendees to follow the proceedings.