Under
the patronage of Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, and Prof.
Yasser Magdy Hatata, President of Fayoum University, Prof. Assem Fouad
El-Essawy, Vice President of the University for Community Service and
Environmental Development, attended the celebration of the International Day of
Disable People.
Dr.
Mohamed El-Touny, Deputy Governor of Fayoum; Dr. Mohamed El-Akaby, Assistant
Minister of Social Solidarity for Strategic Communication and Supervisor of
Social Solidarity Units in Egyptian Universities; Counselor Mohamed Mostafa,
President of the Egyptian Taekwondo Federation; and Prof. Mona El-Khashab,
Member of the Senate were attended. The event was organized by the University's
Social Solidarity Unit in cooperation with the Community Service and
Environmental Development Sector, the University's Center for the Care and
Rehabilitation of Disable People, and El-Garhy Foundation for Community
Development.
This
took place in the presence of Prof. Samir Seif El-Yazal, Former Governor of
Beni Suef; Dr. Rania Shaaban, Director of the University's Center for the Care
and Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities; Mr. Ali El-Dash, Director of
Public Relations at El-Garhy Foundation for Community Development and Civil
Work; Dr. Sherine Fathy, Undersecretary of the Directorate of Social Solidarity
in Fayoum; representatives of El-Garhy Foundation; and a number of deans, vice
deans, faculty members, administrators, and students. The event was held on
Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the University's Central Library.
Prof.
Assem El-Essawy emphasized Fayoum University's ongoing commitment to supporting
students with disabilities and providing an inclusive university environment that
ensures their active participation in various activities. He noted the
significant increase in the amount of support provided, which rose from
approximately 14,000 Egyptian pounds in 2019 to more than two million Egyptian
pounds last year, with a further increase expected this year. He also explained
the existence of an online platform called “Hayat” dedicated to eligible
students benefiting from the Takaful and Karama programs, with a clear
mechanism for providing support. He emphasized that empowering people with
disabilities is not a duty or a favor, but a humanitarian and institutional
obligation.
For his
part, Dr. Mohamed El-Touny affirmed the governorate’s full support for people
with disabilities, expressing his appreciation for the art exhibition and the
activities accompanying the celebration. He commended the efforts of the
participating students, noting that the celebration reflects the integration
between state institutions and civil society in support of people with
disabilities.
Dr.
Mohamed El-Akaby also expressed his pleasure at participating, emphasizing the
state’s continued support for people with disabilities since the issuance of
Law No. 18. He reviewed the social protection programs overseen by the Ministry
of Social Solidarity, most notably the Takaful and Karama program, in addition
to the pillars of care, development, economic empowerment, and legislative
reform.
Dr.
Rania Shaaban stressed that difference is not a weakness, and that the real
disability lies in the lack of awareness and insufficient support. She
emphasized that integrating people with disabilities is a societal
responsibility to achieve justice and equality.
Prof.
Ali El-Dash emphasized the importance of this day as a pivotal issue for
sustainable development and the institution's commitment to providing ongoing
support to people with disabilities.
The
celebration featured a unique artistic performance in sign language by students
with hearing impairments from the Faculty of Specific Education, with
interpretation by Prof. Magid Girgis and Prof. Nada Fathy. A documentary film
about the activities of the Center for the Care and Rehabilitation of People
with Disabilities was also screened, along with a religious chant performed by
a visually impaired student.
At the
conclusion of the event, a number of people with disabilities were honored in
recognition of their excellence and determination, and some assistive devices
were presented. Participating and supporting organizations and institutions
were also recognized.
On the
sidelines of the celebration, an exhibition by the Faculty of Specific
Education was inaugurated under the patronage of Prof. Hany Abdel-Badi, Dean of
the Faculty, and supervised by Dr. Nada Mahmoud. The exhibition showcased
textiles and artwork created by deaf and mute students. An exhibition by
students of the Faculty of Archaeology, held under the patronage of Prof.
Mohamed Kamal Khalaf, Dean of the Faculty, and supervised by Prof. Asmaa
Mohamed Ismail, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development,
was also visited. This exhibition featured models of artifacts representing
various historical periods.
