On Monday 1/9/2014, Acting President of Fayoum University Prof. Khaled Hamza witnessed the inauguration of the training course for volunteer students enrolled in Literacy and Basic Skills Program, which is planned to combat illiteracy among 130 university workers and cleaners.   In addition to a number of faculty members and students, the event was attended by Prof. Farid Awad Hedar, Vice President for Community Service and Environment Development, Mr. Osman Farouk, Chairman of the General Authority for Literacy and Adult Education– Fayoum Branch (GALAE), and Dr. Ahmed Abdel Hamid Selim, Director of Public Service Center.   In his remarks, Prof. Hamza said that the University is always keen to participate in such programs to erase illiteracy amongst people in different places. He also urged students to join this project which is considered a national task for the good of Egypt.   Taking the floor, Prof. Hedar highlighted the importance of erasing illiteracy from our communities as a method to combat poverty and ignorance.   Speaking during the event, Mr. Osman Farouk said: "There are about 100.000 illiterate people in Fayoum and this is considered the third highest percentage nationwide." He also urged young students and volunteers to participate in this program.