In an exciting move towards enhancing educational and scientific collaborations across Africa, Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Toshiko Abe, visited Egypt from May 4 to 5. This trip was not just a routine diplomatic visit; it was part of Japan’s strategic efforts to strengthen partnerships with African nations leading up to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
During her stay, Minister Abe recognized Egypt’s pivotal role in Africa and applauded its proactive embrace of Japanese educational methods, particularly the “tokkatsu” or special activities model. The Minister engaged in high-level discussions with Egyptian officials, including Mohamed Abdel Latif, the Minister of Education and Technical Education, and Ayman Ashour, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Their conversations centered on key joint initiatives like the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) and the Egyptian-Japanese Schools (EJS), which have made remarkable progress with 55 institutions already established and 15 more set to open this fall.
The highlight of the discussions was the upcoming EJ-KOSEN project—a promising technical education initiative launching in September. This project aims to nurture skilled engineers and specialists, marking a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for highly trained professionals in Egypt and beyond. Notably, both parties expressed a shared vision for expanding future collaborations focused on inclusive education and human resource development, especially for individuals with special needs.
Minister Abe didn’t just stop at meetings; her schedule included interactions with Amr Adly, the President of E-JUST, to bolster institutional ties. A visit to a local applied technology school showcased the hands-on training that is critical for student success, while her time at the Japanese School in Cairo highlighted cross-cultural educational initiatives.
The tour included a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, underscoring Japan’s interest in Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, discussions with the World Bank’s Country Director in Egypt and the President of Cairo University reaffirmed a commitment to educational excellence and international collaboration.
This visit marks a significant step toward fostering stronger educational ties between Japan and Egypt, setting a positive tone for future engagements throughout Africa. As both nations work together, they are paving the way for innovation and growth that could resonate across the continent.
Stay tuned for more updates on international collaborations and educational advancements!
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