A new global achievement: Mansoura University wins the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy

In a new achievement added to Mansoura University's rich record of achievements, the university achieved on September 9, 2024, and in conjunction with the celebration of International Literacy Day, a new milestone at the global level; by obtaining one of the most important international awards in the field of literacy, which is the UNESCO Confucius Prize for the year 2024 for literacy and adult education, in partnership with the General Authority for Adult Education, which is the award granted by UNESCO in cooperation with the People's Republic of China, with the aim of honoring distinguished initiatives in the field of adult literacy, especially in rural areas, and this international honor comes to confirm the extent of the university's efforts made in the field of adult literacy, and its leadership in this field at the regional and international levels.

Prof. Cherif Youssef Khater, President of the University, said that the excellence of Mansoura University's literacy project entitled "Achieving Sustainability and Quality of Life in the Egyptian Countryside" is an implementation of the directives of the political leadership headed by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, towards building the new republic without illiteracy. It is also a culmination of the strenuous efforts made by the university in the framework of interest that contributes strongly to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development efforts in the country, and the university's commitment to serving society and promoting environmental development, using all available means and capabilities, and staff in this field. In this regard, Prof. Cherif Khater pointed out that the literacy and adult education project at Mansoura University was launched in 2019, in light of the cooperation protocol concluded between the university and the Adult Education Authority, which requires all students of theoretical faculties to eradicate illiteracy (4) citizens during the four years of study as a basic requirement to obtain a graduation certificate. Mansoura University's strategy in the project depends on university students and the wide spread of students in rural villages, as the project was able to cover 17 villages and centers in Dakahlia Governorate, after holding 147 programs to train and qualify student teachers in the project on the philosophy of literacy, teaching methods strategies, psychological characteristics of illiterate adults, and the content of literacy curricula. The university's winning of the Confucius Prize confirms the great achievement in reducing illiteracy rates in Dakahlia Governorate, as about 143,000 citizens were literate, through holding more than 61,000 educational classes in various villages.

Prof. Eid Abdel Wahid, Head of the General Authority for Adult Education, praised the cooperation between the Authority and Mansoura University, which opened new horizons for adopting innovative means and mechanisms to eradicate illiteracy, and follow up on their performance to reach Dakahlia without illiteracy.

Prof. Mohamed Abdel Azim, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development, pointed out that Mansoura University's winning of the UNESCO Confucius International Prize for Literacy is a national achievement recorded in the history of Egyptian education, as the Mansoura University Literacy Project contributes significantly to promoting the goals of sustainable development and Egypt's Vision 2030, by reducing poverty, improving education, promoting gender equality, and improving the quality of life of individuals in rural villages, by enabling them to obtain better job opportunities and improve their income, and building societies capable of facing future challenges and contributing to comprehensive development.

Referring to the project's achievements in eradicating illiteracy, Mansoura University implements various supportive programs and activities to achieve the project's objectives, as about 83 awareness convoys were launched in the villages of Dakahlia Governorate during the past years to raise awareness of the importance of eradicating illiteracy, in cooperation with the National Council for Women and the "Decent Life" initiative, which contributed to enhancing the project's impact and reaching wider segments of society, within the framework of the objectives of the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector in caring for the most needy rural villages to meet the needs of local communities and contribute to their comprehensive development.

On this occasion, Mansoura University, headed by Prof. Cherif Khater, extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to all participants in the literacy project, who contributed to achieving this distinguished milestone. It also extends its sincere thanks to UNESCO for this honor, stressing its continued efforts to serve the community, raise awareness, and achieve comprehensive development.

It is worth noting that the UNESCO Confucius Prize was established in 2005, and is sponsored by the People's Republic of China. It focuses on programs that encourage adult literacy, especially in rural areas and out-of-school youth, especially girls and women. The award is also granted to governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in recognition of their distinguished contributions to enhancing the efforts made, and in appreciation of their continuous efforts in the field of literacy.