The Presidential Initiative “Tamkeen” Concludes, Coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Within the framework of the Presidential Initiative “Tamkeen,” launched by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to support and empower students with disabilities in Egyptian universities, and under the patronage of Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, Vice President of the University for Education and Student Affairs, concluded the initiative’s activities on Thursday, December 4, 2025. These activities, implemented by the Center for Services for Persons with Disabilities during the month of November, coincided with the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Ahmed Kamal Mattawa, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce; Prof. Ehab Abdel Latif, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science; the deans of the faculties; Dr. Nanees El-Beltagy, Director of the Center for Services for Persons with Disabilities; Dr. Ibrahim Abu Zeid, Deputy Director of the Center; as well as support unit officials and students with disabilities from various disciplines.

In a press statement, Prof. Cherif Khater said that celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities reflects the state and university's commitment to promoting their rights and empowering them. He noted that the presidential initiative "Tamkeen" (Empowerment) represents a qualitative leap in the support system for students with disabilities. He explained that since the initiative's launch, the university has been keen to implement integrated programs that promote inclusion and activate the concept of accessibility in all its forms within the university campus. He praised the initiative's activities, including listening sessions and direct interaction with students, explaining that they contributed to shaping a clear executive vision that helps the university develop its system of academic and technological support services and empower students to fully participate in various educational and student activities. He expressed his delight at the creativity and determination he witnessed among the center's students, emphasizing that their artistic and innovative work reflects their ability to excel and compete, and that the university will continue to provide them with all means of support.

Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi said that Mansoura University adopts a strategic approach based on full inclusion, placing the student at the heart of the university's operations. He noted that the university is working to enhance its institutional capabilities to provide an accessible and integrated learning environment for students with disabilities, through the development of technological tools, the modernization of accessibility policies, and the streamlining of academic procedures. He also explained that the university is working to expand supportive communication mechanisms between university leaders and students, ensuring a rapid response to their academic, psychological, and social needs, and contributing to their active participation within the university community.

Dr. Nanees El-Beltagy said that the "Empowerment" initiative's activities were more comprehensive and diverse, encompassing a number of training and rehabilitation activities aimed at supporting students with disabilities and enabling their better integration within the university. She explained that the program included specialized workshops, awareness sessions, and skills-based activities designed to boost students' confidence and develop their academic and social abilities. She added that the center operates according to a continuous development plan focused on enhancing academic accessibility services, updating supporting technological tools, and providing training programs for faculty and staff to ensure professional handling of students' needs. She also noted that ongoing collaboration between the center and the colleges' support units has contributed to expanding the scope of services offered and reaching a larger number of students. She expressed her appreciation for the university administration's continued support, emphasizing that this support has been a key factor in establishing a culture of inclusion on campus.

The recommendations issued at the closing meeting were aligned with the state's directives and the university's strategy supporting inclusion and empowering students with disabilities. The academic component included a set of measures aimed at developing the university learning environment. Within the framework of the university's strategic direction, the recommendations proposed declaring 2026 the Year of Inclusion at Mansoura University, ensuring the implementation of a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of services provided.