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Africa: North

Mubarak promises educational reforms

2005-01-01

Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak promised continued modernisation of the country's educational system, commitment to the Arab identity and better life for teachers.

I'd hold off on that "commitment to the Arab identity" stuff. Things are going to get worse in the Arab world before they get better.

In speech marking the Teachers' Day, delivered on his behalf by Education Minister Ahmad Gamaluddin yesterday, Mubarak said that development of educational system is a national responsibility, adding that it is impossible for the educational institution alone to face such enormous challenges. "Modernisation does not mean throwing away the past, alienating ourselves from our great civilisations and forgetting our deeply-entrenched values and traditions," said Mubarak. The president said one cannot speak about challenges in the country's education policies without addressing the needs of teachers; improvement of their social and work conditions and grooming them for the advancement of the most up-to-date techniques. Offering advanced education to all Egyptians is a noble aim that requires immense resources, Mubarak said. "Hence comes my call upon the civil society to stand by the state in offering not only the moral but also material support to our ambitious educational reform plans.

Posted by:Fred

#5 Hosni has been the Rais (literally head) for 20+ years now --- which, in the Arab world, means he's been surrounded by sycophants (some indigenous; others = visiting Western dignitaries). No wonder his grip on reality is a bit shaky. He really believes that his mismanaged, overpopulated to the edge of collapse, psychotically backward country is a regional superpower AND a factor in world politics.

Posted by: gromgorru 2005-01-01 6:50:09 AM

#4 Ok, Gedankenexperiment here (that'll piss 'em off straight away) - think about Egypt. What comes to mind....Cleopatra? (she was Greek), Napoleon invading and trying to run the place (until we buggered his Navy - snigger) ?- ok ok, he came away with superb drawings and a whole new line in fashion, Aswan dam? - paid for by the UN, Tutankhamun? (found by Carter - an Englishman).

There's a clue in the last one - the only thing that Egypt means to most people is what happened 4000+ years ago. Ok, lets be generous, 3000+ years ago. Old Kingdom (awesome), New Kingdom (great), Ptolemaic (hanging on), leading to Roman rule. Then the Arabs turned up and ruined it all.

Hmmm.

Posted by: Tony (UK) 2005-01-01 1:49:32 AM

#3 "Modernisation does not mean throwing away the past, alienating ourselves from our great civilisations and forgetting our deeply-entrenched values and traditions," said Mubarak.

Sure enough, Hoser. When building pyramids comes back into vogue again, your engineering lads will be in the catbird seat for sure. Until then, you might want to consider dropping some of your stone-age ways like a live grenade.

It sure must be difficult counting all those aid dollars that you get from us while you're trying to lead another rousing cheer of, "America is the Great Satan!"

PS: BIG FREE CLUE.

The only thing that all those Palestinian tunnels really undermine is Egypt's credibility regarding peace with Israel.

Posted by: Zenster 2005-01-01 1:29:21 AM

#2 Hey! Barb! one step at a time! Your suggestion is a little drastic...First? ..lunch :-)

Posted by: Hosni M 2005-01-01 12:53:09 AM

#1 Ya' wanna modernize Egypt's educational system, Hosni-baby?

THEN START TEACHING THE HISTORICAL TRUTH INSTEAD OF THE HATEFUL CRAP YOU TEACH NOW.

It would be a start.

Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2005-01-01 12:13:56 AM

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