(final draft)

Education in Egypt

       Education is the most important element that reflects the development of each country. Through the educational system of different countries, the one can recognize whether these countries are developed or not. The history of Egypt's educational system is a good example of this.

         

       The educational system in Egypt was very poor .Up until the 19th century; education in Egypt was largely the responsibility of the religious communities. Both the mosques and the Coptic churches had basic schools, which in addition to religious education, offered instruction in Arabic and simple Mathematics. Early in the 19th century Mohammed Ali established higher schools to train students for civil administration and the military. 50 years later, Ismael Pasha expanded the educational system to include primary, secondary and higher institutions at several locations across Egypt. Yet, girls were not allowed to go to schools. Then the first school for girls was established in 1873. Following the republican revolution in 1952, real reforms came about. The first priority was given to build more schools, in order to secure general access. But the curricula were not sufficient then. Meanwhile, One of Egypt's main challenges was shortage of teachers; this problem was common in rural areas. By the 1970s there was a common conception that teaching was of low prestige and salaries were low. Also, many Egyptian teachers have traveled to other Arab countries, where conditions may be considerable better. Through the 1980's, some 30,000 teachers left Egypt every year.

       Now, thanks to the huge development in technology all over the world, the educational system in Egypt has been affected.

 Egypt now has several good schools which are provided with laboratories and computer labs. Highly qualified teacher are found in these schools. The ministry of education always does its best to develop curricula and gives teachers courses in using the latest technology to educate their students.  Also good universities are now found in Egypt, receiving both foreign students, and graduate young men and women that find work all across the Arabic world. All levels of public education, from pre-school to the completion of a university degree, are free for all citizens. Expenditure on education is estimated at 4.2% of GDP in 2008.

      To sum up, education is the key for each country to rise up with its people. So, we have to take care of education in our country to erase all the aspects of ignorance which hinder our development. Also a great effort should be made to solve the problems that face our education.