The Grand Imam, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, received Mohammad Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, at Al-Azhar headquarters to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between Al-Azhar and the Ministry across various educational and pedagogical fields.
The Grand Imam said that pride in the Arabic language and the nation's rich history must occupy a central place in all educational systems throughout the Arab world. He also expressed surprise that some families neglect teaching their children the language of the Qur'an while boasting about their mastery of foreign languages.
Al-Tayab also stated that the call to prioritize the Arabic language does not imply neglecting the study of foreign languages, as mastering them is important. However, priority should be given to Arabic because it is the language of the Qur'an and one of the most important foundations of identity, culture, and belonging.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohammad Abdel Latif expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam, affirming his deep appreciation for the Al-Azhar institution and its pioneering role in promoting the true teachings of religion, fostering the values of moderation and balance, and enhancing societal awareness.
Minister Abdel Latif praised the fruitful and ongoing cooperation between Al-Azhar and the Ministry of Education, adding that the ministry is making continuous efforts to strengthen religious and moral values through school curricula, alleviate burdens on students and parents, restore the educational role of schools, and reinstate the teacher's rightful status as the cornerstone of the educational process.
During the meeting, Grand Imam Al-Tayeb witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between Al-Azhar and the Ministry of Education and Technical Education. This agreement aims to support institutional collaboration between the two parties to develop the education system-particularly the baccalaureate system-enhance the quality of the educational process, and facilitate the exchange of expertise in educational assessment and training.
The protocol was signed by Mr. Mohammad Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, and Sheikh Ayman Abdel Ghani, Deputy of Al-Azhar. It aims to foster cooperation in developing educational assessment systems, enhancing regular student attendance, implementing joint training programs for teachers and educational leaders, and exchanging expertise in the application of modern assessment methods.
The protocol also mandates cooperation in developing Islamic education by training teachers, exchanging scientific and pedagogical expertise, organizing specialized workshops, and involving Qur'an reciters from Al-Azhar to train both teachers and students in proper recitation and enhance Qur'anic performance, all in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
Source: The National Media Authority Portal
