Education in Egypt: Out of the Darkness

This article from Oxfam International focuses on the efforts of the Better Life Association for Comprehensive Development (BLACD) to educate women in Egypt. The article begins by explaining that women’s needs are traditionally neglected in Egypt as men have always been put first, especially in terms of access to education. Explaining that more than 3.5 million people live in the Minia governate in Upper Egypt with the women literacy rate there around 50%, the article goes on to detail the three-year action plan that BLACD has designed in partnership with Oxfam, called “Development of Poor Communities.” This initiative focuses on entire communities, especially on the health and economic and social positions of women, and uses literacy classes as a means to improve these factors of life. In partnership with community leaders, BLACD has realized this initiative by starting 40 literacy classes in 12 communities and districts in 2005 alone. These classes are attended by 800 women, aged 14 to 50, with an average of 20 women per class. After completing the curriculum, women can apply for a government literacy certificate. The benefits of literacy are innumerable and include the ability for women to read about their rights and read the important labels on their children’s medicines, obtain their birth certificates and identity cards, open bank accounts, and vote at elections.

Oxfam International. “Education in Egypt: out of the darkness.” Oxfam International. 25 June 2009. http://www.oxfam.org/en/programs/development/mmeast/egypt_literacy-en

UNICEF: Progreso Para la infancia

Lo siguiente es un vinculo a la pagina Web de UNICEF para educación en el Medio Oriente y Norte Africa.

http://www.unicef.org/spanish/progressforchildren/2005n2/mideastafrica.php#