As part of Zagazig University's mission to promote a culture of peace and build national identity, the Faculty of Specific Education organized an expanded symposium entitled "Scouting and Peace" in cooperation with the Egyptian Sea Scouts Association. The symposium was held under the patronage of His Excellency Prof. Khaled El-Darandali, President of Zagazig University, and His Excellency Prof. Gihan Yousry, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, under the supervision of His Excellency Prof. Hani Helmy, Dean of the Faculty of Specific Education, and His Excellency Prof. Ahmed Badie, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, and organized by Prof. Samah Abdel Fattah, Director of the Exhibitions and Conferences Organization Unit.
The event was held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM, in the faculty's discussion hall. It witnessed a distinguished and remarkable attendance of civil society leaders, representatives, and experts in the field of scouting and training, in addition to male and female students and faculty members.
The symposium was opened by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Badie, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, delivered a welcoming speech in which he emphasized that this event falls within the framework of the university's celebration of the Sinai Liberation Day and emphasizes the role of the scouting movement in promoting a sense of belonging and character building. In his speech, he expressed the college's pride in this fruitful cooperation, emphasizing that "the scouting movement represents one of the noblest forms of volunteer work. It not only contributes to developing individual skills, but also promotes national values ​​and positive behaviors among young people." He added, "We celebrate the liberation of the land, but we also celebrate the liberation of minds and the fortification of conscience by spreading a culture of peace and belonging." For his part, Dr. Mohamed Salah, President of the Egyptian Sea Scouts Association, delivered a comprehensive lecture in which he addressed the philosophy and goals of the scouting movement. He stated, "Scouting teaches people how to fulfill their duty toward God, country, family, and society. It raises a generation capable of giving, embracing responsibility, and possessing life and leadership skills." He also reviewed the association's activities and international and local training programs, emphasizing that scouting contributes to empowering youth through skills in maintenance, first aid, electricity, and self-management.
Ms. Faika Fahim, Member of Parliament and President of the Girl Guides Association in Sharqia, expressed her happiness with the student interaction and sense of belonging she witnessed within the college. In her speech, she emphasized that peace is not a slogan, but rather a behavior and a thought, beginning within the individual and then reflected in society. Her dialogue with the students demonstrated their awareness and desire to be active in their country.
In the same context, Mr. Islam Ayoub, Scout Leader and Commissioner General of the Egyptian Sea Scouts Association, expressed his pride in his Scout uniform, emphasizing that "a Scout is brave, confident, and possesses leadership qualities and a balanced personality." He spoke about the significance of Scout signals and the training courses offered by the association in various fields, most notably electricity, first aid, and maintenance, calling on young people to engage in these programs. For her part, Prof. Dr. Samah Abdel Fattah, Director of the Exhibitions and Conferences Organization Unit at the College, stated, "The symposium was the culmination of collective efforts aimed at presenting an event befitting the College's name and affirming its mission to support sustainable development goals and raise students' awareness of issues related to their identity and role in society." She expressed her gratitude for the fruitful cooperation between the College and the Scout Association, as well as to all those involved in the organization, including faculty members and students.
The symposium included various segments, including a Quranic recitation by student Samar Attia, and a poem about the love of Egypt written by student Ahmed Abdel Halim and performed by student Hanan Hossam, with a touching patriotic artistic touch.
Media personality Khaled El-Shenwani, representing Al-Qanah TV, also attended, along with prominent public figures from civil society, including Mr. Mohamed Abdel Moneim Zenoun, a senior teacher with the rank of former Undersecretary of the Ministry, and Mr. Ahmed Medhat El-Shahat, lawyer and president of the Future Builders Association, Engineer Mohamed Ibrahim Ali, Director of the Eastern Academy for Specialized Studies, and Dr. Mohamed Ramadan, Training Consultant for the Arab World, gave the symposium a comprehensive national and educational character. It's worth noting that the "Scouting and Peace" symposium embodies the vision of the College of Specific Education in its societal and educational role, combining awareness, education, and national belonging in a unique event with a profound educational content. This event restored respect for sublime values ​​that we may overlook in the hustle and bustle of daily life, thereby conveying a comprehensive educational message that goes beyond imparting knowledge but also instills meaning. It's a bright new milestone in the college's record, adding to a series of qualitative achievements that confirm that human development is the core of the educational mission.