⭕In conjunction with the global celebration of Earth Day, which falls on April 22nd each year, and under this year's theme "Our Strength... Our Planet," and under the patronage of Professor Dr. Khaled El-Darandaly, President of the University, Professor Dr. Helal Afifi, Vice President of Zagazig University for Education and Student Affairs, and Professor Dr. Hanan El-Nahhas, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development, inaugurated the Faculty of Specific Education's art exhibition entitled: "Recycling Household and Environmental Waste and Rationalizing Consumption," on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. ⭕This took place under the supervision and in the presence of Professor Dr. Akmal Shawky, Dean of the Faculty, and a number of academic leaders, headed by Professor Dr. Ahmed Badie, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development, Professor Dr. Ehab Atef, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Education and Student Affairs, and Professor Dr. Safinaz Samir, Acting Vice Dean of the Faculty for Graduate Studies and Research and Head of the Home Economics Department. The exhibition was organized by Professor Dr. Samah Abdel-Fattah, Director of the Exhibitions and Conferences Unit at the Faculty.
The opening ceremony began with a distinguished musical performance under the supervision of Professor Dr. Reham Ehab Zayed, Head of the Music Education Department, and conducted by Professor Dr. Omnia Samir, which created an atmosphere of interaction and energy among the attendees.
The exhibition showcased a remarkable collection of works and products reflecting recycling and conservation efforts. The works of the Home Economics Department, supervised by Professor Dr. Safinaz Samir, stood out, alongside innovative artwork by students of the Art Education Department, supervised by Professor Dr. Younis Mustafa. These works demonstrated a high level of creativity, precision, and innovation, earning the admiration and praise of the attendees.
The exhibition was distinguished by its division into main phases, reflecting the evolution of the concept from simple application to future innovation. The first phase included student projects related to the environment and direct recycling using simple, readily available materials from various environments. This allows for implementation by all age groups within the family, whether in rural or urban communities, thus promoting a culture of community participation in environmental protection.
⭕The second phase featured artworks that embodied the highest ideals of artistic creativity using simple, environmentally friendly materials. These materials were transformed into complete works of art characterized by sophistication and beauty, aligning with the visual identity of Zagazig University and reflecting a conscious commitment to environmental sustainability in line with Egypt's Vision 2030.
⭕In the third phase, the college presented a collection of paintings that reflected its rapid response to global changes and influences. These paintings addressed the shift from lifestyles of luxury to a culture of economics across various aspects of life, alongside innovative informational panels that promote awareness of sound environmental practices.
⭕Continuing this creative sequence, the fourth phase showcased four innovative projects submitted by the college to compete in this cycle, under the leadership of Professor Dr. Yasser Abdel-Aal. All four projects reflected an advanced research and applied approach to environmental issues and sustainable development, but with innovative future-oriented visions that demonstrate the students' ability to think outside the box and offer practical solutions. ⭕Among the most prominent of these projects is the "AI-IoT for a Circular Economy in Universities: From Waste to Smart Grid Energy" model. This model presents an integrated vision for linking on-campus waste management to smart energy grids. It utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for automated waste monitoring and collection, and employs artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to convert the waste into electricity for lighting and office power. This contributes to reducing waste and emissions, lowering energy costs, and establishing a practical model for a circular economy within educational institutions.
⭕The projects also included the "Yield" project for Mediterranean countries. This advanced research project, aligned with the PRIMA program, aims to develop therapeutic nutritional supplements from drought-resistant Mediterranean crops using nanotechnology. It seeks to utilize local environmental resources, such as olives and citrus fruits, to produce effective nutritional compounds that contribute to the treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and combat malnutrition. This model combines sustainable agriculture with therapeutic nutrition, enhancing healthy food security in the region.
These projects reflected an advanced level of innovative thinking and the ability of students and researchers to link scientific research with practical application, supporting the state's move towards a green and circular economy and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and Egypt's Vision 2030.
Professor Dr. Akmal Shawky, Dean of the Faculty, emphasized that organizing this exhibition stems from the Faculty's commitment to supporting sustainability issues and enhancing environmental awareness among students. He pointed out that linking the educational process with practical applications contributes to preparing a conscious generation capable of innovation and active participation in serving the community.
For his part, Professor Dr. Ahmed Badie, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development, explained that the exhibition represents a practical model for activating the Faculty's role in community service and environmental development, and for spreading a culture of recycling and rationalizing consumption, in line with the state's directions towards sustainable development.
Professor Dr. Ehab Atef, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Education and Student Affairs, also noted that such events contribute to developing students' creative skills and enhancing their participation in applied activities, thus supporting the building of a well-rounded personality that combines knowledge, skills, and awareness. Professor Dr. Safinaz Samir emphasized that the exhibition reflects the integration of academic and applied efforts within the college, and highlights the role of the Home Economics Department in providing innovative solutions for recycling waste and transforming it into aesthetically and functionally valuable products.
The college administration expressed its sincere thanks and appreciation to the college's vice deans and to Professor Dr.