As part of “Generation Alpha Preschool Development" Project:
The Egyptian Prime Minister has witnessed the signing of a Cooperation Protocol to support the institutional capacity of the Early Childhood Development Center at the Educational City
Today, at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, the Egyptian Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly witnessed the signing ceremony of a Cooperation Protocol between the Education Development Fund (EDF), affiliated with the Cabinet, and the Arab Council for Childhood and Development (ACCD). The Protocol aims to support the institutional capacity of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) at the Educational City (6th of October City) to become a primary hub for the capacity building of a number of surrounding preschools. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President of the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND) and ACCD and Dr. Nasser Al-Qahtani, Executive Director of AGFUND.
The Cooperation Protocol was signed by Dr. Rasha Sharaf, Secretary General of the EDF and Dr. Hassan Al-Bilawi, Secretary General of ACCD.
The Prime Minister stated that the government places the utmost importance on providing high-quality education across all educational stages, starting from preschool stage, which is a highly significant phase in which the child’s awareness and personality are shaped. Therefore, children at this age must be prepared for primary education in a more efficient and professional manner.
H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly highlighted the "Generation Alpha Preschool Development" Project, adopted by the EDF, which aims to develop the capacities of children and prepare them for primary education, in line with the political leadership's vision of building an advanced and integrated society that prioritizes the development of children.
Dr. Rasha Sharaf, Secretary General of the EDF, stated that the Cooperation Protocol is a collaboration between Egypt and Arab organizations to support the 'Generation Alpha Preschool Development' Project. The Project aims to develop the early childhood system and achieve a qualitative leap in this crucial sector through strengthening the institutional capacity of the ECDC, as well as developing a distinguished model of Master Professional Development Preschool (M-PDPS). Furthermore, the Project adopts an integrated approach, focusing on developing school readiness, critical thinking, creativity, and life skills among children in early childhood.
Dr. Sharaf added that this ambitious Project to launch "Generation Alpha Preschools" reflects Egypt's commitment to developing the early childhood education system according to the best educational standards. The Project also contributes to strengthening regional and international partnerships to support this sector, as well as helping to achieve sustainable development and prepare generations capable of facing future challenges. Furthermore, the Project will seek to provide a comprehensive educational environment that keeps pace with the latest global standards and contributes to building generations capable of tackling future challenges.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President of AGFUND and ACCD, stated, "Building Arab generations that thrive in a healthy environment —educationally, psychologically, and academically — is essential. This enables them to address future challenges and become valuable contributors to their communities amidst rapidly evolving global challenges. Therefore, prioritizing early childhood development is imperative to fostering a stronger and more cohesive society in the future".
His Highness emphasized that this collaboration stems from the recognition of early childhood development as a crucial investment in the future and a key to achieving sustainable development. His Highness expressed his delight in working to enhance the ECDC into a distinguished regional and international hub. This will enable the ECDC to continue its positive role since its establishment, initiated by the late HRH Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, the Founding President of AGFUND, in 2003.
Meanwhile, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud expressed his gratitude to Egypt—its leadership and government—for their strong commitment to fostering collaboration with developmental institutions, thereby contributing to the rapid humanitarian development movement in Egypt. His Highness emphasized that AGFUND and its institutions will continue, for a fourth consecutive decade, to support joint efforts aimed at advancing the Arab community.
Date: March 12, 2025
