Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Source: Egypt’s Ministry of Religious Endowments
Egypt launches pilot program to use mosques as educational spaces for young children
In a pioneering step to enhance early childhood education, Egypt’s Ministry of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) and the Ministry of Education have signed a cooperation protocol to launch kindergarten programs within mosques. The initiative, guided by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, aims to utilize mosque spaces during the morning hours to provide educational and moral development for children below the official school age.
The program was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by Dr. Osama El-Azhari, Minister of Awqaf, and Mr. Mohamed Abd El-Latif, Minister of Education, who both underscored the importance of cross-ministerial collaboration to serve Egyptian families and foster strong values in the nation’s youth.
Initially, the project will be implemented on a pilot basis in Qena Governorate, located in southern Egypt. Based on the outcomes, officials plan to expand the initiative nationwide.
Minister El-Azhari emphasized the significance of integrating educational programs within community spaces, stating: “Our mosques have always been centers for learning and values. By supporting early childhood education, we are helping shape a generation rooted in knowledge, moral character, and a strong national identity, particularly in today’s digital age.”
Minister Abd El-Latif echoed these sentiments, highlighting the joint efforts to prepare mosques with suitable educational materials and play areas. “We are committed to providing children with a safe and nurturing environment that balances learning and play,” he said.
Under the agreement, teachers from the Ministry of Education will meet young children in mosques every morning for educational activities, making creative use of mosque premises before midday prayers. The protocol includes provisions for child-friendly furnishings and educational tools, while also ensuring the spaces can be swiftly prepared for worship.
Each village participating in the pilot will designate one mosque for this purpose—with an eye toward eventually expanding the initiative across Egypt.
Officials from both ministries praised the move as an innovative example of public institutions working together to address community needs and strengthen the foundations of lifelong learning among Egypt’s youngest citizens.