Minister Li Andersson met with Minister Tarek Shawki of Egypt
Minister of Education of the Republic of Finland Li Andersson met today Minister of Education and Vocational Education Tarek Shawki of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Ministers had an exchange of views concerning the current educational reforms in Egypt as well as on the on reform to extend the compulsory education in Finland.
Minister Shawki of Egypt briefed Minister Andersson on the reform program in Egypt which has been launched in 2017 and which includes developing curriculums and assessment methods as well as provide proper training for students and teachers in Egyptian schools on using latest technologies incorporated to the education system. Minister Shawki’s aim is also to raise awareness and encourage students to Vocational education and training. Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding cooperation in vocational and technical education and training.
In Finland Minister Shawki got acquainted with Finnish education and training system, vocational education and training and cooperation with companies. Minister Shawki also visited Viikki Teacher Training School where he got acquainted with teachers’ work in the classroom.
Minister Li Andersson was especially happy to be able to exchange views with her Egyptian counterpart on the educational reforms of both countries and both ministers concluded that human capital is the most valuable resource a society has. Minister Andersson congratulated Minister Shawki on Egyptian national education reform efforts and noted that both countries share the same aims in developing their education policies.
- High-quality education and training is one of the most effective ways of improving wellbeing and building a more equal society. Investment in education and training is a vital strategic choice, said minister Andersson.
Minister Shawki noted that the Finnish education system is an exemplary modern system in terms of its unique governance, philosophy and very high quality, and H. E. Minister Shawki extended a formal invitation to Minister Andersson and the Finnish education leaders to visit Egypt in order to crystallize the next set of action items.
The two countries agreed to collaborate and exchange experiences in order to lead towards the establishment of skills-based education systems as they both believe that investments in the human element are the top priorities in both countries.