Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Chairman of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, reviewed a report submitted by Dr. Ghada Abdel Bary, Secretary-General of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, about Ain Shams University winning the UNESCO Confucius Award for Literacy 2021, for organizing online literacy classes for rural areas in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The international jury commended the program for organizing online literacy classes for rural areas in the Arab Republic of Egypt, which provides training programs to prepare university students to work as literacy teachers in communities, as well as its use of distance learning tools to teach digital skills, communication skills and adult education.

The report pointed out that this award was established in 2005, and is sponsored by the People's Republic of China, and is concerned with programs that encourage adult literacy, especially in rural areas and youth out of school, especially girls and women.

The report added that this award is given to governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of the efforts made, and in appreciation of their continuous efforts in the field of illiteracy eradication.

The report pointed out that the "Confucius Literacy Award" consists of a medal, a diploma, and a sum of 30,000 US dollars.

Ain Shams University is scheduled to participate in the activities of the seminar that will be held virtually due to the Corona pandemic on Thursday, 9 September, in conjunction with the celebration of the International Literacy Day.

It is worth noting that the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO announced this award on May 26, 2021.