egypt forum 2026 claims attendance rise
government says higher school attendance allows focus on learning quality despite teacher shortages.
Egypt Forum 2026, mandated by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, showcased improvements in school attendance on Monday. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbuly announced that basic education would anchor the forum, with a session titled “What Do Our Children Learn… and Does It Prepare Them for the Future?”. The government presented increased attendance as a success, enabling a policy shift from expanding access to ensuring learning quality.
Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif stated that the forum aimed to transition focus to learning quality, citing a video on education "challenges and achievements." Mada Masr found that increased regular testing, a recent curriculum change, is a driver of higher attendance. This policy faces criticism from families and MPs who argue it strains students and teachers without improving outcomes.
The forum followed public and parliamentary backlash against the ministry's decisions, including compulsory weekly assessments and curriculum shakeups. Over 15,000 public inquiries were submitted on education ahead of the event, with the Cabinet staging the narrative. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights noted that the focus on testing conflicts with pedagogical research.
Why it mattersEgyptian students and teachers face increased strain due to new compulsory testing policies implemented by the Ministry of Education.