Just a Question: Education as the “Rhythm of Life“

At a time when societies are navigating a series of economic and social measures amid mounting challenges, the Prime Minister’s recent remarks on preserving the continuity of the education system—while keeping it entirely separate from exceptional arrangements such as remote work—have brought much-needed clarity to a critical issue.

In Egypt, education is more than just a sector or a pathway to academic success. It is the very “rhythm of life” for more than 28 million families. From schoolchildren to university students, millions of households rely on the stability it provides. For Egyptians, education represents far more than the pursuit of knowledge; it remains the most dependable route to social mobility and long-term security.

Past crises have delivered a costly lesson: disruptions to the academic calendar create lasting learning gaps and place significant psychological pressure on families striving to make up for lost time. These are not short-term challenges but cumulative setbacks with enduring consequences. 

Also in this regard, the state’s commitment to maintaining regular, in-person schooling is not merely a policy choice—it is a strategic investment in the future, one that protects the continuity of a knowledge-building process that must not be broken.

A closer reading of this approach reveals a clear distinction between the nature of work and that of education. While many professional responsibilities can be carried out remotely, education is inherently human and deeply interactive. Character, awareness, and critical thinking are cultivated through direct engagement, not through screens alone. There is an intangible yet vital dynamic between teachers and their students, and between professors and their classrooms—one that fosters intellectual growth, builds skills, and strengthens a sense of belonging. 

Infact, this is the principle the state is prioritizing today, supported by more than 700,000 teachers and educators who serve as both custodians of this mission and architects of the future.

Time, however, is a critical factor. With only three months remaining in the academic year, we are entering a decisive phase for learning outcomes and exam preparation. Every missed school day is not merely an absence from the classroom—it is a direct setback to student progress.

Indeed, "clarity" in such a sensitive issue fosters trust and reinforces the understanding that human development remains a national priority—one that is not subject to compromise. The future cannot be deferred, and the commitment demonstrated today lays the foundation for what will be achieved tomorrow.

Ultimately, one can only hope that Egypt continues to be shielded from crises and sustained by the stability and security that allow education—and society as a whole—to thrive.