UNICEF Study Shows Improved School Attendance, Lower Class Density in Egypt

Egypt has recorded improvements in key education indicators, including higher student attendance rates and reduced classroom overcrowding, according to findings from a recent study by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) highlighted by the Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC).

The study, presented through a series of videos and discussions published by the IDSC, examined the impact of recent education reform efforts and featured comments from leading education and development experts, including Mahmoud Mohieldin and Amin Marei.

Mohieldin said the quality of education remains the most critical challenge, but noted tangible progress in several indicators, including improvements in literacy and learning outcomes among students at different educational stages.

He said Egypt continues to perform relatively well in human capital indicators, which measure outcomes related to education, health and labor market conditions, outperforming several countries within its income group despite growing global competition in education.

Mohieldin affairmed that investment in people through education and healthcare is essential for economic competitiveness and poverty reduction, describing education as both a fundamental human right and a driver of sustainable development.

He also highlighted the need for education systems to adapt to rapid technological changes, including the rise of artificial intelligence, to equip students with skills needed for future labor markets.

Meanwhile, Marei identified student attendance as the most significant challenge facing Egypt's education system in recent years. He said attendance rates had fallen to around 15% several years ago, undermining efforts to improve educational outcomes.

Drawing on Ministry of Education data and field research involving 12,000 teachers, 2,500 school leaders and more than 700 participants in interviews and focus groups, Marei said the study found that attendance rates have increased significantly and that students have largely returned to classrooms.

"The return of students to schools is the most important achievement at this stage," he said.

The study also pointed to substantial progress in reducing classroom density. Marei said some classrooms previously accommodated more than 200 students, while current data indicate that such extreme overcrowding has largely been eliminated.

According to the findings, authorities expanded classroom capacity by nearly 20%, including the rehabilitation of around 50,000 previously unused classrooms and the creation of about 45,000 additional classrooms through the use of available school space. The measures resulted in approximately 98,000 new classrooms, helping to ease pressure on schools and improve learning conditions.

Marei said countries across the Middle East and Africa face a common challenge in preparing large youth populations for a rapidly changing labor market increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and technological innovation.

He said education reforms must focus on equipping students with future-ready skills to ensure they can compete in emerging sectors and benefit from new economic opportunities.

IDSC said the findings reflect positive momentum in Egypt's education reform efforts, while underscoring the need for continued investment in quality, teacher development and workforce-relevant skills.