The US Embassy in Cairo participated in the closing ceremony of the Al-Azhar National English Spelling Bee, held at the Al-Azhar Conference Center in Nasr City, in collaboration with Al-Azhar.
The event brought together senior Al-Azhar officials, teachers, and students from across Egypt, highlighting ongoing cooperation to support English language education.
The competition drew more than one million students nationwide, with over 360 finalists advancing to the final stage, reflecting the initiative’s wide reach and impact on developing students’ language skills.
Mahmoud El-Duwaini, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and Deputy of Al-Azhar, emphasized that mastering foreign languages has become essential for engaging in the global academic community.
He noted that Al-Azhar education now focuses not only on knowledge transfer but also on building competitive, well-rounded individuals.
Meanwhile, Robin Haroutunian, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, praised the growing partnership with Al-Azhar, stressing that English proficiency opens doors to science, technology, business, and international communication, empowering youth across Egypt.
On his side, Jerry Frank, Regional English Language Programs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, outlined the embassy’s efforts to support English education through training programs and initiatives. He highlighted the English Language Resource Center, established in 2007, which combines Egyptian educators with American experts under the English Language Fellowship Program.
Frank explained that training extends beyond English teachers to include instructors of science, mathematics, and Arabic, helping them participate in international research and conferences.
He added that the program’s impact is far-reaching, as training a single teacher can benefit thousands of students.
The spelling bee, launched in 2022 with U.S. support, has since been fully managed by Al-Azhar.
Frank expressed admiration for the students’ performance, noting their advanced spelling abilities and strong understanding of vocabulary.
Winners received prizes including a laptop for first place and tablets for runners-up, while organizers confirmed plans to maintain engagement with participants through future educational programs and virtual activities.
The initiative underscores a broader commitment to strengthening English education in Egypt and expanding opportunities for students nationwide.
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