U.S. Embassy, Al-Azhar Launch Revised English Textbooks for 1.5 Million Egyptian Students

U.S. Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy Ruben Harutunian presented Al-Azhar with revised A-level English language textbooks for grades 1 – 11.

Professor Muhammad Ad-Duwini, Deputy to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, received the books on behalf of the institution.

The handover event was also attended by Advisor to the Grand Imam for Foreign Relations Ambassador Abdel Rahman Moussa, Advisor to the Grand Imam on Education Professor Abdel Dayem Nossair, and Sector Head of Al-Azhar Institutes Sheikh Ayman Abdel Ghany, U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Curtis Chan, and U.S. Embassy English Language Specialist Hanaa Soudan.

“These revised textbooks represent more than just pages of content—they symbolize our shared commitment to empowering the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in a globalized world,” said Minister Counselor Harutunian.

“This U.S. Embassy-Al Azhar collaborative project will support 1.5 million Egyptian students each year, providing economic opportunity to Egyptian youth and creating a safer and more prosperous future for people in both our countries.”

This landmark initiative, spanning from May 2024 through April 2025, reflects the strong educational partnership between the U.S. Embassy and Al-Azhar. The English-language textbooks were updated through the efforts of four U.S. English Language Specialists, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, and four dedicated teams of Al-Azhar curriculum developers.

Together, they worked to align the textbooks with modern instructional design, current English language teaching methodology, and principles of shared human values.

This initiative is part of the U.S. Embassy’s broader support for English language education and teacher professional development in Egypt, underscoring the shared belief that education is the key to mutual security and prosperity.