U.S. Embassy Partners with Al-Azhar to Celebrate English Language Learning at the National Spelling Bee Finale

The U.S. Embassy participated in the closing celebration of the Al-Azhar National English Spelling Bee at the Al-Azhar Conference Hall in Nasr City. 

Organized in partnership with Al-Azhar Institutes, the event brought together senior Al-Azhar officials, educators, and students to celebrate excellence in English language learning across Egypt. 

 Member of the Council of Senior Scholars and Deputy of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Mahmoud Al-Duaini and U.S. Embassy Cairo Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Ruben Harutunian delivered remarks and presented medals and prizes to top-performing students.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Harutunian highlighted, “We are especially proud of our strong and growing partnership with Al-Azhar to expand access to high-quality English language education and to empower young people across Egypt. 

 Mastering English opens doors to new ideas, cultures, and opportunities. It is the language of science, technology, business, and international communication.”

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Duaini commented on the event, saying, “Mastering foreign languages is a key tool for engaging in the scientific community. Al-Azhar education is no longer limited to knowledge transfer but aims to build a competitive and capable personality, and the participation of 1.25 million students is a strategic indicator of the success of this initiative.”

The competition brought together more than one million Egyptian students from across all governorates of Egypt, underscoring the nationwide reach and impact of the initiative. 

 The final event featured more than 360 students who had advanced as finalists from earlier local and regional selections.

In its third year, the National English Spelling Bee highlights the importance of English as a tool for communication, innovation, and cross-cultural engagement. 

 It also recognizes the critical role of teachers and educators whose training and dedication are instrumental in successfully implementing the competition nationwide and advancing English language learning across Al-Azhar institutions.

The Spelling Bee forms part of a broader U.S. Embassy Cairo partnership with Al-Azhar aimed at strengthening English language education in Egypt. 

This cooperation includes teacher training programs, the establishment of English Language Resource Centers, and curriculum development initiatives aligned with international standards.