Cairo – 25 February 2017: The Ministry of Antiquities’ new Young Guide program seeks to equip Egyptian children with the skills of a tour guide at famous archaeological sites.
The program was implemented for the first time between Jan. 29 and Feb. 4, by the
in Gamaliya District, in collaboration with three schools.
Mohamed Khalil, head of the Gamaliya’s Department of Archaeological Awareness, told Egypt Today, “starting the second day, the kids were able to explain everything perfectly,” adding that they were both inspired and fearless while addressing the public.
The program included 32 children aged 10 to 12 years old; it focused on the monuments of Moez Street in Islamic Cairo.
“It is very important that the child knows about his country’s civilization,” Sayed Gad, a freelance tour guide, told Egypt Today. “If the ministry manages to deliver these ideas to the children in a simplified way that makes them love these facts and be proud of them, then, this program will be very efficient and beneficial.”
Salima Ikram, head of the Egyptology unit at The American University in Cairo (AUC) also believes the project is very useful, to educate Egyptians from childhood on about the importance and meaning of their heritage. "It will also provide a way for young people to feel enfranchised and that they have a stake in their country’s future as well as the past,” Ikram told Egypt Today.
Khalil revealed the department intends to organize another training session for high school students, after the success of the Young Guide program.
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