Cairo: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting and advancing the technical education sector, emphasizing its strategic importance for economic development. He highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize curricula and expand access to specialized vocational training programs, in close collaboration with private sector institutions. 'This partnership aims to provide students with practical skills and exposure to modern tools and technologies, ensuring their readiness for both local and global labor markets,' he said. These remarks came during Madbouli's visit to the Egypt Gold Technical Secondary School for Applied Technology, located in Obour City, which specializes in jewelry and ornament manufacturing.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Madbouli was received by the Vice Chairman of the Egypt Gold Group, Hussein Nassar, along with the board members of the group. The Prime Minister praised the Ministry of Education and Technical Education's support for this educational model, describing it as a qualitative leap in technical education, offering students strong job prospects upon graduation. Governor of Qalyubia, Ayman Attia, described Egypt Gold School as one of the most prominent models of successful applied education in Egypt.
The school offers a dual system combining theoretical studies with intensive practical training in the jewelry industry, aiming to graduate highly skilled technicians ready to immediately join the workforce, supported by direct training at Egypt Gold Group's factories. During the visit, Madbouli listened to a presentation by Nassar, who explained that Egypt Gold School is the first of its kind in Egypt and the Middle East dedicated to jewelry manufacturing. 'The cooperation protocol with the ministry was signed on September 3, 2019, and the school was inaugurated less than a month later, on October 7, 2019, a record timeline for a technical school launch in Egypt in partnership with the private sector,' Nassar said.
The school, designed in a distinctive Islamic architectural style, spans approximately 10,000 square meters, with 40% dedicated to green spaces. 'It comprises two buildings including an academic building with 20 classrooms, computer and science labs, a library and administrative offices in addition to a vocational training building housing six workshops. The school also includes sports facilities for football, basketball, and volleyball,' he added.
He also highlighted the success of graduates in securing international scholarships, including 13 in Turkey, one in the US, and one in Germany, as well as university placements in engineering faculties. About 70% of graduates have already secured employment within Egypt Gold's factories, many while also continuing their university studies. 'The school integrates courses on entrepreneurship, career guidance, and digital transformation to encourage students to start small businesses,' he said.
It also offers a variety of sports and recreational activities. The school's students have won awards in swimming and karate and have participated in national exhibitions such as Turathna, NEBO, and Edu Tech, as well as other handicrafts fairs. Madbouli described the jewelry industry as a promising sector that can support self-employment and entrepreneurship for graduates.
He welcomed a proposal to establish a dedicated technological college for jewelry-making to continue supporting this specialized educational path, adding that he would discuss the idea with the ministers of industry and higher education. School officials requested more support from the government in marketing student products and increasing participation in domestic and international exhibitions. In response, Madbouli pledged the state's full support, acknowledging the school's contribution to reviving a craft that dates back to ancient Egypt. He affirmed the government's commitment to promoting skilled professionals in this field.