Rethinking Education in Egypt: Beyond Access to Impact

 

By Nermeen Anies Elgohary

In recent years, education in Egypt has witnessed noticeable efforts toward modernization and digital integration. Classrooms are gradually expanding beyond physical spaces, and technology is increasingly present in the learning process. While these developments are significant, they raise an essential question: Has access to education evolved into meaningful impact?

As an English teacher working closely with students from different backgrounds, I have observed that the real challenge does not lie in the availability of content. Information today is abundant and easily accessible. The challenge lies in engagement, confidence, and the ability to transform knowledge into skill.

Many students struggle not because they lack intelligence, but because they lack encouragement. Fear of making mistakes often limits participation, particularly in language learning. In my classroom — whether physical or virtual — I have seen how a supportive environment can gradually shift a student’s mindset from hesitation to confidence. This transformation does not occur through technology alone, but through consistent human interaction.

The expansion of online education has undeniably widened opportunities. It has provided flexibility and reduced geographical limitations. However, digital tools should serve as instruments, not substitutes. Education remains fundamentally relational. The teacher’s role extends beyond explanation; it includes guidance, mentorship, and emotional awareness.

In Egypt, as we continue to invest in educational reform, it may be time to focus not only on infrastructure and curriculum, but also on empowering teachers and fostering student-centered environments. Educational progress is not measured solely by exam results, but by the development of independent thinkers who are capable of critical analysis and responsible participation in society.

Teaching English today carries particular importance. In a globally connected world, language proficiency can open doors to academic and professional opportunities. Yet the deeper value of teaching lies in nurturing ambition and resilience.

Education, in its truest sense, is not a system alone — it is a shared responsibility. When we move beyond access and aim for impact, we begin to redefine the purpose of learning itself.