Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat Concludes Her Visit to Minya Governorate by Laying the Foundation Stone for Al-Wafaa 2 Secondary School and Inaugurating the Agricultural Cooperative Society Building

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, concluded her inspection visit to Minya Governorate by laying the foundation stone for Al-Wafaa 2 Secondary Education Development School in West Samalut, as part of the Sustainable Agriculture Investments & Livelihoods (SAIL). She also inaugurated the Agricultural Cooperative Society building in Al-Nasra village, with the participation of Dr. Hani Sweilem, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and Minya Governor Major General Emad Al-Kadwani.

The new school, which accommodates 17 classrooms, is built on an area of 6,500 square meters. It is part of the Sustainable Agricultural Investment Project activities, which includes the establishment of 9 primary and secondary schools in the project’s operational areas to address the shortage of educational services. This initiative aims to reduce the educational gap between urban and rural areas, enhancing job opportunities and economic development. Education in these areas also helps raise social and cultural awareness and encourages effective community participation. Additionally, 11 educational nurseries for children are being developed and equipped. The Minister also inspected Al-Jihad Primary School, which is part of the project’s activities and was established under the presidential initiative "Decent Life."

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation emphasized the importance of the education component within the Sustainable Agricultural Investment Project activities. She explained that expanding the establishment of schools aligns with the state’s vision, with education as one of its key pillars. This step reflects the integration of efforts to provide an appropriate educational environment in rural areas, empowering new generations and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to face future challenges.

Al-Mashat pointed out the project's achievements in community development. The project aims to support local communities in the project’s operational areas in new lands by providing appropriate infrastructure for educational, health, and social services. This includes opening literacy classes, establishing schools and youth centers, implementing medical convoys, building and equipping health clinics, nurseries, and workshops, and supporting community development associations. These initiatives also focus on raising the institutional capacities of their members, especially rural women and youth.

Al-Mashat also affirmed the continuous coordination between the national entities implementing the projects, represented by the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and other entities, as well as development partners. This coordination is aimed at achieving the maximum benefit from development cooperation projects, ensuring that the results positively impact citizens, small farmers, and beneficiaries from various categories through integrated efforts.

It is noteworthy that H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat was briefed on the achievements of the SAIL project and inspected the sewing workshop at the Community Development Unit in the governorate. She also witnessed the delivery of agricultural mechanization equipment to agricultural and marketing associations, handed over grants to rural women, and inspected Al-Jihad Primary School, which was implemented by the project.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also visited the West Samalut area to inspect the irrigation development works on the Tarfa line and solar power stations, as well as inspecting the Tarfa Pumping Station No. 3, which feeds the project from the main Tarfa station on the Nile River. She also inspected models of field schools and agricultural activities.

It is worth noting that the ongoing cooperation portfolio with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) includes the implementation of 3 projects with development funding provided by the Fund: the Sustainable Agricultural Investment and Livelihoods Improvement Project (SAIL), the Promoting Resilience in Desert Environments Project (PRIDE) in Matrouh Governorate, and the Sustainable Transformation for Agricultural Resilience (STAR) program in Upper Egypt. The value of the development cooperation portfolio over 40 years amounts to approximately $1.1 billion. The Fund is also the main development partner for food security projects within the national platform "NWFE" program.