Rédaction Africa Links 24 with MENA
Published on 2024-02-29 10:29:20
Minister of Emigration and Expatriates’ Affairs Soha Gendi emphasized the pivotal role that Egyptian children play in shaping the future as leaders, highlighting the significance of teaching the Arabic language to the children of Egyptian expatriates. Her comments were made during the inauguration of an event hosted at the Diplomatic Club in downtown Cairo as part of the “Speak Arabic” presidential initiative on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
Gendi underscored her ministry’s commitment to fostering connections between Egyptians living abroad and their homeland. She noted that language is not only a means of communication but also an essential component of national identity. By instilling a sense of pride in their roots, Gendi aims to strengthen the bond between Egyptian expats and the land of their ancestors, a place known for its enduring values of love and peace throughout history.
The minister praised Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and robust social cohesion, attributing the country’s resilience to its diverse population and unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles. She drew attention to the ancient Egyptians’ profound understanding of national identity and their rejection of divisiveness and conflict.
In an interview with MENA during the event, Gendi outlined the strategic objectives of her ministry, which include nurturing a sense of belonging among Egyptians living abroad and instilling pride in their heritage. The “Speak Arabic” initiative targets children and adolescents aged three to eighteen, aiming to cultivate a strong sense of national identity through language education.
Gendi expressed concerns about a new generation of Egyptian expats who are growing up without fluency in their mother tongue, relying instead on the languages of their host communities. She urged Egyptian families worldwide to embrace the initiative as a means of preserving their cultural identity amid widespread assimilation pressures.
The minister highlighted the importance of the emigration ministry’s camps for young Egyptian expatriates, which encourage them to visit Egypt and explore its rich history and ongoing development projects. By fostering a deeper connection to their homeland, Gendi believes that these initiatives can help combat the erosion of cultural heritage among Egyptian youth living abroad.
Overall, Minister Soha Gendi’s remarks underscore the critical role of language in preserving national identity and fostering a sense of pride among Egyptian expatriates. Through initiatives like “Speak Arabic,” she is working to ensure that future generations of Egyptian leaders maintain a strong connection to their roots and heritage.
Read Original article on Egypt Independent
