President El-Sisi Honors Mayar Othman with Medal of Excellence
On November 4, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi awarded the prestigious Medal of Excellence, Second Class, to Mayar Othman, an Egyptian student who emerged victorious in the 10th Arab Reading Challenge.
Recognition of Academic Achievement
Accompanied by her parents, Mohamed Othman and Mai Abdel-Aziz, Othman attended a meeting where Education Minister Mohamed Abdel-Latif was also present. Presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy highlighted Othman as an exemplary role model, attributing her success to the nurturing environment fostered by her family.
Promoting the Arabic Language
During the event, President el-Sisi encouraged Othman to continue her educational journey while emphasizing the importance of the Arabic language. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering talented youth, stating that her recognition exemplifies the nation’s dedication to promoting academic excellence.
Advancements in Arabic Education
This accolade for Othman aligns with a wider initiative to enhance Arabic instruction in schools across Egypt. Recently, Minister Abdel-Latif reaffirmed that Arabic, history, and religion should be part of the curriculum in all educational institutions, including international schools. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly also warned that the omission of Arabic in international settings could jeopardize national identity.
A Celebration of Reading
Othman was honored on October 29 in Dubai after competing in qualifying rounds against over 40 million students from 60 countries, earning a prize of AED 500,000 (approximately USD 136,147). Furthermore, on November 1, Egypt appointed her as a reading ambassador for the 58th Cairo International Book Fair, which saw record attendance of 6.2 million visitors.
Progress in Literacy Rates
According to UNICEF data released in May, the percentage of students with poor reading and writing skills decreased significantly, dropping from 45.5% in 2025 to 13.9% by 2026. A U.N.-endorsed review praised the effectiveness of a national Arabic-skills program, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education and UNICEF Egypt.
A Moment of Inspiration
During the meeting, Othman delighted the president by reciting a line of poetry, after which a commemorative photograph was taken. Expressing her gratitude, Othman thanked President el-Sisi for his support, stating that it would inspire her and other talented youth to strive for greater heights and contribute positively to Egypt’s legacy.
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