Mrs Suzanne Mubarak launched a national initiative to upgrade 100 schools in the Upper Egyptian city of Luxor on Saturday, reports Reem Leila Targeted schools will be ready to receive students at the beginning of academic year 2009/10. During Mrs Mubarak's one-day visit a special ceremony was held to mark the launch of the initiative, organised by the Supreme Council of Luxor and hosted by the Mubarak General Library, itself inaugurated by Mrs Mubarak last year. Following the ceremony Mrs Mubarak toured the city accompanied by Samir Farag, head of the Supreme Council of Luxor, Hatem El-Gabali, Minister of Health and Population, MPs and other officials. "I was keen to visit Luxor and have a better chance to understand the comprehensive development being witnessed here which aims to turn the city into the world's largest open-air museum," said Mrs Mubarak in her address at the ceremony. "Upgrading educational facilities is the best way to place young people on the path to achieving their aspirations and enable them to confront the challenges imposed by changes in a fast-developing world." The 100-school initiative was first promoted by Mrs Mubarak during meetings of the Heliopolis Services Development Society which she chairs. Initially, the scheme targeted 100 schools in Cairo. Only later was it expanded into a national project. "Our aim is to develop schools, not only through upgrading school buildings but also through developing curriculums, teaching methods and libraries, improving children's capabilities and making students computer-literate," Mrs Mubarak said. "Innovative teaching methods need to be employed and curriculums and libraries need to be modernised to create a less staid environment in schools and help students increase their potential and access to more knowledge and skills."
