Mrs Suzanne Mubarak inaugurated a number of projects in Luxor and Qena governorates, reports Reem Leila On 8 November Mrs Mubarak opened 60 schools in Esna and Armant in Luxor. The move was part of the second phase of the 100- school project to upgrade governorate educational institutions. Mrs Mubarak said the overall number of re-developed schools in the governorate now stood at 167. "The project to enhance these schools began 10 months ago and was implemented in two phases. The first phase included enhancing 107 schools while the second included the 60 schools in Esna and Armant," Mrs Mubarak said. "I take much pride in witnessing the progress of Luxor which has added to its beauty," Mrs Mubarak said, adding, "upgrading our educational facilities is the best way to put the younger generation on the right path to achieve their aspirations and enable them to confront the challenges imposed by the daily breathtaking changes of a fast-developing world." At the beginning the initiative targeted upgrading 100 schools in Cairo after which the plan expanded, to be later adopted as a national project. "Our project aims to develop schools, not only by upgrading school buildings but also developing school curricula, teaching methods and libraries to improve children's capabilities and make students computer-literate," Mrs Mubarak said. "Innovative teaching methods need to be employed and curricula and libraries need to be modernised to create a better unconventional educational environment in schools to help students increase their potential and gain more knowledge and skills. Schools are the place where we can start to develop the entire community and improve our way of life," she added. In Luxor, Mrs Mubarak also inaugurated Luxor Public Hospital after it was renovated. The hospital serves 30,8992 residents of the city. Its renovation took 11 years at a cost of LE95 million. A new section has been added which includes three operating theaters, X-rays and orthopaedics. On 9 November Mrs Mubarak inaugurated a number of projects in the Upper Egypt governorate of Qena -- first the Mubarak conference hall in Qena, built over 20,000 square metres at a cost of LE8 million. An ophthalmology surgery centre, blood bank, a dialysis unit at the Red Crescent Hospital in Qena, plus a new building for the National Council for Women (NCW) in the governorate were also opened by Mrs Mubarak. The new branch costs LE2 million. At the end of her visit to the governorate, Mrs Mubarak held a meeting with NCW members.
